To land a very large catfish, the finest catfishing bait you can use happens to be exactly what the catfish instinctively feeds on. Virtually all varieties of catfish are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals; and as such they are also foragers, eating just about anything along the way. Given the indiscriminate appetite of the big "cats", fishermen have a number of different types of bait they can utilize to lure this kind of fish.
To land a very large catfish, the finest catfishing bait you can use happens to be exactly what the catfish instinctively feeds on. Virtually all varieties of catfish are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals; and as such they are also foragers, eating just about anything along the way.
Given the indiscriminate appetite of the big "cats", fishermen have a number of different types of bait they can utilize to lure this kind of fish. A partial listing of some of the more common types of catfishing bait are as follows: marshmallows, small frogs, live perch, minnows, stink baits, shad, crawfish, earthworms, minnows, grasshoppers, night crawlers, and chicken livers.
Live bait is generally more effective. It also makes sense to capitalize on the cat's powerful sense of smell by making use of stinky baits as well.
You will find that night crawlers and garden worms can be very effective as catfishing bait too. As one might expect, anglers are somewhat inclined to make use of garden worms to hook catfish simply because they're readily accessible and can be found almost everywhere. These baits can work so well that at times it seems like the catfish are simply lining up anticipating the worms. You'll be able to find mini crawlers at bait suppliers; on the other hand you'll really need to go digging for garden worms on your own.
While somewhat of a delicacy for us humans, shrimp and/or smaller prawns also work very well as catfish bait. Depending on their size, prawns can be used whole or, as a cost saving measure, they can be halved so long as each half is of the proper size for bait.
Despite the fact that prawns and shrimp can be used with their shells intact, they really should be removed. Frozen or fresh shrimp and/or prawns can be bought at your nearest seafood store when you're planning your fishing excursion, but keep your ears open because sometimes these stores have sales and you can get those items for a pretty good price. Soaking the shrimp and/or prawns in fish oil for a few moments will serve to give them a more powerful smell.
Another option for catfishing bait is to make it on your own at home. Homemade bait can be a very effective lure and it's hard to argue with the cost. An easy home recipe uses corn flakes and peanut butter. Blending together crushed flakes with a couple dollops of peanut butter creates and interesting mixture that makes fine bait. This excellent homemade concoction includes natural oils within it that discharge to help draw in the fish. Moreover, the peanut butter and corn flake mixture is practically impossible for smaller sized fish to take off of your hook thus avoiding the loss of bait on fish you have no interest in any way.
Bits of sweet corn can be good bait too. Just put a few pieces of corn on each individual point of the treble hook, and then wrap a little ball of bread around it so as to cover the hook. It will emit a sweet scent thereby tempting the catfish. Again, the smaller fish won't be capable of eating the bait. The bread enables you to land all the timid fish that have gotten that way from excessive catch and release.
An alternative for bait which cats without question love is cheese. Considering their somewhat limited vision, catfish can rely on their powerful sense of smell to help them track down and seize their food. That said any time you are making homemade catfish bait, ensure that your own mixtures include a powerful odor to attract the fish. Catfish usually are not picky eaters, so it is easy to make your own do-it-yourself catfish bait that should help the fish find your line.
Wade McBride - About the Author:
Wade McBride is a catfishing expert. For more great tips on catfishing bait, visit http://www.catfishingpointers.com.
Start Fly Fishing - Equipment
When taking up a new hobby, how you start can be the difference between finding enjoyment that lasts a lifetime and an unpleasant experience you don't wish to repeat. Fly fishing is no different and here you will find how we introduce and advise novice fly fishers through those first steps in the learning process.
Firstly, choose a fishery conveniently located for you. Resist the temptation to start on a river or reservoir. Instead select one of the many good quality small stillwaters. Such venues have plenty of space for casting, plus trout are never too far away, giving you a favorable chance of catching those all important early fish.
Having established where we intend to fish, we can select a small set of fly fishing equipment so you can go fly fishing. Our suggested list for beginners includes the following.
This basic selection is all you need to get started. As with most things in life, you can pay as little or as much as you wish. Starter kits can be purchased from £50 or you could by top brand equipment costing over £1000, the choice is yours. However you can obtain the above equipment for £110 - £200 and have tackle that works well, is pleasant to use and flexible for the occasional foray to a river or reservoir once you have built up your experience.
To ensure you start fly fishing the right way, book a day's tuition with an instructor. We can't vouch for everyone, but our Cast & Catch days cover what you need to start and instructors provide guidance on suitable products. In addition to this, these courses coach novice fly fishers in basic casting and fishing techniques, where to look for trout and what flies to use. This ensures you know how to: -
To discover how to start the right way with Midlands Flyfishing go to fly fishing lessons. For details of fisheries we use and recommend in the Midlands see trout fisheries. Details of other waters located around the UK can easily be found using a local internet search.
Firstly, choose a fishery conveniently located for you. Resist the temptation to start on a river or reservoir. Instead select one of the many good quality small stillwaters. Such venues have plenty of space for casting, plus trout are never too far away, giving you a favorable chance of catching those all important early fish.
Having established where we intend to fish, we can select a small set of fly fishing equipment so you can go fly fishing. Our suggested list for beginners includes the following.
