Background Information:
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the United States and is home to some of the largest fish in the world. Catfish are a popular species of fish that can be found in the Mississippi River. Many anglers have come to the river in search of trophy catfish, and the river has produced some of the largest catches in the country. The Mississippi River is a great place to fish for catfish, but it can be tricky to catch one of these monster catfish. In this article, we’ll look at some tips on how to catch monster catfish in the Mississippi River.
Structure and Habits of Catfish:
It’s important to understand the habits and behavior of catfish in the Mississippi River before trying to catch one. Catfish in the Mississippi River are typically solitary fish and can be found in a variety of locations. They are bottom feeders and eat mostly aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and other small fish. Catfish also feed heavily on crawfish, which can be found in many areas along the river. Catfish will typically inhabit areas with a lot of structure such as sunken logs, rocky areas, and vegetation. They will also move around looking for food, which means they can be found in a variety of locations. This means that it is important to explore the river and locate areas where catfish might be found.
Locating Catfish:
Once you have an idea of where catfish might be located, it is time to start your search. One of the best ways to locate catfish is to use an electric fish finder. An electric fish finder is a device that uses sonar technology to locate fish in the water. Anglers can use an electric fish finder to search for the structure and cover where catfish might be hiding. Once you find the structure, you should cast your bait near the structure to try and attract the catfish.
Bait Selection:
Once you have located the structure, it is important to select the right bait to catch monster catfish. Catfish will feed on a variety of baits such as worms, crayfish, and other live baits. Most anglers will use some type of prepared bait such as stink bait or dip bait. Prepared baits are baits that are scented with a mix of oils, proteins, and other attractants to draw the catfish in. Using the right bait and the right amount can make a big difference in catching a monster catfish.
Rigging the Tackle:
Once you have the right bait and the right structure, it is time to rig up your tackle. Catfish are strong fish and will require strong tackle and line to bring them in. An 8 to 10 foot rod and reel with 20-30 pound test line is usually sufficient. For catfish fishing, it is better to use a lead weight or bullet sinker on the line. This will help sink the bait down to the bottom of the river where the catfish are likely to be. To hook the bait, simply tie a circle hook to the line and attach the bait. The circle hook should be layered with bait and securely attached to the line.
Setting the Hook:
Once the tackle is rigged and the bait is set, it is time to set the hook. When fishing for monster catfish in the Mississippi River, patience is very important. Catfish can take a while to take the bait, so it is important to wait until you feel the drag of the fish before setting the hook. When the fish is on, be sure to fight the fish gently to ensure that the hook is not pulled out and to ensure that the fish is not damaged. Once the fish is in the boat, it is important to handle it carefully and release it back into the water if it is not a keeper.
Additional Tactics:
When fishing for monster catfish in the Mississippi River, it is important to try a variety of tactics. Moving around and trying different areas can be helpful in finding active catfish. Additionally, anglers can use baitfish such as shad and minnows to attract monster catfish. Catfish also respond well to sound, so anglers can use bump boards and other noise-making devices to attract the fish. Catfish will also be attracted to chum, so anglers can use a variety of chum recipes to draw the catfish in.
Equipment:
The right equipment is important when fishing for monster catfish in the Mississippi River. Anglers should use a sturdy rod and reel that is capable of handling the strong fish. A braided line is also recommended for handling the large catfish. It is also important to use a good landing net to land the fish in the boat. A sturdy bait bucket is also helpful to keep the bait from drifting away. It is also important to wear a good pair of polarized sunglasses to help spot the structure and cover where the catfish are.
Conclusion:
Catching monster catfish in the Mississippi River can be a challenge, but it can be done if you follow the right steps. Understanding the structure and habits of catfish, locating the fish, selecting the right bait, rigging the tackle, and setting the hook are all important steps. Additionally, anglers should have the right equipment and be willing to try a variety of tactics to increase their chances of catching a monster catfish.
