Winter Catfishing

Winter Catfishing

by Tripper Foreman

    Oh the weather outside is frightful but cat fishing can still be delightful..........Cat fishing in the winter months are just as fun and challenging as the other seasons. As long as you follow a few basics rules you could possibly catch the biggest cat yet! So unpack that fishing gear. Your comfort and safety are most important. Dress warm, layer your clothes, invest in a good pair of waterproof gloves and wear your life vest anytime you are on or near the water. Make sure you have a license to fish and get to know the cat and habitat in which it lives. 

    Tackle is truly a personal preference but here are a few pointers to help you decide. The rod and reel you choose needs to be sturdy, strong and powerful to bring in you catch. I use a heavy action rod about 7'-8' long. The reel needs a good drag. The line can be a tricking decision, if its too light it will defiantly break and it its to heavy it will cause back lashes. I use the braid for my main line and mono for the lead. A good circle hook 7/0-12/0 will do nicely. The weight should be about 8 oz for heavy current and 4-6 oz for light currents. Don't forget the swivels and beads. 

    The bait is about the same regardless of the season. The natural food source for the specific cat and body of water is always an excellent choice to use. Live or cut shad, fresh chicken, and chicken livers are also good choices. Cats have awesome sensors, especially their sense of smell so anything that has an awful order will do.

    The 3 types of cats, Blues, Flatheads and Channels live in almost any type of water so they can be found

 wherever you live. In lakes, ponds, and reservoirs look for cats in the deepest holes with the best structures. In rivers, deep holes away from the current is a sure bet. Try inlets, banks, coves, ledges, inside and outside bends and drop offs. Cats are always on or near the bottom, grouped or schooled together, no matter the season. Cats tend to move slower in the winder so make adjustments in how you move your bait. Once you find the hotspots, start reeling them in!. Be patient, give the cats a good 30 -45 minutes, if nothing strikes move to the next hole. 

    If you are fishing from a boat, with a depth finder you have an advantage over the bank fisherman. You can use the drift or anchor methods and will have access to lots more cat fish holes. Either way cat fishing in the winter can be challenging and rewarding.

    Don't forget an oversized dip net so you don't lose that once in a lifetime trophy cat. If you aren't planner to make you catch dinner, take lots of pictures and release him to catch another day.