Killed that ******* Monkey

[river rat316]

Went out to the Crow Yesterday and finally got that dam Monkey off my back, had 4 trips this year with nothing, was starting to think there was actually some skill to this catfishing thing . My first spot produced nothing and I thought here we go again, so moved up river aways, and instantly had a bite, didnt hook up though and got real fustrated, thought I might have missed my only bite for the day but 8 beautifull Kitties later I was satisfied and went home a happy (smelly) guy. Also got the huge bonus of the first fish being my largest Channell ever (officially) at 14 pounds and 2 more that were over 7. You guys werent kidding about them being able to squash fingers placed in there mouths, that big girl drew blood on my thumb when I lipped her out of the water (must be a bass guy thing) and now my nail is turning colors I think she liked me . I might have to head out and get a dedicated cat rod after this, something with a bait feeder or clicker so I dont have to hold the reel thumbing the spool, should make things more relaxing!

[hanson]

river rat-

Way to go dude!!!

#1- 14lb Channel Cat is an awesome fish!! Good job!

#2- Keep your fingers out of their mouths!! Best way to handle a big cat is behind the gill plate. If you reach way up, you'll find something to grab onto. BTW- Gloves are for *******'s

#3- For channel cats, don't worry about a bait clicker on a reel, just get yourself a good rod holder or make one yourself. You can make a pretty good rig with a piece of PVC pipe, short length of rebar, and some duct tape. Sit fairly close to your rod but most times they will grab your bait and you will see the rod bending over. This is a great time to be using circle hooks. They set the hook on themselves and you crank them in. No hook setting required.

#4- We try to not talk about Bass in this forum unless they are legal to use as bait.

[DARK30]

That is a beauty for the crow! If it were a little smaller, we could we could put it on the front page Would this be in the north fork by any chance? Try not to handle catfish by the gills if you can help it. People give me a hard time for using gloves to pick up channels by the mouth but oh well, I don't always have a net.

Next time your in for a physical, tell your doctor he doesn't need the glove

[DTro]

Quote:

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If it were a little smaller, we could we could put it on the front page

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**looks over at Hanson, as shot whizzes across the bow**

[hanson]

LOL! I had it coming I guess.

[river rat316]

Ahhh dont feel bad Hanson..... my small ones were about that size

I really dont like picking anything up by the gill plates, it just feels wrong to me, Ill take my chances with lipping em, I think she was just extra P.O.'d cause she had been stealing my bait on 3 consecutive casts and I finally got her! But she did put alot more pressure on my thumb than I though was possible, might as well have put it in a vice and clamped down! I dont know where the north fork is, I was around St Michael. I dont think that is north fork?

[river rat316]

LOL Dark, just so happens Im taking the DOT physical today! and he will wear a GLOVE!!!!

[Mr Special]

If ya don't mind what did you use for bait?

And how fast was the current?

Thanks

[river rat316]

Cut sucker, the flow was moving pretty good, I had the best success placing the bait about three feet into the slack water on seems

[Mr Special]

Thanks,

Now if I only could shake off the honey-do-list.

[Kurt Paulsen]

Well, if grocery shopping is on the list, just say you are stepping out to pick up some meat for supper!

[Mr Special]

Does that really work????

Funny the more time it takes to work on the list? The list just gets longer. It's like paying the minimum balance on your credit cards.