Among the most prevalent of catfish habitats would be the freshwater pond. Many people who enjoy catfishing sometimes ignore the fact that catching these wily critters requires proper training and a good dose of technique. Catfishing in ponds is not the usual way to spend a day with family, but it can be used as such. It is simply a matter of patience in casting lines repeatedly and in proper preparation of the bait. The proper gear and a good deal of patience are a prerequisite for this activity.
Species Makeup
Three types of catfish species inhabit ponds and lakes. The smallest and most common of these is the channel catfish. The blue catfish is a close second, while the flathead is the largest, hardest and most aggressive of the family.
Channel cats
This is one of the most common species of catfish found in ponds. They are usually scavengers, getting off bugs on the water surface and eating dead forage fish so they are perfect for managed ponds. This is also the main reason why most pond owners and builders placed channel cats inside. They are also very easy to catch.
Blue Catfish
This particular species is known to grow very large in size, making them a challenging target for light tackle. Other types of tackle fishing are also good. The meat of a blue catfish is usually tougher, due to their larger size.
Flatheads
Flatheads are very aggressive and will offer stiff resistance when caught. They therefore provide the most sport for avid fishers. They prey on smaller fish such as sunfish, bluegills and shellcrackers.
Catfishing: Techniques and Strategies
Tackle
There are two types of tackle for fishing in ponds. For ponds with blues and flatheads, you can take a medium action rod with a bait casting or spinning reel and something that use around 10 pound test or heavier. You can use treble hooks since these species easily suckle the bait off a single-point hook. With the way treble hooks are designed, the fish will hook their mouth as soon as they are caught. For smaller catfishes, you can use ultra light fishing tackles. Using a 4 pound test, a 5'6'' ultra light spinning rood and a spinning rod, you are good to go. Let them soak but make sure drags are set loose on the reels so that the fish can swim off the bait and hook themselves. As soon as you hear the drag screaming, get the rod, tighten it and start tackling the catfish.
Baits
Always allow your bait enough time to soak prior to the fishing trip, this is one of the keys to a successful catfishing in ponds expedition. You can also take some sweet corn, dog food and corn flakes with you to help bring the catfishes into the surface.
Noodling
This is among the more challenging ways to catch a catfish. Noodling is basically catching one of these critters with one's bare hands. It involves wading into shallow water and finding a catfish hole, grabbing the fish and pulling it out of the surface of the water, to be tossed into the boat. Some help may be required for the larger species.
Species Makeup
Three types of catfish species inhabit ponds and lakes. The smallest and most common of these is the channel catfish. The blue catfish is a close second, while the flathead is the largest, hardest and most aggressive of the family.
Channel cats
This is one of the most common species of catfish found in ponds. They are usually scavengers, getting off bugs on the water surface and eating dead forage fish so they are perfect for managed ponds. This is also the main reason why most pond owners and builders placed channel cats inside. They are also very easy to catch.
Blue Catfish
This particular species is known to grow very large in size, making them a challenging target for light tackle. Other types of tackle fishing are also good. The meat of a blue catfish is usually tougher, due to their larger size.
Flatheads
Flatheads are very aggressive and will offer stiff resistance when caught. They therefore provide the most sport for avid fishers. They prey on smaller fish such as sunfish, bluegills and shellcrackers.
Catfishing: Techniques and Strategies
Tackle
There are two types of tackle for fishing in ponds. For ponds with blues and flatheads, you can take a medium action rod with a bait casting or spinning reel and something that use around 10 pound test or heavier. You can use treble hooks since these species easily suckle the bait off a single-point hook. With the way treble hooks are designed, the fish will hook their mouth as soon as they are caught. For smaller catfishes, you can use ultra light fishing tackles. Using a 4 pound test, a 5'6'' ultra light spinning rood and a spinning rod, you are good to go. Let them soak but make sure drags are set loose on the reels so that the fish can swim off the bait and hook themselves. As soon as you hear the drag screaming, get the rod, tighten it and start tackling the catfish.
Baits
Always allow your bait enough time to soak prior to the fishing trip, this is one of the keys to a successful catfishing in ponds expedition. You can also take some sweet corn, dog food and corn flakes with you to help bring the catfishes into the surface.
Noodling
This is among the more challenging ways to catch a catfish. Noodling is basically catching one of these critters with one's bare hands. It involves wading into shallow water and finding a catfish hole, grabbing the fish and pulling it out of the surface of the water, to be tossed into the boat. Some help may be required for the larger species.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about Catfishing in Ponds, then visit John Garrett's site on How To Catch a Catfish and other catfishing tips from the master angler.
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