| Knowing how to select the right catfish hooks for | | | | bait I will switch to a #2 baitholder. Of course it is |
| the type of catfish you want to catch is very | | | | not as effective for big fish but it does put food |
| important. Fishing for a 2lb channel is vastly | | | | on the table. |
| different than fishing for a 50lb blue or flathead | | | | When it comes to winter fishing for catfish, you |
| catfish. The sizes I use range from 2 to 2/0 in | | | | really can get better results using smaller hooks |
| most waters but there are times when you can | | | | too. Even when you are trying to catch big fish. |
| use larger hooks up to 6/0 effectively. | | | | Especially in the winter, when the water is cold |
| I usually fish with a 2/0 baitholder hook as I can | | | | and calm, the catfish tend to be finicky, and you |
| get both table fare and some good sized cats | | | | have to try to get them out of the water |
| without having to worry about the hook failing. | | | | without spooking them. |
| When I am at a location, such as below a dam, | | | | In the springtime, when the fish are not so |
| that has proven to produce monster cats | | | | finicky, you can move up to some bigger hooks |
| consistently I will use a 4/0 hook. | | | | like a 4/0 baitholder hook. These are particularly |
| The way I select the right catfish hook is easy. In | | | | good when there are flood water kinds of |
| waters where I am unsure of what to use I | | | | conditions present. During flood conditions, the fish |
| always start with a 1/0 baitholder hook. If your | | | | tend to get very aggressive, and they really grab |
| drag is set properly this hook is sturdy enough to | | | | on to basically whatever is out there. You will miss |
| bring in the big catfish and small enough to provide | | | | some fish you could catch if you use the smaller |
| good table fare. | | | | hooks in flood conditions. |
| When I am trying to make sure I have a decent | | | | No matter what size or type hook you prefer to |
| catch to take home for dinner I often switch to a | | | | use you should always have an assortment on |
| smaller hook. Not many catfish anglers | | | | hand so that you can adapt to the waters or |
| recommend this but I have had great success | | | | conditions you are fishing in. Go often enough and |
| doing so. For instance, if I am having a problem | | | | you will work out your own system and |
| with the catfish taking my bait, running with it for | | | | preferences for choosing the right catfish hooks. |
| a short distance and then just simply dropping the | | | | |