More catfishing questions

[Uncle Grump]

Ok - here we go....

I've been reading some, also talking to a Missouri buddy about this topic.

I'm told that Flatheads want live meat, while Channels aren't as fussy - that they will take dead bait, stink bait, liver, cheese, worms, minnows, etc.

Mel (my buddy) loves using bluegills for flatheads (legal down there). What do you use for live bait here? Sucker minnows? Crawlers?

I got the impression from my other thread that fishing for cats is more of a taunt line or line watching activity (bait on the bottom) - and not "bobber" fishing like live bait for N Pike.

Is fishing cats a daytime or evening / night
time activity?

Are the commerical dough baits worth the money? Certain kinds / flavors/ scents work better than others?

Thanks

UG

[Guest]

Um Yes and no.
Uncle Grump
I suggest you come to one of the Catfish Gatherings we are going to have this summer.A lot of guys can talk for hours on catfishing.And tell some whopper stories too!
Channel cats will eat just about anything but there are baits that are more productive and produce larger fish.Cut bait is probably the top bait.In the spring channels channel cats may prefer sour baits.These are cut baits left out to rot just alittle to the point before they become rancid.For the rest of the year fresh cut bait is usually best.Cut bait can be shiners,suckers,creek chubs,just about anything.I myself like to use cut chub.It has on oily flesh that gives off a nice scent trail.A squashed frog will work quite nicley in the fall.
You can also use prepared baits(stink bait,dip bait) along with chicken liver but I have found that these will produce smaller fish.
Flatheads do love a lively bait.The livelier the better.If your rod tip is not wiggling from your bait,time to change bait.Some good bait here in Minnesota that are legal are suckers,creek chubs,and bullheads.Bullheads and creek chubs are my two favorite baits.They last longer on the hook and those flats really seem to like them.I also caught a nice flat on a JUMBO live frog last year.
I would have to say that a catman spends just as much time getting bait as he does fishing for cats.You can get bait at the bait shop but the best is cought by youself.I fish for bait with light gear and siene or trap bait in the creeks near my home.I have found some bait shops that have good cat bait.One in particular is 169 Sports in Belle Plain.These guys are catmen and know how important bait is.
I do most of my fishing on the bottom with the line taught and wait for a bite.There are several rigs that i will use but the basic is the line to a swivel with a leader of lighter line to the hook.Leader length all depends on the mood of the fish and the kind of bottom or structure I am fishing .If there are a lot of snags I go with a shorter leader or use a float near the hook when fishing rocks.
That being said cats are not always found on the bottom.They can be suspended and some times using a bobber can be very productive.This also can be productive when fish are scattered over a rocky reef or along a current edge.set the bait just deep enough to clear the rocks and let the bait drift over or guide it along a current edge.
Fishing for flatheads for the most part is a night or low light period bite.That is not to say that they will not bite during the day.Day bites for theses big boys is usually best during spring or fall.
Channels cats you can catch all the live long day but the bite does get a little better at dusk or dawn.