Catfish Night Fishing Tips

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Catfish are found all over the world. From the Mississippi to the Volga to the Mekong, these generally bottom-feeding fish hook the curiosity of many anglers. As a result, catfish habitats can sometimes be overrun with those pining for catfish meat. Add to this, the possibility of surging daytime heat and the wake of recreational boaters, and chances for a landing a catch can be greatly diminished. Fishing for catfish at night offers a peaceful alternative. A few changes in your tactics can yield positive results when fishing under cover of darkness.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Use the same standard gear that you would during the day. Choose a medium action 7.5-foot rod, a bait-casting reel and a minimum 25-pound line, heavier if pursuing large fish. Attach a swivel and use circular hooks. Anglers ensure quick retrieval and less injury to the fish with this equipment.

Step 2

Select the same bait as you would for day fishing. Use live fish for trophy catfish and bait, worms or liver for other sizes.

Step 3

Cast out into shore waters as shallow as two feet. Catfish, which normally hide in deep water during the day, come closer to shore at night, searching for smaller bait fish like shad that live and spawn near the shore.

Step 4

Fish below river dams, as night feeding catfish often seek bait fish that are common dam residents. Cast close to the dam edge and use an egg sinker while dam turbines are flowing to keep your bait in position. Use a bobber when turbines are off so your bait hangs just above the bottom.

Step 5

Seek out structures or obstacles that are lit in some way. Fish along docks that have lamps overhead, as light-loving zooplankton draw bait fish, which in turn draw predatory catfish. Fish near or during a full moon in areas where there is no other light source.

Step 6

Choose bends in river channels near structures for best results. Catfish will often wait just outside such flows to grab unsuspecting meals as they float by. Pick channels where obstacles such as fallen trees lie since these are common catfish hideouts.

Tips & Warnings

Before leaving for the night, obtain a topographical map of waterway to be fished.

Search for areas that might provide suitable shelter for catfish such as bends in river channels.

Alternatively, use a digital fish finder.

Article Written By Mike Biscoe

Mike Biscoe has been writing since 2009. Focusing on travel, sports and entertainment topics, he has credits in various online publications including LIVESTRONG.COM and Trails. He often writes articles covering uncommon travel destinations from firsthand experience. Biscoe holds a Certificate of Completion in acting from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

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