Practical Flathead Catfishing Tips

Do you love catfishing? Flathead catfish are one of the most sought-after species today. Do you know what the flathead catfish are and why they are so popular? The flathead has many distinguishing features that make them easy to recognize. For instance, they have a pastel yellow color to their abdomen and normally they will have black or brown spots on their sides and a light brown back. They actually got their name from the shape of their heads, which appears to be mostly flat with a projected lower jaw. Unlike other types of catfish their tail fin has more of a straight edge and they are slightly notched.

The flathead catfish are a private type of species by nature and tend to claim the area in which they choose to live. You probably want see competitor fish in the area. They put up a fierce fight and to catch them you need to have a strategy that will appeal to this type of fish, plus a lot of patience. There is no way around the fact the Flathead prefer live fish for their meals so, if you really want to catch this species you need to be willing to fish with live bait.

Type of Gear Needed to Catch Flatheads and the Best Fishing Method

You will have better luck catching the flathead catfish if you use equipment that is suited for this species. For example, the catfish has a wide mouth so using larger than normal hooks will work great. In fact, many anglers use a size 7 or 8 hook when fishing for the flathead. Have a variety of sinkers available and a good sturdy rod because a good size flathead can put up quite a struggle.

Different methods can be used when fishing for flatheads with a good amount of success. For example, using throw-lines, bank poles and jugs can help you catch your share of flatheads. You can also fish for flatheads the old fashioned way with a rod and reel. Just make sure you have good equipment and that you are prepared for the fight that they will surely put up. Many anglers prefer this method because it makes fishing more exciting when you are reeling this species in on a line.

Have you ever used a flathead set? If not, then you don't know what you are missing because it is one of the best methods used to catch flatheads. You will need to know how to construct your own flathead set. Therefore, if you do not have anyone to teach you how to do this you can always turn to the Internet and Google the keywords how to make flathead sets and you will be able to find step by step instructions. Once you have your flathead sets ready to go, you will be ready to place them in the appropriate areas of the water.

They work the best when you place them around brush, grassy areas, trees, stumps and other places bass tend to hang out. They can be placed anywhere in shallow water or up to around twenty-five feet deep. The depth will depend on the season and the type of water you are fishing, which are the factors that will determine where the flathead is most likely to be. You may need to practice using flathead sets for awhile before you get really good at using them.

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Crappie Fishing In North Carolina Tips and Techniques

Whether you live in North Carolina or just visiting, if you are interested in going fishing for crappy you are in luck. You can find this species of fish just about anywhere. There are a number of different lakes you can visit scattered all over the state where you can try your hand at crappie fishing.

Crappies are divided into two varieties called black and white crappie and both have the ability to adapt to most all environments. The black crappies seem to prefer the deep waters found in some of the larger lakes and are located mostly in the northern states. The white crappie are more dominate in the southern states and can be found in mostly quite and remote places.

Techniques Used for Crappie Fishing

There are four main ways to fish for crappie that work very well. They are called drifting, casting, still-fishing and trolling. Below is a brief description of all four.

* Drifting - This technique is not only a great way to catch crappie but it is also very relaxing. All you need to do is have your equipment ready and fish while the boat is slowly drifting along with the current of the water. For the best results you need to slowly lift up the tip of the rod and then quickly drop it back, it's a very simple technique.

* Casting - A casting rod is designed as a flexible fishing rod because it will need to bend when you will use your arm, hand and wrist to make the cast in the direction you are aiming. When done correctly the cast will land in a specific spot of your choice every time. Start by facing the target and placing your body at an angle. Hold down the release button while bringing the rod to an upright position. You will notice the rod bending from the weight and at this time flip your wrist to send the rod forward. This will cause the rod to bend in front of you and this is when you let go of the release button. It may take a little practice but with time you will cast like a professional.

* Still-fishing - This technique is very simple as it just refers to doing your fishing from a secured position. It could be a boat that is anchored in one place or it could refer to fishing from a bank, dock or fishing peer. When still-fishing you are actually waiting for the fish to come to you instead of going out searching for them. Therefore, it requires more patience than other methods.

* Trolling - Trolling is done by aligning several rods in a row and placing the same bait line and hook on each one. Make sure you check the regulations for using this technique before you do it because the laws are different in every area.

The Best Time to Go Crappie Fishing

As with most any species of fish the best time to catch crappie is when they are spawning in the spring. They tend to dwell under stumps, brush, logs and any other covering man made or natural. During the late evening and early morning you will find the crappie near the top of the water. However, as the sun comes out and starts warming things up they begin to go deeper into the water again. At night they normally go back to the deeper water but some may still feed during this time.

The best bait to use to catch these fish includes live bait, small crappie lures, crappie jigs or anything that imitate worms, minnows and insects. You will need to see how aggressive the fish are to determine how fast you can move the bait around. In other words, if they are very aggressive then you can move faster but if they seem sluggish then you need to move slower.

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The Best Catfish Baits Available Today

Catfish are one of the most sought after species by anglers everywhere. This is partly because they put up such a great fight that it makes fishing exciting and fun. There is no better feeling than reeling in that big one after several minutes of dealing with them fighting hard. It makes fishing more challenging and rewarding when you have to actually work for the catch. Another reason catfish is so popular is because they are said to make a delicious meal. They are certainly worth the effort you put into catching them.

