Among the most prevalent of catfish habitats would be the freshwater pond. Many people who enjoy catfishing sometimes ignore the fact that catching these wily critters requires proper training and a good dose of technique. Catfishing in ponds is not the usual way to spend a day with family, but it can be used as such. It is simply a matter of patience in casting lines repeatedly and in proper preparation of the bait. The proper gear and a good deal of patience are a prerequisite for this activity.
Species Makeup
Three types of catfish species inhabit ponds and lakes. The smallest and most common of these is the channel catfish. The blue catfish is a close second, while the flathead is the largest, hardest and most aggressive of the family.
Channel Catfish
As mentioned, this is the species someone is most likely to run into when fishing in ponds. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on insects on the surface of the water or foraging for dead fish. This makes them perfect for managed ponds; a fact that has not escaped many pond owners. They're also much easier to catch than the other two species.
Blue cats
These are usually bigger than the largest channel, and have tougher meat as a result. Anglers use light fishing tackle and other types of tackle fishing when baiting blue catfish.
Flathead Catfish
This species is known for its voraciousness and vicious appetites, but can also be remarkably easy to catch. It is worth mentioning that the bigger the flathead population in a given pond, the lower the population of other types of freshwater fish. The shellcracker, the bluegill and the sunfish are among the most likely to see a population nosedive with a high flathead presence.
Catfishing Tactics And Tricks
Tackle
When catching catfish, there two types of tackles you can use: ultra-light fishing tackles for smaller catch, and 10 lb heavies. The former is used for smaller catfishes like the channel. Pair a 4 lb test with a 5'6-foot ultra-light spinning rod for best results. Let the line soak, but ensure that the drags are loose on the reels. This allows the fish to swim off with the bait and hook themselves in the process. When the drag starts screaming, tighten the light and reel in the catch. Blues and flatheads present more of a challenge, and this is where the 10 lb test comes in. Pair it with a medium action rod with bait casting or spinning reel. In addition, you might want to use treble hooks over single-point ones, since the wide mouth of catfishes can suckle the bait right off a hook.
Baits
Always allow your bait enough time to soak prior to the fishing trip, this is one of the keys to a successful catfishing in ponds expedition. You can also take some sweet corn, dog food and corn flakes with you to help bring the catfishes into the surface.
Noodling
Noodling dispenses with fishing poles or rods, in favor of catfishing with your bare hands. This is perfect in shallow water, where you can search for catfish holes and simply try to grab the slippery fish out of the water. Noodling is the most challenging sport when catfishing in ponds, but is arguably the most rewarding when you finally land the catch and toss it on the boat for dinner.
Species Makeup
Three types of catfish species inhabit ponds and lakes. The smallest and most common of these is the channel catfish. The blue catfish is a close second, while the flathead is the largest, hardest and most aggressive of the family.
Channel Catfish
As mentioned, this is the species someone is most likely to run into when fishing in ponds. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on insects on the surface of the water or foraging for dead fish. This makes them perfect for managed ponds; a fact that has not escaped many pond owners. They're also much easier to catch than the other two species.
Blue cats
These are usually bigger than the largest channel, and have tougher meat as a result. Anglers use light fishing tackle and other types of tackle fishing when baiting blue catfish.
Flathead Catfish
This species is known for its voraciousness and vicious appetites, but can also be remarkably easy to catch. It is worth mentioning that the bigger the flathead population in a given pond, the lower the population of other types of freshwater fish. The shellcracker, the bluegill and the sunfish are among the most likely to see a population nosedive with a high flathead presence.
Catfishing Tactics And Tricks
Tackle
When catching catfish, there two types of tackles you can use: ultra-light fishing tackles for smaller catch, and 10 lb heavies. The former is used for smaller catfishes like the channel. Pair a 4 lb test with a 5'6-foot ultra-light spinning rod for best results. Let the line soak, but ensure that the drags are loose on the reels. This allows the fish to swim off with the bait and hook themselves in the process. When the drag starts screaming, tighten the light and reel in the catch. Blues and flatheads present more of a challenge, and this is where the 10 lb test comes in. Pair it with a medium action rod with bait casting or spinning reel. In addition, you might want to use treble hooks over single-point ones, since the wide mouth of catfishes can suckle the bait right off a hook.
Baits
Always allow your bait enough time to soak prior to the fishing trip, this is one of the keys to a successful catfishing in ponds expedition. You can also take some sweet corn, dog food and corn flakes with you to help bring the catfishes into the surface.
Noodling
Noodling dispenses with fishing poles or rods, in favor of catfishing with your bare hands. This is perfect in shallow water, where you can search for catfish holes and simply try to grab the slippery fish out of the water. Noodling is the most challenging sport when catfishing in ponds, but is arguably the most rewarding when you finally land the catch and toss it on the boat for dinner.
About the Author:
Learn more about Catfishing in Ponds. Stop by John Garrett's site where you can find out all about How To Catch a Catfish and more.
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