Catfish is one of the most sought after species in the world. Catfish fishing is enjoyed by men, women and children of all ages. Anglers have been reeling in this species of fish for many years and the excitement of catching a catfish is still at the top of the list today. Many angles go after the catfish because when cooked correctly they make a very tasty meal. Others just enjoy the fun and excitement reeling in one of these fish can bring as they can put up quite a battle.



Whatever reason you have for catfish fishing there are a few things that you should consider that can make each one of your fishing trips more fun and interesting. The 5 great fishing tips for catching catfish listed below can enhance your adventure and help you reel in those catfish faster and easier.

Tip One

Choose your sinker carefully. Even though the sinker may seem like a small and insignificant piece of equipment, it is in fact very important. This is especially true when you are fishing for catfish. You need the bait to reach the bottom of the water where the catfish is feeding so you need a sinker that weighs enough to help accomplish this. However, you don't want it to be so big that it is distracting and sends the fish swimming in the opposite direction.

Tip Two

Pick the right bait. Catfish are attracted to bait that is similar to what they find naturally on the bottom of the lakes and streams in which they are located. Live bait is one of the best choices you can make when catfish fishing. They will go after worms, minnows, insects, shad, frogs and crawfish. Due to the fact that catfish have a keen sense of smell, stink bait is highly recommended.

Tip Three

Don't limit yourself to just fishing during the daytime. If you do, you are depriving yourself of the opportunity to catch a lot of catfish, many of which could be very large. The barbells and whiskers of the catfish are very sensitive making it possible for them to sense their prey better in the dark than any other species. For this reason, they tend to be active and feed during the night more than they do during the day.

Tip Four

Be cautious when removing the hook from the catfish. If you get stuck by the fins it could be very painful so wearing gloves is recommended. One of the easiest ways to remove the hook is by placing one finger behind the fin on one side and your thumb behind the fin on the other side. Grip it securely and use a pair of pliers to remove the hook. This will allow you to remove the hook without touching the fins and without harming the catfish.