There is something quite satisfying about setting a catfish trap. You don’t need much patience like when trolling a line, or intense focus like when casting a rod. With this type of gear, all that matters is knowing when to set the bait and where to place it.
Set it, forget it, then let mother nature do the rest. The principle behind trapping catfish go back hundreds of years. It is a way to fish for bottom feeders without ever having to stand knee deep in chilly water for hours at a time.
It exploits their opportunistic nature and sense of smell rather than what they see. Knowing how to effectively use these pieces of equipment transform an ordinary afternoon into a fruitful day on the water. But how do you set your trap?
Mastering Catfish Trap Basics and Laws
Understanding Catfish Trap Mechanics
The legality of catfish traps varies wildly depending on where you drop your line. Just because something is legal in one state, does not mean it is across the country. For example, what may be perfect for catching catfish from the bank in a muddy river down south, could land you a ticket in a clear northern creek.
These laws are set to maintain fair fishing for everyone, but also to protect the fish population. So reading a fishing license booklet quickly is not enough to know if you’re doing it right. Understanding why the laws exist and how each governing body manages its fisheries will help you stay out of trouble and have a good time.
If you get this wrong, it won’t just ruin your day, but it will cost you big money. Catfish traps are very cleverly designed. Even though they seem straightforward from the outside, most traps work based off a funnel-type design that lets fish in with ease but prevents them from getting out.
A standard hoop net design use several stiff rings to keep the netting spread when the net is upside down, and funnels direct the catfish into the center chamber. There’s just enough room for the fish to pass through the funnels, but not enough to locate the small opening. They’ll smack their nose up against one of the funnels but be unable to get back out.
This is a passive method that uses a catfish’s inherent desire to feed and curiosity. That’s why it works so well; it requires no expertise or skill from the human operating it, just a good design from the engineer. That’s where it gets tricky.
Choosing the Right Bait
It’s all about the baiting. Because catfish have such an acute sense of smell, they are more attracted to the smell of your bait then what it looks like. Most people put out strong smelling baits such as cut shad, stink bait, and chicken livers.
Because these baits deteriorate rapidly in the water, they leave a scent trail that attracts fish. Some users ferment their baits to make them even more fragrant. The idea here is to keep the bait inside the trap long enough to lure several fish at once.
Otherwise you’re left with an empty shell.
Optimal Trap Placement
This section explains where to set traps. Trap placement is very important.
Ideally, you’ll position the trap where catfish feed and seek cover. Bridge pilings, underwater logs and drop-offs are excellent locations. Because they’re bottom-dwellers, the trap needs to touch down solid onto the lake or river bottom.
Any floating or tipping will cause fish to shy away from it or simply slide right out of the trap. Anchor chain or heavy weights keeps the trap stationary. Get to know local maps to find depth contours before launching your boat.
This will give you an idea as to which spots offer the best drop-off areas.
Local Fishing Regulations
Trap fishing laws can be complicated, confusing and vary from state-to-state. While some states do not allow any kind of trap use, others only allow them on particular water bodies to help preserve their native species.
Yet other states may only permit the use of a hoop net for catching bullhead or carp while trapping channel catfish is prohibited. Still other states restrict the number of traps that can be used at the same time. The rules constantly change, which is why you must contact your state Department of Natural Resources.
Failure to know the rules won’t be an excuse. Violators face potential license suspension and heavy fines. Always make sure to know the laws for your local body of water.
Ethical Trap Maintenance
Trap fishing does have an ethical component as well. Opponents claim that traps indiscriminately catch small fish, eels, turtles and other unwanted species. Frequent checks of your trap will reduce any possible bycatch stress.
The quicker you retrieve it the better chance you’ll have at releasing untargeted species alive and unharmed. Not only is this good for the ecosystem but it keeps you in good graces with conservation groups as well. And you don’t want your trap to become a death trap for everything except what you’re targeting.
Gear Inspection and Care
The equipment also needs to be maintained. Left out in the elements for too long, even nets will deteriorate. Salt water and sun take their toll.
The smallest hole can be all it takes for a fish to slip through. Replacing worn parts ensures the trap functions as designed. Checking the funnels and mesh before every outing is one of those little things that pays off big.
When items are worn, replace them so the trap works the way it should. This not only helps the trap last longer but saves you money in the long term. Well maintained traps is good tools that work well year after year.
Catfish trapping is partly traditional and partly about being responsible. You can catch your supper and build a connection to the water all without constant exertion. Taking care of your equipment, knowing how it works and adhering to the rules makes you a more well-rounded angler.
Unloading the trap and feeling its weight in your hands is quiet gratification at its finest. That’s what patience will do for you… and preparation too. Sometimes easiest ways produce the best results.
