Catfish are a bottom-dwelling fish, popular with anglers for both their fight and their tasty flesh. Several species of catfish are caught in the United States, among them the smaller channel and bullhead catfish, which average from 1 to 10 lbs., up to the large and predatory flathead and blue catfish, which can reach a whopping 100 lbs. With poor eyesight but an enhanced sense of smell, catfish can zero in on food from great distances. Angling for catfish is not complicated, and a simple rig with a plastic spring bobber and some highly scented bait works well.
Step 1
Fold the end of your fishing line back on itself around 5 inches to form a flattened loop. Thread the end of the loop through the eye in the fishing hook. Tie an overhand knot in the loop. Pass the hook through the end of the loop. Wet the knot and pull it tight to form a Palomar knot. Trim the end of the line off near the knot with the nail clippers.
Step 2
Attach a split shot weight to the fishing line about a foot above the hook. The weight should be just heavy enough to hold the bait down in the water but light enough to allow the bobber to float properly at the surface.
Step 3
Select the location on your fishing line to attach the bobber. When you're angling for catfish, position the bobber so that it suspends your bait just off the bottom.
Step 4
Place your thumb completely over the button on the top of the bobber and press it down to reveal the metal hook on the bottom of the bobber. Attach the hook to the fishing line and release the button so the hook grabs the line.
Step 5
Press the edge of the button to reveal the metal hook on the top of the bobber. Insert your line into that hook, then release the button to grab the line. Your bobber is now securely set on the fishing line.
Step 6
Bait your hook and cast your bobber rig. Determine if the bobber is positioned properly and adjust the bobber on the fishing line, if necessary. If the bobber goes under immediately, change to either a larger bobber or a lighter weight. Watch the movement of the bobber as an indicator that a catfish is biting.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing rod, reel and line
- Plastic spring bobber
- Split shot weights
- Fishing hook
- Bait
- Nail clippers
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