Catfishing meet

OP updated with tentative details. Looks like SB Cove (Bartlett Lake) on Friday night July 13 is in the lead...

 

He he, I was thinking the same thing.

 

I'll be there if Connor drives me lol and Scott let's me borrow his pole

Just talked with Scott, riding with him so ill be there!

 

Getta fishing license...if you get stopped and you don't have one they MAY confiscate the gear...don't want that!!!

 

In extreme cases they have also been known to confiscate your vehicle, too. "Any means used to facilitate the taking of game/wildlife without a license", or something like that.

 

donde the nearest game department hombre?

 

We'll be out there by the time your off. I'll bring ya a pole



Please get a fishing license....even if it's a 1 day pass...I don't want my stuff taken. (Directed towards anyone using someone elses gear )

 

Fish & Game doesn't have a close substation, but they still come out there. Not worth the risk. If you're looking for a place to buy a license, just go to Wal-Mart or any sporting goods store. Prices are the same everywhere. You only need a state fishing license, nothing else (unless you want a 2 pole stamp or other options).

 

Scott, I'm thinking I'll just get off work early on Friday and run home quick to get my gear. With my 7' rod case in the back of the truck, I don't trust it sitting out in the parking lot and in the heat. Plus, all of my baits would melt, and my drinks would be warm. I can leave my office by 4pm and run home, grab my stuff, get ice, and be back in Scottsdale by 6pm. Still gives us plenty of time to get on the water and set up before dark.

 

I asked in reference to get a license, thanks ill stop by wally world

 

Ollie keep me posted with how much it costs, I'll need to grab one too.

 

a bit off topic and certainly not related to this trip..but what is good bait and technique for catfish fishing. i have no idea , im just a cityslicker

 

It may or may not be in the thread below, although I am sure that one of the other guys will chime in soon

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/boating-fishing/213982-fishing-bs-thread.html

 

Cortland, let's just go get them this weekend sometime.

 

Sounds like a plan

 

I posted this on the OP for reference, too, but here's some tactics and recommendations. My favorite bottom fishing rig (best for catfish) is highlighted in red):


Tackle

• Rod/reel - 7' rod is recommended, with a medium to heavy action reel that can hold at least 100 yds of 12-15lb test. Smaller rods/reels will give you issues if you hook up with a large fish and it starts taking line. Most of the cats in Bartlett can be caught on 8-10lb test, a good 7' rod, a clean real that can hold over 100 yards of line, and a little common sense. Bring a reel that holds lots of line and is easily castable in the dark.
• Hooks - treble hooks (3 barbs) recommended. Size 1 are good. Get hooks that can hold a nice piece of bait but that the bait will completely cover the hook. Small hooks tear up baits, oversize hooks are hard to hide the bait with. Single shank hooks (1 barb) are good for tougher baits like large shrimp (which are conveniently hook shaped!)
• Swivels - the kind with the clips on one side. I usually tie a 1/2 oz weight about 3 feet up the line from a small metal clippable swivel, and then attach the swivel to the hook eyelet. The reason I do this is to be able to take the treble hook off, push the eyelet of the hook through fragile baits like chicken livers, and clip the hook back onto the swivel. I don't usually like to use swivels in fishing in general, but it seems to still be ok for catfishing and not bug them too much. The convenience of being able to re-bait with this technique is worth it. If the fish are too picky, I'll remove the swivel and just tie the hooks straight to the line. Catfish are touchy sometimes.
• Line - 10-12lb test minimum, but don't go heavier than that unless you plan to use larger gear. No need for anything over 25 lb test unless you're REEEEAAALLLLY lucky

Bring at least a half dozen hooks, weights, and swivels. Make sure that the line on your reel is no older than a year or it will be brittle, especially if you stored it in the garage. It's worth $5 to go get some new Stren from Wal-Mart and reload it. Make sure the reel and rod are in good working order - nothing more frustrating than crappy gear that breaks when you hook into a good fish.


Bait

• Shrimp (works great on a single shank hook or a smaller treble hook. No swivel needed) - great for the smaller catfish
• Hot dogs - a cheap easy favorite but they fall off the hook easy when casting and get stolen by smart catfish
• Chicken livers - a tried and true favorite, but the most fragile of them all. Hard to cast and get to stay on the hook.
• Dip baits - spongy type lures that you dip in various nasty goos. I don't like to mess with these but they do work
• Live bait - come early and catch some small bluegills/sunfish/tilapia and you'll have the best bait you can use. Live baits are what catch the big cats. Remember, catfish are true predators - not garbage eaters. They hunt for protein, preferably the live kind. A 4-6" bluegill can catch a 20+ pounder easily. Crayfish work great, too. If you can find a bait shop that sells water dogs, those are awesome but pricey.
• Lunch meats - all types work, you'll have to experiment. The firmer, the better. Those lil smokies or small sausages work good because they stay on the hook
• Squid - yes, squid. You can buy squid steaks either fresh or frozen, and it's surprisingly affordable (usually cheaper than shrimp even). It's as tough as leather and has a great protein stench that brings em in. When it's fresh, it even glows in the dark after recharging under your flashlight.

Bring a variety of baits. I'll be there to catch some live bait before the sun sets. I'll bring a variety of shrimps, seafood cuts, hot dogs, etc. to experiment with until we find what's working.

 

Jasmine and I along with her brother are planning on fishing Sunday morning..can't wait!

 

I will update the OP later with maps and directions when I am not on my phone. Its about 45 minutes n/e of Bell/101.

 

Anyone bringing a small inflatable or aluminum boat?