A little Help please

[Fishin4aLivin]

Heys guys my 10yr son and I have really enjoyed exploring the banks of the Mississippi and the Minnesota in search of some kitties. I am an avid walleye fisherman with all the equipment needed there but as you can guess probably don't have the correct equip. for cats. However that's not the true problem, the real problem is finding an area that holds fish larger than 2lbs. We have tried several of areas and maybe we just are not going about it correctly, but without giving away your "hoenyhole" can someone please direct me in the right direction to have a chance at a little larger kittie. I know that it's fishing and that means trial and error, but one of these nights I would like to look like a hero and get my kid hooked up with a big'in. Thanks for the help!

[rushing]

Just takes patients. Just enjoy being out on the river and the fish will eventually come.

[hanson]

Might just be a bait issue. What have you been using for bait?

I rarely, rarely catch anything besides cats when I fish with cut sucker, creek chub, shad, etc. Alright, did get a turtle the other night but that doesn't count.

If you are looking for channel cats right now, I'd say look no further than your closest snag pile. Fish right in front of it with cutbait and things should start happening for you.

[Lowblazah]

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Just enjoy being out on the river and the fish will eventually come.

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I used to think I was doing something wrong as well but like rushing said...if you have patience it will pay off. Catfishing isn't as guaranteed as carp'n or sheep'n. Catching 2-4 flathead cats on a night is considered a "good" night.

[Fishin4aLivin]

We have been using medium suckers. Have you guys found that hooking these baits a certain way works better than others? We have had quite a few taken without any runs. Also wondering about frozen baits and bullheads. Where can you buy these? Or do most of you catch your own bait?

[rushing]

Fishing small to medium size suckers is alot like fishing worms. There are bunches of different kinds of fish that will love to steal that bait. Frozen cut bait works but fresh is preferred and most people catch their own bullheads.

[Fishin4aLivin]

Alright so your saying to use large suckers? Any help as to where to catch some bullheads down here in Burnsville? I think I read that the bullheads must be smaller than 7 inches. Is that correct?

[Lowblazah]

yes thats correct. You can buy bullheads at Moore's bait and tackle.

Google them to find their location...can't post it on here as the mods will edit it out.

[rushing]

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Alright so your saying to use large suckers? Any help as to where to catch some bullheads down here in Burnsville? I think I read that the bullheads must be smaller than 7 inches. Is that correct?

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Nope not saying use large suckers just letting you know having your bait stolen is expected. You have more of a chance at some action with the medium suckers but not all your action will be cats is all. As far as bullheads go, sorry not from the cities area so I am no help with that.

[Shack]

Fishin4alivin,

Boy! Would you like us to come down and catch a few for ya LOL just kidding.

Bullies are hard to find. They are a hit or miss. I would try local dam or better off try Moores bait (You will get out fishing faster).

Best thing is get out and try, try and try again.

We could sit here and tell ya every thing to do and it may not work at all. I would do a little research of past post's

(I know it is not instant gratifaction). If you read back (Like I do) you can keep the forfront of this forum open for newer topics and fish outting's.

Catfishing ain't easy, like stated before it ain't like carp or sucker fishing. Worm,hook,slip sinker and split shot is all you need for that.

Good luck..

[dps]

Suckers can be decent for flatheads.. if you can keep them alive which is nearly a joke with the water temps arund 80 right now. Suckers are a waste of money unless you are cutting them up. Shad make a better cutbait than suckers most of the time. Creek chubs are good live or dead. Bullheads work good alive, cut they arent too good. Bullheads are the toughest by far in the hot water.

Where to fish... There are countless accessable areas on he mississippi and minnesota rivers. None of these areas produce all of the time, moving around to find a bite is normal. The mississippi river is usually more shore-friendly, but there are some very consistant spots on the MN river that make it worth fighting the clay. It usually takes more research on the Miss to get into fish, but once you do it often pays off well. The MN river is usually easier to find fish.

Good nights you cant seem to do anything wrong, bad nights.. you could be in the best area and never get a bite.

[Fishin4aLivin]

Well thanks for all the advice guys, I sure do appreciate it. Last night I bought a new rig for chasin cats and I can't wait to try it out. I am hopeing to get out tonight or tomorrow but if not I am all set for Friday night. I think my son and I will try a new area down on the Minnesota. I am thinking of down off of 35w but a little nervous after reading the news article about the "extra curricular" going on down there. If any of you will be out I would love to fish with a more experienced cat hunter. Let me know and we can meet up!