Fishing

Posts Tagged ‘Catfish’

Susquehanna River fishing in PA. Fishing Guide Dave Shindler and Guests catch a Big 25+LB flathead catfish. www.jstfishin.com

Catfish are common in American waterways, fun to catch and delicious as table fare.

Channel catfish are the most abundant of the North American catfish species. They usually weigh 2-4 lbs, occasionally reaching weights of 40 pounds or more. Channel catfish are easily distinguished from other species, except blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. They are olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, with silvery-white on the belly. Channel cats can be caught using a variety of natural and prepared baits including crickets, nightcrawlers, minnows, shad, crawfish, frogs, sunfish, suckers and “stink baits”.

Blue catfish are the largest American catfish. They grow faster and live longer than channel catfish. Blue catfish grow to over 55 inches long and can weigh over than 100 pounds, living 20-25 years. Adult blue catfish have stout bodies with prominently humped back in front of the dorsal fin. They have deeply forked tails similar to channel catfish, but lack spots and have a large straight edged anal fin. The back and upper sides are blue to slate gray, and the lower sides and belly are white. Blue catfish are primarily large-river fish, occurring in main channels, tributaries, and impoundments of major river systems. When fishing for trophy catfish anglers use live baits including bluegill, perch, large shiners or other bait fish.

White catfish are another American species. White catfish are bluish-gray with white undersides, broad head, large mouth, stout build and moderately forked tail. Their white chin barbells distinguish it from other species of catfish. White catfish occasionally reach lengths up to 24 inches and weigh 6 pounds but a typical fish is around 12-14 inches. White catfish are found in fresh and brackish waterways of the Atlantic Coast from New York to Florida, including the Chesapeake Bay and its system of rivers, creeks and streams.

Several species of bullhead catfish live throughout North America, with 3 species being well known. They are similar in appearance, but easy to distinguish from non-bullhead species due to their squared tail and stocky build. Black bullhead have dark chin barbels and lack mottled markings on their sides. Brown bullhead have mottled sides and light margins on their fins. The common yellow bullhead are distinguished from other species of bullhead by their yellow or off-white chin barbels.

Depending on the region, bullheads may be referred by a variety of common names including bullhead catfish, bullheads, mud cats, pollywogs, pollies, river catfish, horn pout and others. Black, Brown and Yellow bullhead catfish prefer slow moving or still waterways but will tolerate a variety of habitats, including muddy water and low oxygen levels. They rely primarily on sense of smell to find food which consists of almost anything, alive or dead.

Bullhead catfish can be caught with the same techniques that are commonly used for other catfish. They are easily enticed with worms, hellgrammites, stink baits or cut baits fished on the bottom. they make excellent table fare and are a good choice for anglers that enjoy simple relaxing fishing for edible fish.

Large catfish are sometimes caught by “noodling”. Noodling is done by wading in water and inserting a hand down into holes under mud banks, rocks, or inside of hollow logs. Using bare hands as bait, the noodler wiggles their fingers in the hole in hopes that they find a large catfish. If the noodler is lucky, a monster catfish will strike and attempt to swallow their hand. The noodler then must pull the fish out onto land or onto a waiting boat without being pulled under water.

Catfish can be skinned and filleted, with the resulting flesh being white, mild tasting and suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. They are one of the most commonly discussed fish products online and plenty of cooking ideas are available by finding a seafood blog. The following recipe is for a classic meal of deep-fried beer-battered catfish.

Beer Battered Catfish

1 lb. catfish fillets
1/2 cup flour or seafood breader mix
1 egg (beaten)
1 bottle beer
1 small onion (minced)
1 cup vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium mixing bowl blend flour, salt, and pepper or use seafood breader mix.

In a separate medium mixing bowl beat egg well, add beer and minced onions, mix well.

Cut the catfish into 2 inch cubes or strips.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or skillet.

Roll the catfish into the coating, then dip into the beer-egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.

Place dipped catfish in heated oil, cooking until golden brown.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/fishing-tips-and-techniques-for-catfish-of-the-usa-1628909.html

Catfish are common in American waterways, fun to catch and delicious as table fare.

