Le catfish and the biggest predator you can catch in France. Thiscatfish fishing has the wind in its sails and more and more anglers are interested in it, you may be wondering at this very moment how to start catfish fishing in the best possible way, that's what we're going to look at here.
As your partner in intense combat, you'll need suitable equipment that can stand up to it.
This is known as canes, of reels and accessories such as a buoy, a hook, a fish finder and even a boat, depending on the technique you want to adopt.
It is also necessary to know the zones where the fish are, and adapt your equipment accordingly, depending on whether you are fishing at the surface or close to the bottom.
Finally, you will soon realise that the catfish fishing is still accessible even to novice anglers, but just like stalking trout, pike, carp or zander, you'll need a little patience to master it.
This article looks at the different techniques you can use to track this predator, and concludes with a selection of the ideal equipment for beginners.
Learn about the different catfish fishing techniques
Fishing with natural bait
You can decide to track this species using natural baits such as worms, which are highly effective. You will need to select from large earthworms, there is a risk of not attracting enough catfish.
The rig consists of attaching a large sinker and a treble hook, allowing you to hook several worms at once and increasing the attractiveness of the whole.
If live fishing is what you're looking for, then our articlefishing for catfish with natural bait should provide you with some guidance.
Lure fishing
Numerous brands specialising in stalking this fish have developed multiple ranges of highly effective artificial lures.
Although it is often inadvisable to fish for the biggest specimens with lures, new technologies mean that we are able to create models that are ever more adapted to fishing conditions. We also recommend that you read our articlewhich lure is right for catfish fishing ?Who will tell you all about the specifics of this technique.
The rippling spoons and articulated soft lures are among the best-sellers that will have no trouble getting you to catch fish.
You can also turn to crankbait or all sorts of hybrid lures, each more effective than the last.
Clonk fishing
This type of fishing is also very popular with experts in the field, although it does require advanced electronic equipment such as a Echo sounder.
You'll be able to find the ideal spot to strike the surface of the water with your clonk to bring the target specimen to the surface.
This tool reproduces powerful sounds that encourage catfish to attack. Ideal for deep areas where fish are often lying on the bottom.
Fireball fishing
If you are in possession of a boat or float tube, you can take part in this sport vertical fishing terribly effective. Our articleWhich float tube is right for catfish fishing ? to find out more. It simply consists of presenting a live fish on a sinker and hook directly from your means of navigation.
The advantage of this technique is that if you're a bit handy, you can make your own assembly and get the perfect combination to suit your needs.
Equipment for successful catfish fishing
Now that you know a little more about the techniques you can use, it's time to select your tackle and get fishing as quickly as possible. And don't forget to find out which spots and times are best for a superb session - our articleWhen should you fish for catfish in France ? will enable you to grasp all the subtleties.
It's no surprise to anyone that the power of this fish requires equipment that is robust in every way.
Catfish fishing rod
First and foremost, you need to choose a rod that is compatible with a spinning reel, or a model that is compatible with spinning reels. You should also be aware that there are rods that can accommodate both types of reel.
A casting rod will be favoured for practice at the buoy, you won't need to throw, so you can rely heavily on the strength of this model.
However, it is advisable to have a boat, as these rods are not at all suited to casting. Vertical techniques are also very popular, especially as you can easily fish with just one hand so you can concentrate on other things with the 2nd.
As you can see, a spinning model will have an advantage in terms of weight and its ability to cast very long distances. This is the model for shore anglers who don't have access to a boat.
It should be noted that all techniques can of course be performed with either one, with the leading brands now able to supply highly versatile models.
Here are 3 rods that we can recommend to beginners and more experienced anglers alike:
Catfish reel
Le reel you select should be able to cope with several dozen kilos easily.
That's why we recommend specialist brands that offer ideal features.
These include a very solid mechanism with a shaft that is often reinforced, a braking system capable of withstanding the most violent combat, a large spool capacity to accommodate the thickest braid and a fairly wide handle for optimum comfort during combat.
If you pay attention to these points, you'll be almost certain of making the right choice.
Nevertheless, here are a few key points to help you make your selection: a size 5000/6000 will be perfect if you want to fish with lures. The sizes 8000 to 10000 will be perfect for fireball or other live-fishing techniques.
Don't select a size smaller than 5000, as these will certainly hold up for a week or so of fishing, but your parts will wear out very quickly to the point of breaking after a few outings.
Of course, you'll need to maintain your reel with great care, using oil and cleaning products to extend its life and your fishing performance.
The models we recommend for beginners or inexperienced anglers:
Catfish lure
Now you're almost ready, all you need is your bait, if you decide to fish with a lure.
It's always the same pattern: you need to be able to attract this very large fish, using very large lures.
You can choose from a wide range of soft lures, you'll need to select sizes from 15 to over 25 cm to get the biggest specimens to react.
The hard bait crankbaits are an increasingly well-developed range of products that will allow you to fish in a linear or vertical position.
The spoons are also a sure bet for fishing all other predators, whether they're spinning or long-lasting. Their versatile range and ease of use are ideal for beginners.
Finally, there are octopus which are a very modern technique adapted to the behaviour of catfish. By emitting a wide range of sounds, predators won't last long before attacking.
Here is our selection for beginner anglers: