GOT THE BLUES?

[DARK30]

I BUMPED INTO 3 GUYS FROM IOWA TONIGHT DOWN AT THE RAMP IN BELLE PLAINE. THEY WERE USING "SONNY'S" BLOOD STINKBAIT AND DID REAL WELL ON CHANNELS BUT THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE ALWAYS CAUGHT A FEW BLUE CATFISH IN THE MINNESOTA RIVER. I DON'T RECALL EVER CATCHING ONE AND I THOUGHT THE BLUES RANGED MAINLY DOWN SOUTH. ANYONE ELSE CATCH BLUES IN MINNESOTA WATERS?
WET NETS!

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[Guest]

Many anglers mistake big mature channels as blue cats, I see this all the time on the Red. You would be suprised how many experienced anglers misidentify species.

The big blue/gray adults that are caught up here in the North appear more similar to a blue to many southern anglers. This may be what happened? I do not think there are any blues in the Minnesota, but there may be? I know there are none on the Red!

BE.......><,,>

[Guest]

I have noticed that some of the channel cats on the MN have a blue tint to them.I read and I don't remember where(possibly In Fish Catfish Guide)that male channels sometimes develop a blue tint.The reason I can't recall but will look around for it.
DARK how did you do?

[Hubcat]

I have read and seen that during spawn
the male channel will have a blueish tint and have a swollen head. (I always thougt these were blues but I was wrong)

My report for the Minnesota river - I have been out about 10 times this year and I personally have caught 1 channel 2# (missed alot that have come unhooked, I know some were nice flatheads. Other fish that people caught with me were 20#,21#,22#,24# Flats and some smaller one ranging from 2# to 13#.
Lately it seems to be slow but I have heard that they are biting by Henderson.

Any other reports.

Is anybody going to fish the Catfishing contest out of Belle Plaine. this year it is a $1000 for biggest catfish.

[Guest]

I believe you are correct Hubcat,I just read in my "how to catfish"by Dan Gapen that males will turn blue when attracting females during the spawn.Their heads get bigger for building nests.
I have fished the Belle Plain Catfish contest the last 3 years but this year I have not recieved a flyer.When is it?Who is sponsoring it?I heard that the bar that sponsored it was closed down or demolished or something.If you know where I can register please let me know.I would not want to miss it this year.

[DARK30]

HEY HUBCAT, LITTLE SLOW FOR YA? WELL I HAVEN'T CAUGHT ANY YET BUT I'M GONNA FIX THAT STARTING THIS WEEK AND MAKE THE SWITCH. I MANAGED A FEW NICE CHUBS OUT OF BEVENS CREEK BUT I'LL NEED TO PICK UP SOME SUCKERS TOO IF I DON'T GET ANY MORE SOON. I'D REALLY LIKE TO GET DOWN TO RAPIDAN TOO, I'LL E-MAIL YA WHEN I GET THE CHANCE TO HEAD DOWN THAT WAY!

SO THOSE BIG IOWEGIAN BLUE CATS ARE REALLY CHANNELS........I THOUGHT SO!

THE BELLE PLAINE CATFISH CONTEST IS AUG 17-18TH. ENTRY IS 20 BILLS AND AVAILABLE AT THE SPARETIME TAVERN ON WEST MAIN ST. $1000.00 TOAD SKINS FOR THE BIG ONE! LAST YEAR I BELIEVE THE HOG WAS 47lbs! THESE FISH MUST BE BROUGHT IN ALIVE AND THE BIG ONES ARE KEPT IN A STOCK TANK AND RELEAESED ON SUNDAY AFTER THE CONTEST ENDS.
I'VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY THE PRIZE MONEY SHOULD BE SPRED OUT A LITLE MORE JUST IN CASE SOMEONE CHEATS BUT IT STILL LOOKS LIKE A GOOD TIME. I'VE NEVER BEEN IN IT CAUSE IN THE PAST THAT WEEK END WE'RE UP AT THE LAKE BUT THIS YEAR I CAN AND WILL MAKE IT!
WET NETS!

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cast,cast,cast,cast......

[Hubcat]

Dark

I have not heard a thing about Rapidan.
Looking forward giving it a try with you if I can make it.
Has any body tried bullheads for bait? I tried it once last year and caught a 13# flat.They are suppose to work good and are alot cheaper then suckers. Do you cut the fins off or fish with as is?

[GullGuide]

Hey Hub,
Sorry to inform you,but using bullheads for bait in MN is illegal. Just thought I'd let ya know before the man with the badge tells ya...then it's too late
>"////=<

[Hubcat]

Your right bullheads are considered bait if they are under 7 inches. I e-mailed the DNR last year are here is the reply.

Date:
Tue, 22 Feb 2000 12:05:02 -0600
From:
"Kevin Kyle" <[email protected]>
To:
<[email protected]>

Yes, it is legal to use bullheads under seven inches as bait. Bullheads less than seven inches are defined as minnows in Minnesota Statutes.

[GullGuide]

Hub and Fishhead,
COOL!!!
That is good to hear, will make getting bait for our anual fall flathead trip all the easier. Thanx for the heads-up!
>"////=<

[Guest]

I have heard from more than one guy that bullheads not longer than 7" are legal to use in MN.Two of the guys actually called the DNR and asked.You can bet that I will be giving it a try this year.

I will make it to the Belle Plain cat contest.It is a blast.If I remember right they spread out some of the prizes(like Forest lake ice fishing contest),so it is worth entering.

[doubleUcubed]

Great info. about the little bullheads. Tell ya what, them "eye's love them about 2"-3" bullheads!!

[Guest]

BULLHEADS FOR BAIT!
Iowa DNR actually traps flatheads from the Missouri River and releases them in certain small lakes that have had excess populations of bullheads. Prairie Rose Lake in SW Iowa (near Elk Horn) is one of those lakes. They dumped in approximately 200# of flatheads from 2-10# the first year and repeated that process for several more years. Funny thing is...the bullheads were gone - ALL OF THEM - in the first 2 years. Also eliminated the green sunfish, but seems to have no apparent effect on the other species (channels, LM bass, crappie, bluegill & carp). Even the channels seem to thrive in the same water. Most experienced locals target big flatheads using 8-10" bullheads, with many large 22+" largemouth also taking those baits. Don't clip the spines, just fish as is. Bluegills, green sunfish and mud puppies are also popular baits. I know of a few "bullhead lakes" in Minnesota that grow some monster walleyes that feed on those whiskered fish...Clear Lake near Dalton is one in particular. Per surface acre, there's probably substantially more 10# 'eyes caught in these type waters than "classic" walleye lakes.

[Bodyman]

Willow cat's make a great summertime bait for walleye's on the Ole Miss. Used with a 3way rig or slip sinker. Slow trolled along structure or just sittin on the bottom in front of a wingdam. Watch it though you don't want to be finned by one of those little buggers. Some people have very serious reactions when poked by a willow cat. Take care
Good Fishing..