| Fishing for catfish can be one of the most exciting | | | | Even when you are trying to catch big fish. Especially |
| types of fishing you can do, but there really are | | | | in the winter, when the water is cold and calm, the |
| some monster cats out there, so knowing how to | | | | catfish tend to be finicky, and you have to try to |
| select the right catfish hooks for the job is of major | | | | get them out of the water without spooking them. |
| importance. | | | | If you use anything bigger than a 2/0 hook, you will |
| Depending on where you plan to fish, and whether | | | | probably get bites, but the tendency is for the cat to |
| you are out to catch basic table cats or huge | | | | spook and drop your hook like it was hot! This is |
| monster cat, you will want to adjust the type of | | | | particularly true in heavily fished waters, so no matter |
| hook you plan to use. The good news is that there | | | | where you are fishing...lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. when |
| are some outstanding quality products available to | | | | getting bites is not the problem, just remember that |
| help you nail the catfish you are after. | | | | you can always substitute a smaller, strong hook, and |
| Keep an assortment with you while fishing, so you | | | | probably solve the problem. |
| can change out the hooks to better fit the size of | | | | In the springtime, when the fish are not so finicky, |
| fish you are getting. | | | | you can move up to some bigger hooks like a 6/0 |
| If you are fishing for table fish, and having a problem | | | | baitholder hook. These are particularly good when |
| with the catfish taking your bait, running with it for a | | | | there are flood water kinds of conditions present. |
| short distance before just simply dropping the bait, | | | | During flood conditions, the fish tend to get very |
| you might want to switch to a smaller hook like a 1/0 | | | | aggressive, and they really grab on to basically |
| baitholder. This usually hangs in there a bit better, and | | | | whatever is out there. You will miss some fish you |
| will help you bring some table fare to the table for | | | | could catch if you use the smaller hooks in flood |
| dinner. Of course, it is not as effective when you | | | | conditions. |
| want to catch really big catfish. | | | | Another consideration is using the right size hook for |
| If you are in a position where you need to cast out | | | | whatever bait you are using. Generally speaking, |
| a long distance, you can always use a 2/0 octopus. | | | | bigger bait catches bigger fish; smaller bait catches |
| This hook will work very well with a balsa wood and | | | | smaller fish. The best hook, in my opinion, for |
| lead float called a Livingston Float. When you cast | | | | catching catfish using shad head for bait is a 1/0 or 2 |
| with this rig, it will really get out there! So, for casting | | | | 0 L042. For general use, you will most likely be |
| long distances, try the 2/0 octopus. | | | | satisfied with a 3/0 baitholder. While others will work |
| When it comes to winter fishing for catfish, you | | | | well, it is best to consider this first. |
| really can get better results using smaller hooks too. | | | | |