Channel catfish are the most abundant of the North American catfish species. They usually weigh 2-4 lbs, occasionally reaching weights of 40 pounds or more. Channel catfish are easily distinguished from other species, except blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. They are olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, with silvery-white on the belly. Channel cats can be caught using a variety of natural and prepared baits including crickets, nightcrawlers, minnows, shad, crawfish, frogs, sunfish, suckers and “stink baits”.

Blue catfish are the largest American catfish. They grow faster and live longer than channel catfish. Blue catfish grow to over 55 inches long and can weigh over than 100 pounds, living 20-25 years. Adult blue catfish have stout bodies with prominently humped back in front of the dorsal fin. They have deeply forked tails similar to channel catfish, but lack spots and have a large straight edged anal fin. The back and upper sides are blue to slate gray, and the lower sides and belly are white. Blue catfish are primarily large-river fish, occurring in main channels, tributaries, and impoundments of major river systems. When fishing for trophy catfish anglers use live baits including bluegill, perch, large shiners or other bait fish.

White catfish are another American species. White catfish are bluish-gray with white undersides, broad head, large mouth, stout build and moderately forked tail. Their white chin barbells distinguish it from other species of catfish. White catfish occasionally reach lengths up to 24 inches and weigh 6 pounds but a typical fish is around 12-14 inches. White catfish are found in fresh and brackish waterways of the Atlantic Coast from New York to Florida, including the Chesapeake Bay and its system of rivers, creeks and streams.

Several species of bullhead catfish live throughout North America, with 3 species being well known. They are similar in appearance, but easy to distinguish from non-bullhead species due to their squared tail and stocky build. Black bullhead have dark chin barbels and lack mottled markings on their sides. Brown bullhead have mottled sides and light margins on their fins. The common yellow bullhead are distinguished from other species of bullhead by their yellow or off-white chin barbels.

Depending on the region, bullheads may be referred by a variety of common names including bullhead catfish, bullheads, mud cats, pollywogs, pollies, river catfish, horn pout and others. Black, Brown and Yellow bullhead catfish prefer slow moving or still waterways but will tolerate a variety of habitats, including muddy water and low oxygen levels. They rely primarily on sense of smell to find food which consists of almost anything, alive or dead.

Bullhead catfish can be caught with the same techniques that are commonly used for other catfish. They are easily enticed with worms, hellgrammites, stink baits or cut baits fished on the bottom. they make excellent table fare and are a good choice for anglers that enjoy simple relaxing fishing for edible fish.

Large catfish are sometimes caught by “noodling”. Noodling is done by wading in water and inserting a hand down into holes under mud banks, rocks, or inside of hollow logs. Using bare hands as bait, the noodler wiggles their fingers in the hole in hopes that they find a large catfish. If the noodler is lucky, a monster catfish will strike and attempt to swallow their hand. The noodler then must pull the fish out onto land or onto a waiting boat without being pulled under water.

Catfish can be skinned and filleted, with the resulting flesh being white, mild tasting and suitable for a wide range of cooking methods. They are one of the most commonly discussed fish products online and plenty of cooking ideas are available by finding a seafood blog. The following recipe is for a classic meal of deep-fried beer-battered catfish.

Beer Battered Catfish

1 lb. catfish fillets
1/2 cup flour or seafood breader mix
1 egg (beaten)
1 bottle beer
1 small onion (minced)
1 cup vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

In a medium mixing bowl blend flour, salt, and pepper or use seafood breader mix.

In a separate medium mixing bowl beat egg well, add beer and minced onions, mix well.

Cut the catfish into 2 inch cubes or strips.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or skillet.

Roll the catfish into the coating, then dip into the beer-egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture.

Place dipped catfish in heated oil, cooking until golden brown.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/fishing-tips-and-techniques-for-catfish-of-the-usa-1628909.html

Oklahoma bass fishing is extremely popular and enjoyed by anglers of all ages and skill levels. Gathering together with family or friends to go bass fishing is a great way to spend time with the ones you love and enjoy being with in your spare time. Many exciting stories began with a simple plan for spending the day on the lake or river fishing for bass.

