Night Fishing for Catfish
Catfish are known for feeding as soon as the sun goes down, hence why night fishing for catfish remains the most popular time that fishermen are on the hunt. If you are just getting started out in the hobby or looking to make your mark in the industry, these tips are vital to guarantee your success.
Know Your Fish
Although catfish are known for eating at night, there are certain fish that will be attracted to certain types of bait. For example, channel catfish find their bait by smell, so they will be attracted to a bait that has a strong odor to it. Fake lures will simply not work with these fish. When a fisherman takes the time to learn about the fish they are fishing for, they instantly increase their chances of success.
Know Their Location
Before going fishing, it is important to learn about where the fish are likely to be spending most of their time. Some fish are known as bottom feeders and can be found scavenging on the bottom of the riverbed. Other fish are known for staying close to riverbanks, and usually cannot be found in the middle of a lake or on the bottom. While learning about the fish in the region, figure out the perfect fishing spot to catch them.
Let the Bait Sit
When night fishing for catfish, it’s important to remember that catfish tend to smell out their dinner first. Then, they track it down and eat it. When fishermen move the bait too quickly, the catfish must take the time to track it down all over again. Instead, leave the bait in one spot for several minutes to increase your odds of bringing home a trophy fish.
Use a Sinker
Most catfish tend to feed along the bottom of the riverbank or lake instead of near the top. Keep in mind that this does apply to channel catfish, but not to all catfish. Fishermen that are on the hunt for bottom feeders will need to use a sinker to make sure that the bait is closer to the fish, and that they are more likely to get a bite.
Turn Off the Lights
It is common for fishermen to use large lights so that they can navigate the bait easier, bait their hook without poking themselves and find what they need. On the other hand, this is a sure-fire way to scare off any cats in the area. These fish prey when it is dark, so they are less likely to come near you if there is a bright light. Instead, turn off the lights when the hooks are in the water and stick with flashlights to find what you’re looking for.
Night fishing is a great way to relax, and one of the primary ways to catch catfish. These fish are known for being more active at night, which greatly increases your chances of catching more than you can fit in your cooler. Use these tips for night fishing for catfish to increase those odds even more.
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