When it comes to fishing, there are several factors you should consider before making a final purchase decision about what gear and accessories you need. Depending on the type of fish you’re attempting to catch, the tools and equipment you’ll need will vary due to the fact that every fish has its own unique behavior patterns and routines.
While the behavior of certain fish species stays roughly the same, how effective you’ll be at catching them will also depend on the type of water that you’re fishing in. Deepwater fishing will require different equipment than fishing in shallow water and freshwater fishing is a very different sport than salt-water fishing.
This is why you should always perform in-depth research before each fishing trip to ensure that you’re able to catch your limit of fish. One of the most popular fish in recent years has been catfish, many fishermen are trying to catch catfish now because of their yield, abundance, and delicious flavor.
In order to make your catfish fishing trip more efficient and fruitful, you also need to take into consideration the time of day that you go out to catch them. Certain catfish species come out under very specific conditions such as during the extremely hot months or during extremely cold weather which is why it’s important for you to keep this information in mind before deciding on when or where you would like to go fishing.
All of these elements will play a very important role in the amount of catfish you’re able to catch and how effectively you’ll be able to catch them. Depending on your experience level and preferred fishing style, certain catfish fishing techniques will be more ideal for you when compared to others.
In this guide, we’re going to break down all of the critical elements that you must pay attention to before deciding on the specific type of equipment and gear you need to go out fishing for catfish. We’ll cover all of the important aspects you need to consider and know about before going out in the water to catch catfish.
Below, we’ll start by looking at all of the various types of catfish varieties that are out in the water. Make sure you read the following section in detail to ensure that you will understand the small differences between each catfish type and how you should approach catching them straight out of the water.
Types of Different Catfish
When it comes to catfish fishing, there are several different varieties of catfish to choose from. For each catfish variety, you’ll need to use a different fishing technique to ensure that you’ll be able to optimize your fishing yield and effectiveness while out in the water.
Below, we’re going to take a look at all of the various catfish varieties that are out there so you can have a better understanding of what to look for when you begin your next fishing trip or expedition.
Each catfish type varies in terms of color, size, and protein content so you’ll want to keep these factors in mind before deciding on the type of catfish that you plan on going out to catch. Although many of these catfish types will be found in the same bodies of water, they vary drastically when talking about how they taste and the preferred method you should use for catching them.
Depending on your intended fishing target, certain catfish types may be easier or more difficult for you to catch so keep that in mind before deciding on which catfish type you should go after.
Blue Catfish
Blue catfish are known as some of the biggest and most well-renowned catfish options out on the market. Blue catfish can grow to be very large in size with some reaching up to about 150lbs on the shorter end of the spectrum.
Blue catfish have a pretty open migration pattern which makes them one of the easier catfish types to catch without having to put in too much effort in terms of stalking your prey and devising a method to catch them.
Blue catfish also tend to move in groups so you can catch multiple blue catfish in one area or you can catch a blue catfish that is the equivalent to many separate catfish but in one body. Blue catfish can typically be found in very deep water near lakes and in rivers because they like to migrate towards strong current in order to catch potential prey.
Flathead Catfish
Flathead catfish are some of the toughest type of catfish to catch largely due to the fact that they like to stay stationary as opposed to constantly moving for migration purposes. Flathead catfish are typically a lot harder to locate than other types of catfish because of their stationary movement and migration patterns.
Flathead catfish are also known for providing lots of resistance once they are hooked onto your rod so you’ll want to make sure that you can wrestle with some fish if you plan on catching flathead catfish. Flathead catfish typically weight a maximum of 100lbs and are easy to tell apart from the other catfish types because of their flat heads and elongated body shape.
Channel Catfish
Channel catfish tend to be the smallest of all the catfish types and usually don’t go over 20lbs in total weight. Channel catfish also tend to move in larger groups as opposed to other catfish types which are great for those people who want to catch a lot of fish instead of one of two very large fish.