Catfish eat a wide variety of different types of bait so you do have a lot of choices that will all work very well. It is always a good idea to have a variety of bait on all trips so you can switch off if you are not having any luck with a specific kind on any given day. Occasionally, the catfish will be picky and prefer one over the other so it never hurts to be prepared. This way you never have to worry about coming home empty handed.

Here are a few of the best catfish baits available and when the best time to use them would normally be:

* Minnows - Minnows are very good bait when used for catching catfish any time of the year. It doesn't matter if they are alive or dead they still work great. You can use them in shallow or deep water and they work well for any technique you choose to use.

* Worms - When you talk about using worms for bait it normally refers to night crawlers that can be found in most any bait shop or to the average garden worm that you can dig up yourself in your own back yard. Either one works extremely well in the early spring when the fish are getting ready to spawn and in the winter. Using a weight to help the bait stay closer to the bottom will help catch some of the larger fish that feed off the bottom of the water. Worms will also work great when Carolina jigging for catfish.

* Shrimp Bait - Shrimp has been around for many years and it is still recommended for catching catfish. It is the prefect bait to use when you are fishing in strong currents or when casting long distances. They also work very well when drift fishing. Normally, you will get the best results when using them in the first part of spring to late fall but they can be used at other times as well.

* Crawfish - Catfish really seem to go for crawfish in many areas. If you have never given this type of bait a try, you should take some with you on your next trip to see how well it works for you. This bait also seems to work best from early spring to late fall and they can be purchased from most any bait shop. You will find that you can't get a better catfish bait than this one when fishing in the smaller rivers and creeks.

* Artificial Bait - Many anglers feel that artificial bait is the best you can use when catfishing. There are a lot of reasons why so many people feel this way. For example, it is a fact that artificial lures are easier to pack up and take with you anytime you are ready for a fishing trip. They can be stored away fast and easy and they are always available. You never have to worry about keeping them fresh and all you need to do to care for them is clean them after each use. They are definitely much cleaner than live bait and they can help an angler enhance his or her catfishing skills. They can be used in all conditions and any time of the year.

* Chicken livers - Did you know that catfish love chicken livers? That is why it is rated one of the best catfish baits available. This bait has a very strong meaty smell that grabs the attention of the catfish and draws them towards it. Chicken livers work great any time you use them. If you have been fishing for awhile without a bite, you will need to change your bait because after about twenty minutes they start to lose their appeal.

* Shad - If you are trying to catch big catfish, then you need to give shad a try. The biggest fish require a big meal because they won't waste their time with small bait. Shad is the perfect choice for catching large catfish and it will work great when fishing some of the larger rivers and reservoirs.

These are the main baits that are used by anglers when fishing for catfish. There are others available and you may even have your own special bait that produces well for you every time you go out. Still, these are some great choices that you are sure to have lots of success when using. Good luck catfishing!

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Tips for Louisiana Saltwater Fishing

If you are in Louisiana and searching for the best saltwater fishing spot you will be happy to know you have several places to choose from. It is always a good idea to plan your fishing trips in advance so you can be sure everything runs smoothly. This way you can make sure you have a hotel near the lake you want to fish along with restaurants of your choice. Three of the best lakes in Louisiana to go saltwater fishing are Lake Lafitte, Lake Charles and Lake Calcasieu.

One great way to enjoy Louisiana saltwater fishing is by booking a charter service to carry you out to the best fishing spots on the lakes. Of course, you always have the option of going out on your own but if you are unfamiliar with the area you may have better luck with a guide that leads you to all the hotspots.

Two of the main fish species anglers go after when saltwater fishing in Louisiana is the redfish and the speckled trout. These species are now a lot more plentiful than they use to be. They have had time to grow and multiply since the gill nets were banned and the limit laws where put into effect several years back. This also means that you will have the opportunity to catch some really big fish that you can be proud of.

Where to Find Redfish and How to Catch Them

The redfish is one of the most popular fish that anglers search for when Louisiana saltwater fishing. If you are interested in fishing from the banks you will find that the Cameron Beaches provide some of the best spots around. These beaches stretch for approximately sixty miles and you will have a chance to catch some enormous redfish anywhere up and down this area.

You can also find redfish in the marshes of Barataria, Lafourche and Terrebonne estuaries or similar areas because they love this type of habitat as well. You will find that the redfish like to eat shrimp, liver, finger mullets, mullet chunks, squid and live croakers just to name a few. Basically, if it leaves a scent in the water they will chase it.

The best techniques for catching redfish are to use a light to medium spinning or casting tackle and fish in areas where they tend to gather such as junctions where bait fish can be found. You can also have good luck when fishing deep holes and bends, waterways and at the openings at bayous. Most anglers use fifteen to twenty pound test line and a standard bottom fishing rig with a swivel, leader, hook and sinker attached. However, keep in mind that redfish can be very moody and will only bite when they feel like it no matter what you do.

Where to Find Speckled Trout and Techniques for Catching Them

If the famous speckled trout is what you seek, then you have several choices depending on whether or not you are searching for trophy fish or fishing for fun. Some of the largest speckled trout are found in the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, Sabine and the Calcasieu Lake. It is possible to catch large speckled trout near the end of March or through late fall but the best time to trophy fish is from the middle of May to the middle of June.

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