Great year of Cattin!

[DTro]

There seems to be a prevailing attitude on various fishing forums across MN that it hasn’t been a very good year for Catfishing.  Sure, I would concede it’s been slow for some (including myself) but I’m here to tell you that Catfishing is alive and well in MN and the bite is anything but slow this year.  Take for example the King of the Cats contest I’ve been running for the past 6 years.  Statistically speaking, this year is one of the best ever, and we still have another solid month of fishing ahead!

 

Up to this point, in the Channel Cat category, we have had 42 unique participants who have caught 40 fish over 30” (approx 10-15lbs) with 11 of those being 35” or bigger (over 20lbs) and in the Flathead category we have had 56 unique participants who have caught 41 fish over 40” (approx 30lbs) with 8 of them being 45” or bigger (over 40lbs).   In the past, there was really no verification process of these fish, however last year a length verification was implemented and I’m confident all of these fish registered are exactly what they are claimed to be.  Those are dang solid numbers.

 

I think its pretty darn cool to see all these big fish caught and it’s a testament to the growing population of sport catfishermen in MN and their attitude towards catch and release or selective harvest.  It is up to all of us to continue to protect our fish and to be respectful towards overharvest.  My personal belief is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating a few cats, just be responsible about it and let the big ones live to fight another day.   If we continue to be diligent about that, the future is bright.

 

This past Mon, the Scott County Sheriffs put on an event (as they do every year) in which a bunch of volunteers take kids out to show them the ropes and catch some cats and to have some fun.  This is a great event and a perfect opportunity to pass the love of the sport on to the next generation.  Some of these events do not get the press they deserve so I just wanted to mention it and thank everyone involved.  I feel a little ashamed that I haven’t had the chance to participate myself.

 

Anyways I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that just because you might not see a lot of forum activity or pictures posted that it means fishing is slow, like I said its anything but.

 

And don’t’ forget Cats are cool….everything else is just bait

[TruthWalleyes]

[Rick G]

It has been one of my best years for size. I think I boated 7 or 8 channels at or over 30in, and had another 5or 6 that were caught by buddies out of my rig. Cattin' is alive and well

[proguide]

I would say this year for me has been one of the more even keeled years. I never really got the big pre-spawn bite I have become accustomed to and the spawn was challenging but all in all fishing and average size has been good.

[aanderud]

This year has been slow for me but not because the fish aren't biting -- because I'm not getting out. House hunting, getting old house ready to sell, getting new house ready to move in, travelling for work, and moving have all eaten up my summer. But, the ONE night I did get out we boated a few channels, a couple flatties (one being a 30 pounder), and a few beers to boot. I've seen lots of solid reports of activity, just haven't had much time to partake myself.

[JeremyCampbell]

This spring was my first catfishing season.It lasted a few weeks and I was getting four or five a day.Biggest was 31".Then the spot died and wasn't accessible by shore anymore.I cant wait to stumble upon another spot just like it.The forums really helped me launch my cat fishing interest this spring.This winter will be even better for me when I chase some cats under the ice.

[ETH310]

This is my first full season chasing Flatheads. June was phenominal, July was tough, and so far August has been decent. I get out 1-2 times a week and have only been skunked twice this year. We've had several 5+ fish nights. I don't have any past seasons to compare to, but it seems like the cats are doing well on the sippi.

[DARK30]

The Minnesota really put out some nice ones this year for the contest at Belle Plaine. When I left the park around 1 o'clock yesterday, this 52 plus was in first place...

Another fish over 50 was entered as well! All the fish I saw were in good condition and the DNR guys on hand made sure they stayed that way.

[DTro]

That's good to hear! I was told by someone that stopped by that the 52 was belly up.

[DTro]

We had a contest over on the Miss yesterday. Some nice fish caught, but no giants.

Whisker Run Results

[DARK30]

The winner was a little dizzy to start with but came around thankfully. The problem with the contest still remains...transporting the fish. At least now once they get there, they have a good chance of getting back.

[Gordie]

I have only been on the water 5 times this year for cats and I have to say I have done well ,I'm 10th in the channels KOTC standings and got a Nice flat Saturday evening on the Mississippi during that contest Dtro is talking of.

[rbs]

been a tough year for me around here...Iowegions took all the big ones south and there is nothing left. Best to just stay home

[clayton08]

Ive also had a great year of catting. Been out around 8 times got skunked once and the hook ip ratio has greatly improved. Met some people from on here out there and went out last night and hooked up on the 2 fish that loaded up. It has indeed been a good year.