by Jared Davidson

Created on: July 06, 2010

There are many ways to fish for catfish and the technique varies from state to state. People have caught catfish using rod and reels, trot lines, jug lines and even their bare hands. The season and the laws in your area may have a large impact on how you fish.

The most common method for catching catfish is to use a rod and reel. Catfish can be caught from the bank or from a boat. Common bait that is used for catfish include live or dead fish, chicken liver, worms, dough baits, blood bait and even soap. You can fish any of these baits on the bottom or several feet above. Contrary to popular belief, catfish do feed off the bottom and some of my biggest fish have been caught only a few feet beneath the surface in 25 foot of water. A single J style hook should be used for most baits and a treble hook for chicken liver. You can fish using a bobble to keep the bait off the bottom, or without a bobber if you are fishing on the bottom. Spring to fall is the best time to fish from the bank and the boat. Late fall to winter will be hard to catch fish from the shore. Although during this time the big blue catfish are on the prowl in the deeper parts of the lakes. Fishing during the night time will usually increase the number of fish caught. This is because catfish are semi nocturnal but they will bite during the day as well.

Another common method for catching catfish is using either a trot line or a jug line. Both of these methods are used to catch higher numbers of fish and larger fish. Trot lines are made by tying a piece of nylon string from one log to another. Every couple of feet another line hangs down with a hook attached. A piece of bait is put on each hook. After waiting several hours, or over night, the line is checked. If you are lucky you will have several fish on the trot line. Each state has different laws concerning trot lines. Make sure to check the laws about where you are allowed to use trot lines and any regulations. A jug line is used in almost the same fashion. The difference is that the line is tied to a jug instead of a log and the main line runs vertically through the water.

Some states allow you to catch catfish with your bare hands. This type of fishing is called noodling. When a catfish spawns it will find a hole to lay their eggs in. The fish will aggressively fight anything that tries to disturb the nest. Fisherman will find one of these holes and reach in. When the catfish bites their hand, they grab the fish and pull it out. Only 11 states allow noodling.

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