Long after most anglers have called it a day, and the sun has disappeared behind the mountain ridges, replaced by the still, blue brilliance of the moon, a new commotion begins to take form beneath the cool surface of the lake. The heat of the summer day has finally subsided, and the lake surface, once crowded with shore fisherman, personal watercrafts and other pleasure vessels is now empty and silent. Below the blue shell of the water, the fish have decided to feed. During the day, the scorching sun pushed them further below the surface, forcing them into the cooler depths. Now, they are hungry.
Catfish are the warriors of the fresh water fish. They break rods, shred drag, snap stout fishing line, uncurl hooks, and have the ability to turn the most stout-hearted angler into a whimpering child. Warning: catfish are not for the light-hearted. These trophy catfish are available in many waters; from river to ponds, lakes to streams, catfish are abundant and willing to challenge anyone enthusiastic enough to dip their pole into the water. Night fishing seems to bring out the best in catfish as the swim out from the day-time hiding places in search of food. Bring on the fishing opportunity!
During the summer great anglers yearn for the sun to set. They wait all day for the evening in order to go out onto the lakes or rivers and search for the next big catfish. While catching catfish is never a bad intention, no matter what time of day or night, fishing under the light of the moon offers several advantages.
One of the best locations for catching the great catfish is within large reservoirs and river systems. Look toward stumps, dead, blown down trees, root balls, rocky areas and those thick with brush and undergrowth and docks, especially docks that have been fitted with lights. These regions can be rich with fish, and this is especially accurate for hungry catfish. The lights surrounding the docks magnetize all kinds of baitfish, and shad, drawing in predators like the channel catfish.
Because night cat fishing can bring out some of the best and biggest fish of the day, it is imperative to bring your equipment: a stout rod, good strong line, a good circle hook, and the right bait. Catfish are not known for their fastidious appetites, but you may have the best luck with a good chunk of baitfish, chunks of chicken liver, stink baits and even the old fashioned worm. While the right bait will indeed help you catch a good catfish, endurance, patience and determination are the true heroes in bringing in that giant trophy cat.
There is no sun, and the little light you will have is going to come from the moon, so, you will want to have a secondary light source available like a flashlight, or a lantern. You may want to bring more than one light source. Illuminating the water’s surface, your poll and casting a light source into the water may help bring catfish closer to your rod. Catfish are naturally curious fish and do not scare easily. You will need these lights to see your pole at it dips, signaling to you the chance that there may be a nice sized catfish on the other end of your line. Some anglers will attach a small bell on the end of their line that offers an auditory signal; the choice is really up to you.
Other night fishing gear requirements can include comfortable sitting chairs, snacks or meals, water, bug spray, blankets, and a cooler if you are planning on keeping your evening’s catches.
Night cat fishing offers a plethora of exciting opportunities. The catfish has a keen sense of smell and is aggressive appetite leaves you open to an exhilarating, challenging night of rewarding cat fishing. Remember: be patient, be persistent, and enjoy the fight. Night fishing can offer some of the most productive and stimulating fishing of the summer. Now, go, embrace the night and catch some fish!