The Real Facts About Catfishing
Interestingly enough, while most anglers are very aware of catfish and many fish for them, they seem to be notorious for having a lot of misconceptions about them (the fish, not the fishermen). Since every fisherman has their own stories and methods, the truth about [tag]catfish[/tag] is far from being known or even consistent. Catfishing is one of the most misunderstood freshwater types of fishing in America. This article will remove some of the slime off the fiction and uncover some of the truths about these whiskered kitties.
Many people consider catfish to be slow and clumsy. They are not particularly fast swimmers all the time, but when they on the prowl for a meal, they move with great agility and speed, attacking their prey with incredible precision. Their sleek bodies are shaped like a torpedo to facilitate aqua-dynamism and speed. The predatory catfish is one fearsome hunter in any environment.
Catfish are often mistaken to be primitive, but contrary to the myth, catfish are a very evolved and developed fish group. Of the 20,000 over species of fish known to men, more than 2000 of them belong to the catfish category. The sheer number of its population is a testimony of their ability to survive. Their instincts are so sharp they often can detect the proximity of other fish without getting noticed.
It is also largely believed that the worst smelling stink baits are best for [tag]catfishing[/tag]. It is true that catfish are very sensitive to smell, but when it comes to stink baits, the rankest baits are not always the most effective baits. Fishermen usually convince themselves that the smelliest baits to them are those that are most attractive to a catfish. However, catfish do not share the same sense of smell as human beings, especially when the bait is in the water.
Many anglers also have the impression that a catfish can let out a venomous sting when they come into contact with anglers. This is true for a very minority of the catfish types, such as madtom, a small catfish with a poisonous sting that can cause some amount of pain. But all catfish, with exception of the few, have no poison on them. However, most catfish have a very sharp spine and they can inflict tremendous pain on by sticking humans with it, even though there is no venom. The cut is razor-like.
Most catfish do not feed on the carcasses of dead animals, as it is often perceived. Fishermen usually associate bottom-feeders with waste and decay, possibly because they are scavengers. With the exception of bullheads, most catfish prefer live bait, or at least fresh food. There is such a great variety of live food at the bottom of the lake or river to eat, catfish do not really have to settle for dead stale food.
Another myth about catfish is that they are primarily nocturnal. For years, I believed this myself and would only catfish at night. But it is not true. In fact, some of my best times catfishing were in the middle of the afternoon. So, when the morning bass bite drops off, that is a great time to try your hand at some catfish.
Also, it is largely believed the best time of the year to catfish is in summer. No doubt, catfish are more active when the water is warm, and they bite well too. But as real experience would suggest, the best seasons to catfish are the colder seasons when catfish need more food to warm their bodies. It is natural to get hungry when it gets cold.
Now that you are more informed, you should have no trouble filling that live well with these delicious dinner delights. A little cornmeal and flour with some Cajun seasoning is definitely one true way to enjoy these kitties - no myth there.
Catfishing - Myths and Facts
The Real Facts About Catfishing
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