Catfish Tips & Tricks
6 Great Tips for Catching Channel Catfish
Use fresh bait.
Unbeknownst to most, Channel cats are top predators – they are constantly on the prowl for a fresh meal. That means you should always use fresh bait, whether that be shrimp, crawlers or worms.
The stinkier the better.
Because of their very keen sense of smell, using bait with an odour can be very productive. Channel catfish are classified as scavenger fish and so they will eat most anything that is an easy catch for them and they are attracted to a wide variety of foods. The larger Catfish feed off of other smaller fish both alive and dead while the smaller ones feed off of insects and other invertebrates found on the bottom of the water.
Try different fresh baits.
Always have more than one type of fresh bait at your disposal. In case one type of bait does not produce, you have another kind of bait that may get the job done. It is important to use the right bait when channel catfish fishing. You need to have an idea of what size fish is in the area of water where you are fishing so you can use bait that is the appropriate size. If the bait is too large the catfish will pass it by. If it is too small you may be missing your chance of catching some of the larger channel catfish that are in search of nightcrawlers, crawdads, minnows, grasshoppers or stink baits.
Never over stay your welcome.
If the area that you are fishing in is not producing results, then relocate in order to find one that will produce for you. Experienced anglers know that Channel Catfish can be found more abundantly throughout certain areas in the lakes and rivers. In other words, they gather together in groups and stay in certain spots instead of swimming around independently. Therefore, the better you know the water you are fishing in, the easier it will be to find and catch these fish. Taking time to observe the lake and rivers will help you determine where the Channel Catfish are most abundant so you can find the best fishing spots. As with any type of fishing if you are not having any luck in one area, try moving to a new location.
Use a guide.
When possible, utilize the services of a guide for at least your first few trips to fish for Channel Catfish in Manitoba.