Oklahoma has some of the best fishing spots in the world and the following tips and tactics can help you make your days or nights on the lakes and rivers of Oklahoma a wonderful experience that you will never forget. If you are a serious angler that enjoys spending your free time searching for that “big one” you will be happy to know that there is a very good chance you will find it in the waters of Oklahoma as many trophy bass fish have been caught there in the past.

Bass Fishing Tactics

The tactics you use are very important and will determine whether you have a good day bass fishing or a great day. Catching bass can be quite a challenge as they can put up a big fight and some of the trophy fish have been know to break lines and snap rods quite frequently. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry a variety of lures, lines and even rods with you on every trip so you can be prepared for anything.

Live bait is always a good choice when you are fishing for bass regardless of whether you go out on lakes or rivers. However, if you prefer not to use live bait then crankbaits, plastic worms, plugs, spoons and jigs are the best substitutes. Your main concern is to make sure whatever type of bait you decide to use is presented in such a way that it will attract the attention of the bass. If you are having problems catching bass spend some time practicing your presentation. You need to always keep an even but very slow movement to capture their interest and draw them toward your bait.

Using surface bait can usually provide you some great results in the summer months when the bass are abundantly located in the shallow water. There are many different types of surface baits available for you to choose from such as the wobbler, buzzbait, floating minnow, prop bait, stickbait and poppers.

Always dress prepared for the weather when fishing in Oklahoma. Even in the spring you can expect the water to be cold and hard to swim in if the need arises. You can also expect cold fronts to move in rather quickly along with rain and cold winds. It is a good idea to carry an extra set of clothing just in case you get caught out in the rain. A warm jacket, gloves and raincoat are good to have on hand as well.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/oklahoma-bass-fishing-how-to-catch-catfish-in-oklahoma-best-spots-tactics-tips-397670.html

Oregon Guided Columbia River Salmon Fishing Charter

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VINTAGE FISHING LURE RIVER RUNT TYPE MILLSITE??

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The common idea of catfishing is sitting on a bank in a lawn chair with poles and a case of drinks. This method can produce fish at times, nevertheless, in order to catch catfish all day, all night and all year requires a bit more knowledge and finesse.

By necessity, this information will be very general. Each body of water has its own unique quirks, and it helps to know the waters you are fishing in. What works in Alabama may work differently in Maine or Texas.

There are 39 species of catfish in North America, but only three are of any importance to fisherman. They are the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatas), the Flathead, or Yellow Catfish (Pylodictus olivares), and the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus puctatus). The other species are of little concern because of their small size or limited distribution.

All catfish share some basic anatomical features. They all have “whiskers” which are actually very sensitive sensory organs, an incredible sense of smell that can detect food concentrations of as little as one part per million, and ‘taste-buds’ along the entire length of their body.

They all have sharp, mildly venomous spines on each pectoral fin and on the dorsal fin. The venom is not normally harmful to humans, but if it stings too much for you, here is a little known trick to make it go away. Simply rub the catfish’s tail over the wound and it will stop hurting. The mucous that all catfish secrete has an antidote for the venom in it.

Blue Catfish are primarily big-river fish indigenous to the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi River systems, ranging from Virginia south through Tennessee, western North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, east Texas, east Mexico and Guatemala.

They are popular ’stockers’ in pay lakes. Blue Catfish differ from the other two species in that they are active and aggressive in the winter. Blue Catfish run large, up to 100 pounds and more. 50 pounders are not uncommon.

In appearance, they are heavy-bodied, but streamlined. They are slate blue on the back and sides fading to white on the belly, with no markings of any kind. They have a deeply forked tail and 30-35 rays on the anal fin. Smaller specimens are often confused with Channel Catfish where their habitats overlap.

Blue Catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 70-75 degrees F. They lay their eggs under logs, brush, debris, or along undercut banks without making a nest of any kind. Blue Catfish prefer sandy bottoms and moderate current.

