Ways to Catch Summer Catfish on the River
Ways to Catch Summer Catfish on the River
By Brad Durick
Catching catfish on the surface looks pretty easy and it is. One of the beautiful things about catfishing in the 21st century is it can be as simple or as difficult as you want it to be.
Ways to catch catfish are many. In some states you can limb line, trotline, use bank poles or even net. These are older forms of catching catfish that were meant to provide food for the family. Many still consider them sporting but for this article we will leave it here and stick to rod and reel.
A basic catfish rig is pretty simple. It’s a stout rod, a reel, good line, a hook swivel and sinker. From this list of gear, you can modify by adding a float or rattle to the line. Other than that, the system to catch catfish is pretty simple. It is what you do with that rig that changes the game.
A Basic Rig
For most catfishing applications in the north (except targeting big flatheads) all you need is a medium or medium heavy rod. Of course, rod styles and feel vary so you will need to find what you like. These days most stores have a variety of catfish rods to choose from.
Reels can be spinning or baitcasting, whatever the angler prefers. It should be able to hold at least 100 yards of line and have a fairly stout drag.
As for line and terminal tackle, monofilament or braid depending on what you prefer. Most places 20-30-pound line is plenty. Some catfish anglers insist on 65-80 pound line to be safe but all that does is make breaking off at snags harder. In most places a 3/0 to 6/0 hook is big enough to catch catfish. Add in a number one or three swivel to prevent spinning and line twist.
Sinkers are another key to success. The rule of thumb typically with sinkers is to have the lightest sinker you can get away with. Unlike other fish like walleyes that feel the weight, when in doubt go heavier to maintain contact to the bottom. Catfish are not afraid of a little extra weight.
My Rigs
I use a very basic Carolina rig. It is 30-pound monofilament line with a no roll sinker ranging from two to five ounces, a number one barrel swivel a 10-12 inch snell to a 5/0 to 8/0 circle hook. Pretty simple for the most part.
Once in a while I will put a float or rattle in the line to add a little lift, sound and motion into the rig.
While the rigs stay very basic. I do keep two complete sets of rods and reels rigged up. Most of the time I use a medium or a medium heavy rod that is on the lighter side (depend on brand). Should a higher water situation or the bite is in heavier current areas I keep a medium heavy rod with a larger reel such as the 7000 Abu Garcia ready to add some additional fighting power. This gives the versatility to comfortably fight fish for the angler and not overwork the fish so it can be released easily.
Flathead Upgrades
When fishing for flatheads the rigs stay the same for the most part. A couple changes that must be considered are beefing up the line to a 50-80 pound test for the added power of fighting big fish and getting them out of snags quickly.
Fishing from Shore
While many anglers still fish from shore it is worth mentioning that you can set up your rig to be more effective. First, when trying to fish a current seam or hole toward the middle of the river put more weight on. Like stated earlier, catfish tend to not be scared of weight so make sure you stick the baits where you want them. Second, don’t be afraid to fish right near the bank, especially at night. Shallow water is often overlooked by catfish anglers and even more so by shore anglers because they have the mentality to reach the areas the boats are in.
Drifting and Trolling
Some river anglers like to drift and troll for catfish. While this is more conducive to blue catfish it can work for channel cats as well if you move very slow working the edges and areas where the fish might be. This is an effective way to cover water for active fish. It is also much more appropriate in larger rivers.
I don’t drift or troll at all on the river for a few reasons. First, the bottom is so littered with wood and snags that you would spend your entire day retying lines. Second, in my profession as a guide I don’t have time to manage inexperience and the snags and be effective in my job.
Floats and bobbers
Often overlooked, a suspended line under a float can be a very effective way to catch catfish in rivers. You simply cast it out and let the light current catch the bobber and work your bait around the structure and along the current seam. This method used to be more popular than it is now that we are more mobile with boats. It can be very effective and an absolute blast of a way to catch catfish.
I very much enjoy fishing cats with floats but I have found that conditions have to be nearly perfect for it to be effective. Also, when managing up to three clients at a time casting and managing bobbers may not be the best use of resources.
Adjustments to Catch More River Catfish
When fishing in rivers some simple adjustments to your rig that you can make is to add or subtract weight to get the bait into the sweet spot. Like stated earlier, catfish are not afraid of weight so don’t be shy if you think you need some extra sticking power.
I run a 10-12 inch leader all the time. Some adjustments that can be made the leader if you see fit is to lengthen the leader if the current is light to allow for free movement of the bait. On the other hand, if the current is high a leader that is too long can ride high in the water column and over hunting fish. It can also twist and turn the bait causing a knot.
If you think you need some sound or motion you can always add a rattle unto the line. This is more for a drifter or troller but some believe it does make a difference when fishing in a river as well.
You can also add a float on the line if you want a little lift. Sometimes all you need is a longer leader but a float in the line can give the line a little added suspension if so desired.
These are just a few ideas of ways you can catch catfish in a river. There are literally dozens of other methods. Just remember, if it catches fish it works.