On rare occasions, you can eve find channel catfish that weigh up to 50lbs. Channel catfish are great because you can find them virtually anywhere on earth which makes them some of the most sought-after catfish types out in the water.
Now that you know a little bit more about all of the different types of catfish species out there, it’s time to look at optimal times during which you can catch catfish with ease. Depending on your experience level and preferred fishing time, you can catch catfish in nearly any water during almost any time.
Best Times to Fish for Catfish
There are a lot of misconceptions about catfish fishing in terms of when you should go out fishing for them and what times are optimal for you in terms of attempting to catch the catfish, you’re interested in. Below, we’re going to cover some of the best times for people to begin going out to try and catch catfish so that you can decide on which time is going to be best for you to get into the water.
The type of catfish species that you’re fishing for will also have an impact on the optimal time that you should set out in order to catch them. Make sure that you read this entire section in full to ensure that you know what times you should go out to begin searching for catfish that pique your interest.
Catfish Fishing in The Day
Fishing for catfish in the daytime tends to be easier than nighttime fishing just for obvious reasons relating to visibility and climate. In the daytime, you can fish for catfish from the shore or in deep water however you should always work your way from deep waters into shallow water if you fish for catfish in the daytime so it’s best to have an in-depth understanding about catfish fishing in the daytime if you plan on participating in this sort of activity. Daytime catfish fishing can be very rewarding however it is also a more difficult method for catching catfish then nighttime catfish fishing.
Catfish Fishing in the night
Nighttime catfish fishing is one of the more popular options with many people because it tends to be much cooler at night than in the daytime. Nighttime catfish fishing is also great because the catfish tend to show up in much more shallow water than in the daytime.
This is due to the fact that catfish follow the forage which tends to be much cooler at night than in the nighttime. Fishing for catfish in the nighttime is also great because catfish tend to feel a lot safer in open water while under the cover of darkness which is something that you won’t find in many other types of fish species out there.
We’ve covered when to catch catfish and the various types of catfish species out there, now it’s time to look at some of the various types of bait that you should use if you happen to be interested in catching catfish.
Optimal Bait Types: Preferred Bait for Catfish Fishing
When it comes to catching catfish, there are a lot of different bait types that you should be aware of when attempting to catch them. Depending on the type of catfish that you’re trying to catch and your experience level, certain bait types will be easier to work with when compared to others so keep that in mind before deciding on which catfish bait type is best for your next fishing trip.
All of the bait types listed below are the preferred method for catching catfish however there are a lot of other options out there for you to choose from. Always keep your mind open however consider all of the bait types we mention below to ensure you’re making the right decision about which bait type you should use when on your next catfish fishing trip.
- Nightcrawlers– nightcrawlers are great for catching catfish that are smaller in size generally near small ponds and other bodies of water. Nightcrawlers are great because you can find some pretty nice sized ones with ease which makes them a great option for those who need a lot of bait but don’t want to pay extreme amounts of money to get it.
- Store-Bought Catfish Bait– catfish bait bought from the store is a very popular option with many fishers because it’s simple and easy to use. Store bought catfish bait can be found at your local sporting goods store or in your local tackle and bait shops. Store bought catfish bait is typically made using certain flavors and scents which are designed to attract catfish to your fishing rig.
- Hotdogs– hotdogs are a well-kept secret when it comes to catfish bait because you can purchase a cheap pack and have a nearly endless amount of bait. All you have to do is break off a piece of the hotdog then connect it to the end of your fishing rod in order to begin casting it to attract catfish in your direction.
- Chicken Livers– one of the more well-known and commonly used fishing bait types out on the market due to the fact that you can easily find it at virtually any grocery store or supermarket in your local area. Chicken livers are very affordable and they produce a lot of blood in the water which attracts catfish from all around the local body of what that you’re fishing in which is why many fishermen use chicken livers when trying to catch catfish.
Now that we’ve covered all of the different types of bait options you can choose from when fishing for catfish, it’s time to look at some of the types of rods and other fishing equipment that you’ll need to catch the number of catfishes that you’re interested in.
