Should I use a bobber when fishing for catfish?

When catfishing with these techniques the sound of the float hitting the water helps draw in fish and gets them to strike. Using a streamlined float that doesn't make a good “splash” in the water would actually work against you so the traditional bobber rig is preferred.

What is the best rig for catfishing?

The egg sinker slip rig is, hands down, the most popular rig for still fishing catfish. Consisting of an egg sinker on the main line held in place above the hook by a lead shot, this rig is ideal for keeping the bait near the bottom, which in turn, allows a catfish to swim off with the bait with little tension.

How far away should a bobber be from Hook?

For the bobber, a smaller one is more sensitive and offers less resistance to the fish so it can eat your bait easily. Finally, a short distance between the bobber and the hook (1 to 2 feet, normally) gets your worm in front of many fish yet keeps your hook from snagging the bottom.

When should you not use a bobber?

Is it better to fish with or without a bobber? If fishing live bait for trout, panfish, and bullheads, or you want to suspend your bait off the bottom, a bobber is beneficial to most fishermen. If you are fishing large bait for bigger fish or fishing on the bottom, a bobber can be detrimental to your fishing success.

What is the purpose of a bobber?

When pond fishing, use a bobber to keep your bait afloat. When river fishing, use a sinker to weigh the bait down. If you use a bobber in a river, the strong current will push your bait back to the bank.

How Deep to Fish for Catfish With a Bobber

What bait do you use with a bobber?

A simple bobber rig – which can be baited with night crawlers, minnows, crayfish and other live bait, as well as with artificial lures, is the ultimate all-season, open-water fishing rig for anglers of all levels targeting nearly any species of fish.

How deep should you fish for catfish?

Conclusion. The best depth for catching catfish is between 15 and 20 feet deep in lakes. This is known as the catfish zone because they reside within such depths in most lakes. However, depending on the time of the year and the temperature of the water, they can also reside in shallow areas.

What size hooks for catfish?

A number two hook is a good size treble for very large catfish and the largest you want to go with. A number 6 hook is a reliable, standard size. You might use the number 8 if you're looking for smaller cats. Trebles are ideal for punch baits and dip baits.

How high should I put my bobber?

Place your bobber 6-12" from your rod tip and make sure your line is not wrapped around your rod.

Do you use a sinker with a bobber?

Yes, in most cases you need to use a sinker with a bobber, since it weighs down your hook, and presents it at the right depth in the water. By using a sinker with your bobber, you also make it easier for a fish to pull the bobber down when it takes the bait, resulting in fewer missed strikes.

What size bobber should I use?

The correct size bobber should be buoyant enough to keep an active minnow from submerging it, defeating the bobber's purpose. It should also be small enough that the target fish can easily haul the bobber under the surface, without feeling so much resistance that it drops the bait.

What is the best time of day to fish for catfish?

The best time of day to catch catfish is from sunrise until 10 am. This time window is before the sun gets directly overhead and water temperatures are still cool from the evening prior. Catfish will be more active as they seek to feed before the overhead sun warms the water and prey fish seek cover.

What is the best pound test line for catfish?

Catfish aren't line-shy, so you can use light or heavy fishing line as situations dictate. High-strength, small-diameter monofilaments testing 15 to 25 pounds are good inexpensive choices for all-round use, but when hunting the big boys, you may have to upgrade to 30-, 40-, even 80-pound-test.

How do you outsmart a catfish?

Here's how to outsmart a catfish

Block the catfish on your social media accounts (and in the future only accept 'friends' you know). Block 'friends' you met through them too. Block them on your mobile. Change your email address, and be very careful about who you share it with.

How do you attract big catfish?

Catfish are bottom feeders and are attracted to food by both sight and smell. They like bright colors such as orange or red. One of the best lures are Cheetos puffs. The bright orange color attracts their attention and the cheesy corn smell encourages them to bite.

Do catfish feed on the bottom?

For the most part, catfish are bottom feeders and usually hold in deep water, although they will move into shallows to feed, especially at night.

How far should you cast for catfish?

Casting 100 yards (300 feet) or more is typical for an experienced long-distance catter, achievable for most anglers with the right equipment, good guidance, and practice. Skilled casters abandon the more traditional catfishing rod-and-reel setups, relying on longer surf-style spinning or casting combos.

Are catfish difficult to catch?

Catfish are not hard fish to catch. The hardest part of catching catfish is often simply locating them. In lakes during the summer, this can be challenging since catfish will be evenly dispersed and spread through the water.

Do you need a leader for catfish?

Catfish leader line also serves as a “shock absorber” when a catfish strikes. This absorbs the force of aggressive strikes from big catfish. That shock absorption is important with mono and braid but due to the lack of stretch in braided fishing line you should always use a monofilament leader.

How far should the weight be from the hook?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggests placing the weighs 6 to 12 inches above the hook. Most weights are incredibly easy to attach with the use of needle-nose pliers. Hold the weight so that the line runs through its crevice.

How do I add weight to my bobber?

Add weight – there are three options for adding weight to your rig: (1) use a weighted bobber, adding a slip weight between bobber and swivel, or adding split shot to the leader.