Catfish is a huge fish and the largest freshwater predator. Depending on the size, catfish feed on fish, crayfish and shellfish. Large individuals can even hunt small waterfowl. Catfish hunting is a very exciting activity, and catching a catfish is a great success for any amateur angler. Depending on the time of year, weather conditions and time of day, the habitat of the catfish can be different.
Instructions
Step 1
In early spring, when the water warms up to 8 degrees, the catfish wakes up from hibernation. At this time, he is not very active, but you can catch him - in coastal shoals or underwater islands, where the water warms up faster. But keep in mind that the hunting place should be close to the depth from where the catfish comes out to hunt. As the water warms up, the catfish becomes more active. At this time, the catfish is gluttonous, swallows everything that gets in the way. Catfish can be caught at this time both at depth and on the shallows. Very promising places for fishing are considered to be drops from shallow to depth. If the water level in the river rises and lawns and bushes standing in the water are flooded, then there is a high probability that catfish will hunt in these areas, on worms, mice and other small animals washed out by the flood.
Step 2
In summer, when the water temperature rises to 20-22 degrees, the spawning of catfish begins, lasting up to three weeks. At this time, it is possible to catch only small individuals, up to 80 cm long. After the end of spawning, catfish look for places for shelter, from where they then swim out to hunt. Summer is the best and most promising time for catching catfish. Pits, trees and driftwood that have fallen into the water, sunken boats serve as shelters for them. Catfish are best caught in the dark. At night, hunting for sleepy fish, he can swim out even to places half a meter deep. During the hunt, catfish are mainly guided by hearing and smell. Therefore, choose a bait with a pungent smell, it is good if the nozzle moves and makes sounds.
Step 3
With the first cold snap, it becomes more difficult to guess the time suitable for catching and the location of the catfish. Catfish continues to actively feed, preparing for hibernation, so it can hunt both at night and during the day. You can focus on the places of accumulation of small fish: it is likely that during the activity, the catfish will be somewhere nearby.
Step 4
With the onset of the first frosts, catfish gather in pits for wintering, where they continue to feed. At this time, as well as in early spring, it is better not to use active baits, as the catfish become lethargic and may not react to them. Better to use worms, pieces of fish or squid, poultry offal or a piece of liver. At this time of the year, it can be effective to use artificial baits - large vibrotails, spoons and deep-sea wobblers that make noise. Catfish disturbed by the noise can react and attack the bait. However, most often, when the water temperature drops to 7 degrees, the catfish go into hibernation and do not respond to baits.