Types of Rods for Catfish Fishing
In the following section, we’re going to look at some of the preferred types of fishing rods that you should use when attempting to catch catfish. Each type of fishing rod listed below will provide you with personalized power and maneuverability while out in the water so keep these factors in mind before deciding on which fishing rod options is best for you.
Jigging Rods
Jigging Rods or bobber rig have a huge advantage over other fishing rod types out on the market because they are very lightweight and compact when compared to the various other options on the market. Jigging rods fail in the arena of sensitivity because many of them are made from carbon fiber which doesn’t transfer bits very well when attempting to catch catfish fish regardless of where you’re attempting to capture them at.
Try to avoid fiberglass jigging rods at all costs when attempting to catch catfish because the results will not be what you expect in the least. Fiberglass is very hard and doesn’t transfer bits well at all so you’ll have to put an extra amount of energy into making sure that you pay attention to the state of your fishing rod at all times.
Rigging Rods
Rigging rods allow you to get a very accurate sense of how sensitive your line is and how many fish are biting at your line at any given moment. If you decide to use a rigging rod to catch catfish, you need to make sure that you’re able to detect bites on your line as soon as they happen because if not, your desired catfish can get away very easily and without any problems.
Rigging rods will detect the smallest amount of movement and then transfer it throughout the entire body of the fishing rod itself. Rigging rods are ideal because the fish themselves don’t feel a lot of pressure from the line itself when attached which can cause them to hold their bite for much longer periods of time making it easier for you to catch and keep them without putting in too much effort.
Trolling Rods
Trolling Rods are great for catfish fishing because they are very durable and reliable in terms of their sensitivity and reactivity when our fishing for catfish fish. Trolling Rods use moderate to light actions which makes it very easy for you to streamline the entire fishing process. Trolling rods are very durable yet they’re also very easy to bend which is a feature that you’ll need when out fishing for catfish fish.
Trolling rods come in all different kinds of sizes and configurations which makes them one of the most versatile fishing rod options out on the market. It’s best to purchase a trolling rod that has a handle made from EVA because it will give you the ability to maneuverer your rod in a various different type of water conditions. Trolling Rods are also very easy to use for fishers of all fishing levels and experience so they make a great starting point if you’re completely new to the world of catfish fishing.
Top Catfish Fishing Rod Recommendations
Now that we’ve covered all of the most important details you need to know about when choosing the right type of equipment and environment to catch catfish, it’s time to look at our top recommended catfish rod options that you can choose from to optimize your catfish fishing adventures and endeavors.
Make sure that you take into consideration the type of catfish that you’re going to be fishing for before deciding on which of these following recommendations is best for you.
1. Eagle Claw Catclaw Casting Rod
The Eagle Claw Catclaw Casting Rod provides a medium to heavy fishing action that is easy to control which is perfect for both experienced and beginner fishing enthusiasts. This rod uses an E-glass bank which provides stability and power to the rod overall allowing you to catch as many catfish as you want without breaking a sweat.
The Eagle Claw Catclaw Casting Rod also comes equipped with 7 aluminum oxide guides which makes it extremely easy to move and control while in the water fishing. The Eagle Claw Catclaw Casting Rod is made using an EVA foam handle that is great for providing water resistance and it also offers a very comfortable grip for you when encountering quite rocky waters. Price: $68.90
2. Ready 2 Fish Catfish Spin Rod and Reel
The Ready 2 Fish Catfish Spin Rod and Reel is an all-in-one fishing rod that is perfect for catching catfish because it comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box. This fishing reel is waterproof and has a 55’ spinning reel which is great for casting your line very far from your boat in order to catch as many catfish as you want.
