Catching catfish on the go
Catfish By Phillip Gentry – Freshwater anglers who are considering throwing in the towel for the season are missing out on some great fishing through the heat of summer.
Water temperatures in the mid 80s and higher are not a problem for channel fish and smaller blues between 2 and 10 pounds.
They flood into the shallows at random times during the day, seeking out whatever’s good to eat.
For these small-time scavengers, that means not much isn’t on the menu.
Most catfish anglers are lost without current. It’s ingrained in many fishermen that water flow brings food to the fish.
A lot of the old timers may have grown up catfishing in a river, so the prospect of fishing in a lake or reservoir is somewhat foreign.
The only logical conclusion if a catfish man is fishing on water that doesn’t move is to make the boar move – that’s how trolling for catfish was born.
During the week, Hank Lyles from Oakway can be found standing behind a line of boats, turning wrenches as a marine mechanic.
But as soon as his week ends, it’s a sure bet he’ll be standing inside his boat with rods hanging out the sides, trolling for this fish.
His favorite catfish lakes are Monticello, Greenwood and, at times, Hartwell.
Lyles explained the basic setup involves six to eight rods stationed around the rear gunnels and stern of the boat. He uses medium heavy catfish rods spooled with 10 to 30-pound monofilament line.
His bait rig revolves three-way swivel.
One eye is tied to the main line, while the second has a 3- to 4-foot section of 50 pound mono leader terminated with an 3/0-5/0 hook.
Trolling for summer catfish is a great way to beat the heat and fill the cooler