by Marc Phillippe Babineau

Created on: September 26, 2009

Fishing during the night for Bullhead catfish can be a great fishing experience, especially in the Spring when the mosquitoes and black flies are sound asleep at the Doo Bugg Inn. There are dangers associated with night fishing for any species of fish, mainly related to boat mishaps and falling in the water from the shoreline. Care must be taken when walking along the shoreline, and using lights to shine on the water to "find the fish" is illegal in most States and Provinces. And, besides, there's a pretty good chance you'll be the only fisherman out there.

Bullhead catfish are bottom dwelling junk feeders, meaning that they pretty much eat anything that is rotting or fetid on the water source's bottom. Whether fishing in a lake, river, stream or pond, the bullhead catfish can be caught with almost any lure or live bait, as long as it has a strong odor to it. Using the store-bought, or home-made fish bait odors, and applying them to lures, like feathery jigs, will attract the bullheads to your lures more quickly, and from further distances. But don't expect a major fight to the death with these slow lunkers, as they usually just come on in with a week reel.

In Canada, the Quebecois call catfish "barbot", and they are a very tasty fish when cooked properly. However, the bullhead catfish is more of a junk-food eater than even his bottom-dwelling cousins, and therefore the meat that is eaten from a bullhead catfish is not exactly the tastiest in the sea.

Bullhead's rely upon their sense of smell to find their food, so the time of day is only about the amount of light. Fishing for catfish in general will be better at night if you are fishing streams, ponds, or other low-level water sources, as the bullheads will be closer to the shoreline at night, and closer to the deeper parts of the water source during the daytime.

Almost any bait can be used, and the smellier the better when night fishing for bullhead catfish. Live baits will work best, especially when sprayed or soaked in fish attractant oils. Smaller lures, representing crayfish, worms, grubs or anything else that may be naturally evident in the water source you are fishing will work with bullheads. Soak some bait fish for a few days in a metal bucket for an extra attractive bait.

The trickiest part of night fishing for bullhead catfish can be not losing your footing and ending up in the water, or being fined for using your flashlight on the water to locate the fish. It may be harder to find the bullhead catfish at night, but if it is a renowned spot for the bottom-dwellers, then fishing near shore, or between islands is always a great spot.

Fish on!

Learn more about this author, Marc Phillippe Babineau.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.