Catfish are freshwater fish that thrive in ponds, lakes and rivers in temperate climates. To be good at catching catfish, you need to know what they like to eat, where they dwell, and which techniques entice them to take the bait. Read on for catfish-catching tips that will ensure you won't leave the boat with an empty cooler.


Method 1 of 3: Choosing Gear and Bait 

1.  Buy a fishing rod and line. The size of the rod you buy should be determined by the size of the fish available to catch in your region.

• For fish under 20 pounds, use a six-foot rod with at least a 10-pound test line.
• For fish over 20 pounds, use a seven-foot rod with at least a 20-pound test line.
  • Longer rods are better for fishing from banks, as opposed to a boat, since they offer greater reach.

2.   Buy fishhooks, bobbers, and other gear. Most sporting good stores sell starter tackle boxes that include a range of supplies to get you started. When it comes down to it, all you really need are sharp fishhooks, but some of the other accessories are nice to have.

• Glow-in-the-dark bobbers can come in handy when you're fishing at night.
• Other types of bobbers can be helpful when you're fishing on a still pond.
• You'll also need buckets and coolers to hold your bait and any catfish you'll be bringing home.

4.   Choose a bait size that matches the size of the fish you want to catch. If you know you stand the chance of catching a 50-pound fish, you're going to need a large piece of bait. Smaller bait like nightcrawlers will get stolen off the hook.

2.  Go early in the morning. Catfish are more active very early in the morning, so plan to start your fishing expedition before sunrise, or even earlier. They tend to feed during these hours.

• Fishing at night can also yield a large catch. If you like to stay up all night on the water, try fishing starting around one or two in the morning.
• You might find some catfish later in the day if it's overcast or raining, but if there's full sun, the fish are likely to be less active.

3.   Look for spots with cover. Catfish like to dwell in places where a current meets a still area, so they can rest without fighting the current. "Covered" areas can be found where the current hits a large log or rock, usually near the bank of a river. Other resting places might be found near dams or other man-made structures in the water.

• In smaller rivers and streams, look for eddies created by rocks and fallen logs toward the middle of the water.
• If you're fishing in a pond or reservoir, look for areas near feeder creeks, very deep spots, and fallen logs and boulders.

4.   Take your position. Once you've chosen the spot where you want to start fishing, drop your anchor, set up your equipment, cast your line and wait for a bite.

Method 3 of 3: Bringing in a Fish

1.  Reel it in. When a catfish bites, let the line go a bit slack and then start reeling it in, quickly. Read How to Reel in a Large Fish to learn proper reeling techniques. 

You're fishing something heavy hits your line. You try reeling in fast, but it won't move or surface. Chances are that you've hooked a carp or catfish, and only a few techniques will get these biggies in without breaking your line.

Method 1 of 3: Casting Corn Method 


1.  Make sure that using corn to fish is legal in your area. Some states it is illegal to fish with corn so know your local laws. 

2.  Set up your fishing rod. (tie hook to the end of the line and add a small weight.)

3.  Get a can of creamed corn and open it.

4.   Grab a handful of corn and throw it into the water.

5.   Put about 3 pieces of corn onto the hook and put it in the water.

• (Note: you don't have to cast the line. It just has to be about a meter or 2 away from you and be ready to put it in the water when needed.)

6.   Wait at least about 10 minutes. (make sure not to make any movement. Carps are very sensitive to movement.)

7.   If a carp has eaten your corn, you will feel one or two small tugs and that is when you very quickly raise your fishing rod.

8.   Hold the rod straight with the tip facing skyward.

9.  Keep the tension on your line, because if the line goes slack the fish can spit the hook.

10.   Don't let the carp go around a log or stone.

11.   The carp will eventually tire out and that's when you reel it in.

2.   Reel in slowly and steadily. These fish will pull back hard if they feel threatened. As the fish tires, move the tip of your rod back and forth. This may seem unorthodox, but the fish will lose it's ability to thrash with all it's fins.

3.   Remember that if no net is available, do not grab the carp by the lip as you would a bass. this is difficult and could tear the jaw of the fish. Put one hand under the fish in front of the tail, and one between the head and stomach. Hold it firmly, but do not squeeze. If it's a catfish, you may have to go in to the water and haul it out whole.

2.   Search for a spot to set up your fishing rod. A flat large rock would be fine. Set up your rod.

3.   Take a few pieces of canned corn and put it on the hook. It depends on how big the hook is.

4.   Cast the line and position your rod in a 45-50 degree angle. You can use a rock or a log to hold the rod up.

5.   Take about a handful of corn and throw it near the place where you cast your line. This will help to draw in the fish.

6.   Wait for the fish to bite.

7.   When the fish bites you will see your rod moving, grab the rod and immediately pull the rod up in the opposite direction of the movement of the fish.

8.  Keep pulling and at some times let the fish swim away from you but immediately pull back. The bigger the fish the harder it is to pull the rod.

9.  Wait and before you know it the fish would have gotten too tired to put up a fight. As soon as you feel the calmness of the line reel in your catch.

Tips

• Using creamed corn attracts carps by smell.
• If possible, have a friend or family member help you pull the fish in.
• You can also boil potatoes slightly and substitute that for the creamed corn.
• Be patient. Carp have good senses, often at times a lot of Carp are lost to impatience.
• Let the fish "win" the first round of the fight, if there is no place for it to swim into and snag the line. This will make it easier to reel in.
• Always pull the rod back in the opposite direction of the fish, if you keep the rod straight it will create an easy getaway plan for a carp.
• It's good to bring a net to hold your fish.
• Bring an additional fishing rod, this will raise the chance of a carp biting the hook.
• Bring plenty of hooks because the hook can be ripped off by a monster fish or even sea weed and kelp.
• Have a net that you can put your fish into then stick the net back into the water and secure it using a rock. This will keep your catch alive for some time.
• Remember the thinner the line and the smaller the hook the more Carp are going to bite. This will make it harder to reel it in because it is easier for them to break the line.
• A lot of times kelp or sea weed would get caught in the hook.
• You should loosen your drag when fighting the fish. Once you have it worn out and by the dock or boat, tighten the drag and "bring it home".

Warnings

• Don't leave trash at the spot you are fishing at, it can also get you into trouble because somethings like hooks can kill a fish or injure another person.
• Watch out for the hook and make sure it doesn't end up piercing your hand or leg.
• Watch out for ticks and possibly snakes or any other insect that may bite, do some research on the area you will be fishing at.
• Carp and catfish grow to large sizes. Make sure you can handle the fish before "committing" to setting the hook.
• Most rivers have regulations on the minimum and maximum size of certain types of fish, find out how big or small your catch has to be to stay out of trouble.
• Carp have certain sharp spines on their back, watch out not to stick your hand in one.
• Be careful not to slip and fall into the water, it's pretty deep even a few feet away from shore and can cause injury or death if you drown.

Carp are a very smart fish and if one sees your shadow it could be gone before you even realize it. So when you fish, sit down. Carp are skittish and will swim away if they see your shadow.