Starter Kit
- Fly Rod - Rated AFTM 6-7 weight
- Reel - Basic fly reel designed to hold 6-7 weight line plus 75+ meters of backing
- Fly Line - Weight forward 7 floating fly line
- Backing - Spool of polypropylene backing line, connecting fly line to reel
- Leader - Spools of 6lb and 8lb breaking strain fluorocarbon line
- Fly Box/flies - A small selection of flies to get started
- Priest - Implement for dispatching trout you intend to eat
- Forceps/snips - Combination for trimming line and unhooking fish.
- Landing Net - Means of landing your catch quickly and safely
- Floatant/Sinkant - Treatments to make line/flies float or sink as desired
This basic selection is all you need to get started. As with most things in life, you can pay as little or as much as you wish. Starter kits can be purchased from £50 or you could by top brand equipment costing over £1000, the choice is yours. However you can obtain the above equipment for £110 - £200 and have tackle that works well, is pleasant to use and flexible for the occasional foray to a river or reservoir once you have built up your experience.
To ensure you start fly fishing the right way, book a day's tuition with an instructor. We can't vouch for everyone, but our Cast & Catch days cover what you need to start and instructors provide guidance on suitable products. In addition to this, these courses coach novice fly fishers in basic casting and fishing techniques, where to look for trout and what flies to use. This ensures you know how to: -
- Select and set up equipment correctly
- present flies and fish them effectively
- land and handle fish correctly
To discover how to start the right way with Midlands Flyfishing go to fly fishing lessons. For details of fisheries we use and recommend in the Midlands see trout fisheries. Details of other waters located around the UK can easily be found using a local internet search.
The Joys of Night Fishing
I love night fishing. Most of the times it's because I don't get to go out and fish during the day because of my work, but now there's more to it than just the convenience. I've observed that night fishing offers you the same conditions as daytime, but with generally better results. Sometimes I can swear the fishing conditions are even better during the night, since there are fewer anglers to compete with for a good fishing spot, and less noise as well.
I've also come to realize that when you find a good fishing spot during the day, coming back to it at night will net you even more fish. Although I can't explain why, but the fish just seem to bite more at night. One little drawback though is that it's harder to see your line, but since you're getting a lot of fish, it's worth the effort. For this reason, perhaps, I've seen a lot of daytime fishermen turn to night fishing. When I asked one why, he just said it makes him look good because he catches more fish that way!
If you want to try night fishing, I say full speed ahead! But make sure that the weather forecast for that night is good. It's going to be difficult enough moving about and finding things in the dark; when you go out night fishing during bad weather, it just makes it worse and more dangerous. I know this sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at the number of anglers who forget this very simple rule.
Here's one tip to make your night fishing even better: Watch the moon! You might be thinking it sounds a bit crazy, but try it and see for yourself. You'll be surprised at the things you might learn. One thing you're most likely to notice is that most fish hide in the shadows during a full moon. I can't tell you why because I don't know myself, but that's what I and my night fishing friends have observed, anyway. So now when you find some shadows on the water, you'll know where to cast your line.
If there are no shadows and the moon isn't shining down on the water, it will make your task of finding the fish a bit harder, but that doesn't mean you're out of luck and have to return another evening. The fish seems more likely to bite anytime it's not a full moon or if it's partially hidden by clouds. So now you'll know how to determine which fishing spot will be more likely to get you better results. If the moon is shining full and bright, go for the shadows in the water. If it's hidden or even nowhere to be seen, just go to your favorite fishing spot and expect lots of hits on the line.
I've heard a lot of anglers say that they only fish during a full moon, while others say that no moon is the best time for night fishing. What I'd recommend to you is to go out into the night and try both. You will get good results, whether it's a full moon or night. All you have to remember is to adjust your fishing technique and change your fishing spots, depending on how much the moon is shining during the night.
About the Author: Jasmine Stone
Want to find out about ferret training and ferret colors? Get tips from the Ferrets As Pets website.
I've also come to realize that when you find a good fishing spot during the day, coming back to it at night will net you even more fish. Although I can't explain why, but the fish just seem to bite more at night. One little drawback though is that it's harder to see your line, but since you're getting a lot of fish, it's worth the effort. For this reason, perhaps, I've seen a lot of daytime fishermen turn to night fishing. When I asked one why, he just said it makes him look good because he catches more fish that way!
If you want to try night fishing, I say full speed ahead! But make sure that the weather forecast for that night is good. It's going to be difficult enough moving about and finding things in the dark; when you go out night fishing during bad weather, it just makes it worse and more dangerous. I know this sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at the number of anglers who forget this very simple rule.
If there are no shadows and the moon isn't shining down on the water, it will make your task of finding the fish a bit harder, but that doesn't mean you're out of luck and have to return another evening. The fish seems more likely to bite anytime it's not a full moon or if it's partially hidden by clouds. So now you'll know how to determine which fishing spot will be more likely to get you better results. If the moon is shining full and bright, go for the shadows in the water. If it's hidden or even nowhere to be seen, just go to your favorite fishing spot and expect lots of hits on the line.
I've heard a lot of anglers say that they only fish during a full moon, while others say that no moon is the best time for night fishing. What I'd recommend to you is to go out into the night and try both. You will get good results, whether it's a full moon or night. All you have to remember is to adjust your fishing technique and change your fishing spots, depending on how much the moon is shining during the night.
About the Author: Jasmine Stone
Want to find out about ferret training and ferret colors? Get tips from the Ferrets As Pets website.
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