| Fishing for catfish can be one of the most | | | | too. Even when you are trying to catch big fish. |
| exciting types of fishing you can do, but there | | | | Especially in the winter, when the water is cold |
| really are some monster cats out there, so | | | | and calm, the catfish tend to be finicky, and you |
| knowing how to select the right catfish hooks for | | | | have to try to get them out of the water |
| the job is of major importance. | | | | without spooking them. |
| Depending on where you plan to fish, and | | | | If you use anything bigger than a 2/0 hook, you |
| whether you are out to catch basic table cats or | | | | will probably get bites, but the tendency is for the |
| huge monster cat, you will want to adjust the | | | | cat to spook and drop your hook like it was hot! |
| type of hook you plan to use. The good news is | | | | This is particularly true in heavily fished waters, so |
| that there are some outstanding quality products | | | | no matter where you are fishing...lakes, rivers, |
| available to help you nail the catfish you are after. | | | | ponds, etc. when getting bites is not the problem, |
| Keep an assortment with you while fishing, so | | | | just remember that you can always substitute a |
| you can change out the hooks to better fit the | | | | smaller, strong hook, and probably solve the |
| size of fish you are getting. | | | | problem. |
| If you are fishing for table fish, and having a | | | | In the springtime, when the fish are not so |
| problem with the catfish taking your bait, running | | | | finicky, you can move up to some bigger hooks |
| with it for a short distance before just simply | | | | like a 6/0 baitholder hook. These are particularly |
| dropping the bait, you might want to switch to a | | | | good when there are flood water kinds of |
| smaller hook like a 1/0 baitholder. This usually | | | | conditions present. During flood conditions, the fish |
| hangs in there a bit better, and will help you bring | | | | tend to get very aggressive, and they really grab |
| some table fare to the table for dinner. Of | | | | on to basically whatever is out there. You will miss |
| course, it is not as effective when you want to | | | | some fish you could catch if you use the smaller |
| catch really big catfish. | | | | hooks in flood conditions. |
| If you are in a position where you need to cast | | | | Another consideration is using the right size hook |
| out a long distance, you can always use a 2/0 | | | | for whatever bait you are using. Generally |
| octopus. This hook will work very well with a | | | | speaking, bigger bait catches bigger fish; smaller |
| balsa wood and lead float called a Livingston Float. | | | | bait catches smaller fish. The best hook, in my |
| When you cast with this rig, it will really get out | | | | opinion, for catching catfish using shad head for |
| there! So, for casting long distances, try the 2/0 | | | | bait is a 1/0 or 2/0 L042. For general use, you will |
| octopus. | | | | most likely be satisfied with a 3/0 baitholder. While |
| When it comes to winter fishing for catfish, you | | | | others will work well, it is best to consider this |
| really can get better results using smaller hooks | | | | first. |