Topwater Kittys

[EBass]

I have a Q for the Kitty chasers. I saw multiple times where big Kittys (Metro big 3-5lbs) are slamming minnows on top. I fished this big eddy area and had them jumping and slamming minnows all around. I didn't get a bite. My two friends got some though.

One on a minnow crankbait - about 5lbs
And the others (2,2lbs) on a leech.

I tried tubes and shallow running cranks and nada. I tried a bobber and leech and nothing. Also tried small sucker minnows to.

Anyone know how to approach these topwater kittys?

I'm stumped. Please help!
Thanks,
EBass

[vern]

Try a piece of cut-bait under a slip-bobber. Vern

[vern]

EBass, I haven't seen much surface action locally, but I did see a lot of that on my recent trip to the Red. You could scan the river & see them busting up the surface chasing goldeyes. It was easy to visually locate the active cats. Eddy, surface fishing for them monster cats sounds like a blast! I'll have to try that next time up. Vern

[EBass]

Thanks for the tips. I'll give her a shot and see if they will take it. The ones that were caught (and released )had big ol bellys. I assume they are done spawing now.

Oh I did try the tiny torpedo and nothing.

[This message has been edited by EBass (edited 06-16-2003).]

[EBass]

Thanks Vern,

I should've tried that as nothing else worked.

I thought they were smallmouth, but all were kittys.

Have you witnessed this to? I was pretty surprised.

[Guest]

Try Poppers (Bass type surface plugs), I like the Heddon Lucky 13, Salmo Popper, or the Millennium poppers.
Heddon Lucky 13

Millennium Spit'n Shad Popper

Salmo makes some very cool surface spitters.
SALMO Popper

I remove the rear treble hook and replace it with a large Gamakatsu G-Mag.

This tips the spitters tail down while at rest, just slightly. So when the cat WOOFS it up, he gets the hook in the corner of the puss. They almost always hook themselves as they turn to dive.

Get them baby's to "Spit" some water, then pause, "Spit" again.....then hang on.

I had a BullFrog colored Lucky 13 Heddon up on the Lower Red. The kitty's Whacked that baby with a vengeance after I popped it a few yards then set it to rest.

Say Stu, How many Corks have you seen sumo [me]'s whack in your time?

More then A few Eh? Those Dang Cork Suckers anyhow!

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 06-16-2003).]

[Guest]

For you top-water & sub-surface nuts, pike, muskie, cats, whatever, check out the Salmo Fatso.

This is a serious Hog Caller for sure. Big Ah-Yup, bigger then most for sure.

But it gets them Piggy's attention when it splashes down...KA-SPLOSH...Yup..Yup!

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding "ED on the RED"

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 06-17-2003).]

[EBass]

Ed,
Can these be found at Gander or Galyans?

[Catmendo]

Cats are as opportunistic and predacious as an African Crock! I can't think of any other freshwater fish that's more versatile when it comes to chow time. The vast majority of anglers consider catfish to be bottom feeders, I've always had problems with this line of thinking. In fact when I hear someone making that comment quite often I'll ask them where they catch the vast majority of their walleye?! If the truth be told catfish are by far the best overall equipped to hunt anywhere and under any water conditions. In a nutshell they go wherever there food source is including the surface! Make no mistake that in nature it truly is a viciuos circle making life in the suburbs TOUGH for some.
In situations where there's hoards of baitfish activity on the surface you'll find a wide variety of different species pursuing them. From gills to goldeye, crappie to pike all fish will hunt the surface if the conditions for success are right. All this surface feeding activity and commotion provides the ultimate opportunity for cats to ambush their prey. Cats are feeding by sound when pursuing their dinner on or near the surface much like that of the shark. In fact the more colored and turbid the water the bigger the advantage for the catfish! He simply has the ability to remain motionless just beneath the surface waiting for his prey to pass over head. When this happens the cat "locks on" using it's built sonar and the rest is history, mission accomplished! So the next time that you're out on your favorite pond and you see some violent eruptions taking place on the surface, more than likely you're witnessing 'ol whiskers doing his thing on the top!
As backwater Ed pointed out these guys can be fooled into hitting a wide variety of bait persentations during this time, yes including artificial baits.
It's always nice to be able to ask for advice when it pretains to fishing techniques and there's nothing wrong in asking. However in most cases it can be far greater rewarding when you found your own method of cracking the proverbial nut!
Just remember to always remain "versatile" when fishing, regardless what species your pursuing.

Fish "Hard" Forever!

Stu McKay
www.catsonthered.com

[Guest]

EBass The only sure place I know to find them is at the Salmo USA web site.

www.salmofishing.com/index.html

I seen Scheels in Fargo has a few Salmo models in stock, including the Fatso & the new Slider. On the Salmo USA site you can get local dealer information to where yo track them down.

Stu is dead on as usual, observations will led you to new methods. I am constantly fiddling with new methods for lots of species, can't help myself. That worked, so……now what? Change is good.

Cranks are an option, a tool to add to your overall bag of tricks. Not a wonder presentation that will work in all situations.

When fish are keyed-up and predatory, they are prime candidates for such an artificial presentation like cranks or plastics.

Most days a fresh scent option type bait would be my go-to-bait for cats. Fresh meat is always a good thing to a big kitty.

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding "ED on the RED"

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 06-24-2003).]

[EBass]

Thanks for all the tips fellas. I haven't been back there, but I will soon.

I'll post my results.

Thanks again.