The Ready 2 Fish Catfish Spin Rod and Reel are 7ft and uses an EVA handle which provides a great grip and control in virtually all types of waters and other fishing conditions. This fishing rod is also using an aluminum spool and is made using fiberglass for extreme durability and long-lasting performance. The Ready 2 Fish Catfish Spin Rod and Reel is compatible with all types of catfish bait which makes it the perfect option. Price: $59.99
3. Rippin Lips Super Cat Casting Rod
The Rippin Lips Super Cat Casting Rod is a high-quality fishing rod option that is packing a lot of power and functionality. The fishing rod is made from durable aluminum that makes up the entire body of the reel for maximum performance and line casting.
The Rippin Lips Super Cat Casting Rod is 7ft long in total and comes with 20 different baitcasting tools that you can use for maximized fishing performance and catching while out in the water. The Rippin Lips Super Cat Casting Rod is very stable and easy to use which is why so many people like using the rod for going out in either shallow or very deep waters. Price: $49.79
4. Okuma Battle Cat Catfish Spinning Rod
The Okuma Battle Cat Catfish Spinning Rod comes with an Eva grip for maximum support and protection when out fishing for catfish. This spinning rod also has a double foot welded stainless-steel guide design which gives you ultimate support and stability when out trying to catch catfish of all types.
The Okuma Battle Cat Catfish Spinning Rod even comes with an EVA grip that makes it easy for you to maintain line control and casting speed when out in the water. The rod features a heavy-duty stainless-steel construction that makes it very resistant to damage and corrosion. The Okuma Battle Cat Catfish Spinning Rod also has rod holders which will keep your fishing rod in place and prevent slips or other accidents from happening while out on the water.
The Okuma Battle Cat Catfish Spinning Rod is a great option for those who are interested in a powerful fishing rod that gives you control and efficiency. Price: $87.43
5. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel has 8 stainless steel ball bearings that are made using PCR In addition to having 1 roller bearing that adds even more corrosion to the reel overall. The fishing rod also has an am gearing system that gives you machined gears that are precisely created in order to provide you with smooth and seamless reel fishing that is very durable.
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel also has an optimized gear set that is computerized providing you with efficiency and accuracy which is something that not many catfish fishing reels offer. The spinning reel also has a carbon matrix drag system that is a hybrid and it provides a very smooth gear action and drag performance so that you can fish how you want and when you want.
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel has an inserted molded C6 body design in addition to an x-crafty gearbox that has a C6 carbon body which gives the reel a very lightweight feel which is great for long-term catfish fishing. The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel has a gear ratio of 6.2:1 which is very robust for virtually any type of fishermen or fishers at sea interested in catfish fish. Price: $159.95
6. Okuma Fishing Tackle Hx-35 Helios
The Okuma Fishing Tackle Hx-35 Helios is a very lightweight fishing reel that is perfect for catfish fish because it is made using a carbon material for the frame which adds maximum durability and power while out fishing for catfish fish. The fishing rod is made using C-40X carbon which is very durable and damage resistant which is exactly what you need when out fishing for catfish fish in virtually any type of waters.
The Okuma Fishing Tackle Hx-35 Helios also comes with a multi-disc Carbonite drag system that provides you with more than enough power to reel in catfish fish in all types of quantities which is great for both experienced and beginning catfish fishers. The fishing rod also has a 9HPB and 1RB corrosion-resistant stainless-steel rating and the ball bearings are also corrosion resistant which is great for those fishers who plan on using their reel over extended periods of time.
The Okuma Fishing Tackle Hx-35 Helios Has a 5.0:1 gear ratio that makes it very versatile and fully capable of handling virtually anything that you throw at it. The riduses an ALG precision alum like alloy material for the main gear that provides oscillating gears so that you can adjust your line positioning and drag with ease. The Okuma Fishing Tackle Hx-35 Helios is the perfect fishing reel option for those that are serious about catching as many catfish fish as possible. Price: $136.99
Conclusion
Use all of the information in this article to help you find the right equipment and tools you need to catch as many catfish as you want. As long as you remember all of the important information, we told you in regards to the specific climate and type of environment that you should look for catfish in, you should have no problem finding the right fit for your intended needs.
Make sure that you plan your next catfish fishing trip out in full detail by using this guide as a helpful tool for your future fishing adventures!