How to Catch Big Catfish in the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River plays an important role in the lives of people living and fishing along the river. Fishermen flock to the waters by the banks of the Mississippi, hoping to catch some of the biggest and best catfish the river has to offer. Understanding the environment of the river, the most successful methods of catching big catfish, and the gear, tackle, and baits to use all help anglers increase their chances of reeling in the big one.
To begin, it is important to understand the environments of chutes and pools where the catfish can be found. Knowing the environment helps an angler to better select their water, baits, and techniques for the most successful catch. Markedly, pools are areas where the water is more still, typically with a slow to moderate current that passes through. During periods of low water, pools may slow to a near-standstill. These environments give other fish refuge and make it easier for catfish to feed given a larger variety for eating opportunties. On the other hand, chutes are areas of heavy water flow with increasing depths. Catfish are much easier to find in environments of faster, heavier river flow because they have the ability to ambush their prey with ease.
Fishing Tactics
Once an angler has identified both chutes and pools as potential settings, they must carefully choose their baits and methods. Experienced anglers often use a variety of different tactics and rigs. Most starters can have success using the traditional methods such as an egg sinker rig with bait. Below the egg sinker, an angler can opt for a standard circle hook, light wire hook, or live bait such as night crawlers, shrimp, or crawfish. The weight of the egg sinker will depend on the current of the water and the size of the bait.
Meanwhile, a popular method amongst seasoned fisherman is to use a slip bobber rig. This is a great technique for targeting deeper waters of the Mississippi and enticing big catfish. On this rig, an angler can attach a pre-tied slip sinker onto the line and adjust the line to the desired depth desired. Leader lines, swivels, and circle hooks can all be added to the rig for an even more specialized presentation for larger catfish.
Baits & Lures
Once the rig is selected, the next step is to pick appropriate bait The bait you choose depends largely on the season and water temperature. During the spring and summer months, anglers often use standard baits such as chicken livers, cut shad, shrimp, night crawlers, and crayfish. Live bait tends to be the preferred option for landing big catfish. In the fall, anglers have the options to turn to various artificial lures. These include crank baits, spinner baits, and jigs, all of which can be used to target big catfish in the cooler fall waters. Understanding the types of fish found in the Mississippi is important when selecting the right baits and lures.
Realistic Expectations
It should be noted that landing a big catfish in the Mississippi river is no easy feat. Even the most experienced anglers can find themselves struggling in the heavily fished waters of the Mississippi, with many days coming and going as blank as the previous one. That said, an angler who has tuned their skills and acquired the relevant knowledge can find themselves being rewarded with the potential for “monster” catfish.
Big catfish are a part of the Mississippi River, and the opportunity to catch them extends to the patient angler who respects the rules, regulations, and the environment in which to fish. To those anglers who are vigilant and use the right baits, tackle and lures, their patience can be rewarded with a big and tasty reward!
River Conditions & Water Temperatures
When planning a catfish trip to the Mississippi, anglers must first consider the factors of the river such as water temperature, oxygen levels, time of day and water flow. During different times of the year, the river sees big changes in its conditions. Knowing when these conditions are most optimal for big catfish can help anglers increase their chances of catching big fish.
Especially in the summer time, the warmer waters will cause the catfish to move deeper down in the waters of the Mississippi. Much like in the colder months where the fish may move to shallower waters, heavy rain and a bloated river can also cause fish to scramble to the shore. Fortunately, technological advancements in the angling industry, like fish finders and temperature gauges, can provide invaluable tools for anglers on the Mississippi. These tools make it easier to identify the areas that may be most conducive for catching big catfish.
Rod & Reel
The most important tool that any angler has is their rod and reel. Choosing the right combination for the job is essential for any angler who is targeting big catfish in the Mississippi. When looking for the right combination, anglers should take into consideration the power and action of the rod. Medium-heavy action rods are great options for big catfish. The power should correspond to the size and weight of the fish that they are targeting, so a medium-heavy rod is often the go-to option. With a medium-heavy, the angler can still have a good deal of sensitivity while having plenty of backbone to pull in big fish.
The size of the reel should also be taken into consideration when fishing for big catfish. Big catfishpull hard and require plenty of line and drag. Choosing a larger reel ensures that an angler has the necessary room for line and strength for the drag. Considering a few factors like, line weight, material, drag system and spool capacity, can help an angler determine what is best for the job.
Common Mistakes
While it is important to understand the basics of river conditions, the environment of the Mississippi, tackle, and lures and baits, it is equally as important to be aware of common mistakes that fishermen make when fishing for big catfish. One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is using bait that is too small. Smaller baits such as night crawlers, shrimp, and cut bait can be too small to entice large catfish. Keep in mind that big catfish are looking for bigger meal. Baits should be relatively large for the biggest catfish in the river.
Attention to detail is key when fishing and it applies to the structure of one’s line and tackle. As previously mentioned, a circle hook is often used to target big catfish. But the wrong size and type of circle hook can be detrimental to an angler’s chances of catching the big one. The size of the circle hook should be directly proportional to the bait in question. If the bait is too small, it should be accompanied by a smaller circuit hook to maintain its integrity.
Preparing for a Trip
When fishing for big catfish in the Mississippi River, it is critical to prepare for the conditions of the river, the gear and bait to use, and the conditions of the boat. To prepare, anglers should study the river and understand the environment. Necessary gear includes rods, reels, hooks, lures, bait and line. A boat should also be checked for safety gear, life jackets, navigation, fuel and all other items an angler needs for the day.
In addition to being prepared for the day’s events, anglers should also prepare for success. Knowing the size and weight of some of the biggest catfish in the Mississippi can help anglers prepare for the upcoming haul. Knowing how much a fish will pull and ensuring one’s gear is in working order is key in landing big fish.
Getting Started
Fishing for big catfish in the Mississippi requires some specific setups and techniques. Understanding the river environment, selecting the right gear and bait, and the conditions of the river are just some of the things to consider before venturing out. Moreover, understanding both chutes and pools, learning the different baits, lures and rigs to use, and understanding the conditions of the river is also key in increasing one’s chances of catching big catfish.
With all the necessary gear, knowledge and safety measures in place, the next step is to get out and start fishing! With a little luck and determination, anglers can find themselves reward with a big and delicious catch of the day.