The largest specimens are usually caught on trotlines using live bluegills, goldfish or other baitfish. They can be caught on cut-bait, nightcrawlers and ’stink-bait’ as well. They are active feeders all year long and make wonderful table-fare.

The Yellow, or Flathead Catfish range from the lower Great Lakes south through the Mississippi River Basin all the way to the Gulf States. In size, Yellow Catfish can reach lengths of 3-4 feet and 100 pounds or more. Fish in the 50 pound range are not uncommon. As the name suggests, they have an angular, ‘flat’ head and no fork in the tail.

They are actually members of the bullhead family of catfish. Their color ranges from yellow to olive brown on the back and sides with much black or brown mottling, fading to pale yellow or cream colored on the belly.

Flathead Catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 72-84 degrees F. They build nests in structure such as rocks, undercut banks and large bottom debris, logs, old tires, etc.

Yellow Catfish prefer deep holes in streams, rivers and lakes where the water is turbid and has slower currents. More so than the other two species, Flatheads are pure predators and eat fish, including their own kind. The largest fish are invariably caught on trotlines using live bluegills, where legal. They are active feeders at night in the spring and summer and are good eating.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/catfish-fishing-basics-for-beginners-288733.html

NEW ALLEN PLATTE RIVER BREATHABLE FISHING WADER L STOUT

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NEW ALLEN PLATTE RIVER BREATHABLE FISHING WADERS --MED.

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Of all of the places one might go in search of a big catfish, rivers seem to be the waterways that come to mind, when we think of these big, whiskered lunkers, probably because of the huge amount of lore surrounding catfish and the rivers of the American South. But then, the lore is there for a reason – the biggest cats in the world generally live in rivers, and in the case of North America, the rivers in which cats can be found are plentiful, with river-dwelling cats found in most areas of North America, except for the extreme North. The only thing that changes, is the size and species of cats that live there. Depending on the locale in which you are fishing, the species you find might be Channel Cats, Blue Cats or Flatheads. Blues and Channel Cats are fairly similar in habits, but Flatties have their own way about them, in certain respects.

Virtually all cats prefer darker conditions, and so, tend to move toward deeper water, with lots of structure or relief on the bottom. Because of their penchant for low-light conditions, nightfall is far and away the best time to pursue them. River fishing for cats adds a consideration in the form of the current, which can be your friend or foe, depending on how you approach things.

Generally, cats like a solid current flow, making rivers an optimum choice for catfishing. So, working with the current is the best bet. Since the current will tend to push a light bait up, as the line tugs at it, if you’re casting a line, you’ll need to choose a heavy, sinking bait, or use a sufficient sinker weight to get the bait down to the fish. Alternatively, jug fishing rigs or trotlines are effective at covering lots of water, and keeping baits in the action zone.

Trotlines are a line which is stretched across a span of the waterway, and secured on both ends. Along this line are spaced a number of “drops” (20 – 70 or more), which are lengths of fishing line secured to the main trotline, with a hook (often two) baited along their length. A heavy trotline will keep the centre drops down deep in the channel, and will follow the bottom progressively up as it moves towards shore at its ends, keeping all the drops near the bottom, and the fish.

Jugfishing uses a number of individual floats (jugs), each with a baited drop suspended beneath it. Drops of differing lengths can be used on several jugs, to cover a great deal of water, at every possible depth, and can have different baits deployed, too.

If you are fishing with a rod and reel, make sure your gear is strong and appropriate to the size and strength of the very powerful fish you are after. Fishing from shore, a sliding ledger, or slipweight, is a top choice for weighting a bait, without creating a stop between the bait and the rod end.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/river-fishing-for-catfish-lore-surrounding-catfish-and-the-rivers-of-the-american-south-423933.html

CREEK CHUB SHUR STRIKE RIVER MASTER FISHING LURE-3 "

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At the Ohio River while the water level is dropping below a rock shelf there are thousands of fish at my feet. I reached down and netted a 50 pound catfish by hand. now thats noodlin’