The summer months are filled with activities to enjoy outside, and angling for catfish is among them as there are plenty of locations statewide to do so, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
Though most species of catfish are active throughout the day, the best summer fishing is at dusk and during the night. Catfish can be caught year-round, with the best bite typically from early spring through the peak of summer.
Two things that make fishing for catfish desirable, according to WRD, are that catfish are plentiful in Georgia and the gear needed is simple.
“Angling for catfish is a great option to get everyone outside this summer. The gear you need is relatively simple, and catfish are found throughout Georgia so angling locations are plentiful,” said Scott Robinson, WRD Fisheries management chief. “Because the process to catch one is somewhat simple, it is a wonderful opportunity to take someone new, whether that is your child or a family friend or anyone.”
In fact, several species of catfish call Georgia home. Those include channel, white, blue, flathead, and bullhead. Blues and flatheads can reach weights upwards of 50 pounds.
As for where to find catfish in the water, WRD advises rocky shorelines, rip-rap areas, points, and outside bends of rivers or the submerged river channel. While catfish may be prone to stay in deeper areas during the day, they are likely to roam shallower areas at night for food.
During dawn, dusk, and at night, anglers should concentrate on shallow sandbars, flats, and shoals near the deep holes fished during the day.
Catfish, especially flatheads, love holding near downed trees, so look for these on outside bends.
As far as what bait to use, it depends on what type of catfish is being sought.
For channel and white catfish, fisheries biologists recommend eight- to 14-pound test line and medium-sized hooks (size 2 to 1/0) under a bobber or fished on the bottom. The best baits for channel, bullheads, and white catfish are worms, liver, live minnows, shrimp, cut bait, and stink bait. For large or bluehead catfish, heavy tackle is key. Flatheads are ambush predators that prey heavily upon fish, so live or freshly killed fish used as bait will increase the chances of landing one.
Other catfish-catching methods include trotlines, limb lines, and jug lines.
Regulation info on these methods can be found in the 2023 Georgia Sportfishing Regulations Book found at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/ angler-resources.
For anglers trying to land a large blue or flathead catfish, heavy tackle is a must – large spinning or casting tackle with at least 20- to 50-pound test braid or monofilament line, large hooks (3/0 to 8/0), and heavy weights (1-5 oz) to keep the bait on the bottom. Flatheads are ambush predators that prey heavily upon fish, so live or freshly killed fish used as bait will increase your chances. Similarly, freshly caught gizzard shad increases your chances of reeling in a giant blue catfish.
Visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia. com to purchase a fishing license online to view a list of retail license vendors or buy a license by phone at 1-800-366-2661.
For more fishing information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.