Catfish Fishing Basics

Know your catfish

The three main species are channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Channel cats are the most common and a great target for beginners, blue cats grow enormous, and flatheads prefer live bait. All three live on or near the bottom and use their whiskers to find food in murky water.

Use smelly baits

Catfish find food by smell and taste, so stinky baits rule. Cut bait (pieces of fish), chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and commercial stink baits are all effective. The smellier the better — catfish will home in on a strong scent from a distance.

Fish on the bottom

Catfish feed on the bottom, so your bait needs to be there too. The classic rig is simple: a sinker a foot or two above the hook, so the bait sits on the bottom while the line stays tight. Cast it out, tighten the line, and wait for the telltale pull.

Use heavier gear

Catfish grow big and fight hard, so heavier tackle is appropriate. A medium-heavy rod with twelve- to twenty-pound line handles most catfish. Strong line and a sturdy hook are essential — a big catfish will test your gear and your knots.

Fish the right times

Catfish are most active at night and in low light, when they move out of cover to feed. Dusk through midnight is prime time, and overcast or rainy days also produce. If you're willing to fish after dark, you'll catch more and bigger catfish.

Find the holes and channels

In rivers, catfish hold in deep holes, undercut banks, and along the edges of the current. In lakes, they gather near drop-offs, channels, and structure. Look for deeper water with cover nearby, and fish where the bottom changes — that's where catfish wait to ambush prey.

Be patient and stay alert

Catfishing is a waiting game, so settle in and stay attentive. Use a rod holder, keep the line tight, and watch the rod tip. A catfish bite often starts as a gentle tap before the rod doubles over. When the rod bends hard, it's time to grab it and reel.

Handle catfish carefully

Catfish have sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins — handle them carefully to avoid a painful poke. Grip a catfish behind the head, supporting the belly, and watch out for the spines. A pair of gloves or a lip-grip tool makes handling easier.

Catfish are great eating

Catfish, especially channel and blue cats, are excellent table fare — firm, mild white fillets that fry up beautifully. Check your state's size and bag limits, keep a reasonable number, and clean them promptly. A catfish fry is a southern tradition for good reason.

Try fishing at night

Catfish are famously nocturnal, and night fishing is often when the biggest fish bite. Set up with a rod holder, a headlamp, and a comfortable chair, and settle in for the evening. The quiet of night fishing, broken by the thump of a big catfish, is an experience every angler should try.

Fish near deep holes and channels after dark, and use smelly baits that catfish can find by scent even in total darkness.

Use a sturdy rod holder

When a big catfish takes the bait, it can yank the rod right out of your hands or off the bank. A solid rod holder keeps your rod secure while you wait, and it frees you to relax. Never leave your rod unattended — but a good holder gives you peace of mind.

Catfish are everywhere

One of the great things about catfish is how widespread they are — rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs across the country hold them. Chances are there's good catfish water near you. They're an accessible, hard-fighting fish for anglers everywhere.