Catfish, Bait, and Catfishing Techniques Aquaculture

Objectives Identify three major breeds of catfish on a quiz with 100% accuracy. Describe each different catfishing techniques learned in the lesson on an exam with 95% accuracy. Identify catfish anatomy terms discussed in class on a test with 95% accuracy. Compare and contrast different catfishing techniques in a paper with 90% accuracy.

Just a few questions before we get started….

Catfish terms

Catfish Species All three species can be commercially grown in the United States

Catfish (general) Catfish do not have scales, but have smooth skin The fins have venom in them When you are poked you have severe pain, possible swelling, and stiffness in joints Be careful when handling catfish

Blue Catfish Largest of species Blueish gray colored Can reach 120 pounds Blueish gray colored Have a forked tail

Blue Catfish Mainly reside in large rivers and lakes Like deep areas and secluded holes Mainly eat gizzard shad

Flathead Catfish Also called: Yellow Cat, Opelousa Cat, Pied Cat, Mississippi Cat, Mud Cat, Shovelhead Cat Second largest species Dark brown colored VERY FLAT head

Flathead Catfish Prefer slow current and very cloudy waters Prey on live fish only, like shad and sunfish, they are not scavengers Nest in logs, rocks, and dense covering

Channel Catfish Third largest species Yellowish colored with definite spots Like swift gravel covered areas Small fish and crawdads

Baits Gizzard Shad Crawdads Sunfish Stink bait Worms

Catfishing Techniques Pole fishing Trotlines/Troutlines Jugs/floaters Limb lines Noodling Other techniques

Pole fishing Can be as simple as a stick with a line, hook, and bait Modern poles have line on a reel where you can reel in your catch

Trotlines/ trout lines a long heavy duty fishing line with many shorter lines and hooks attached to it (usually suspended between buoys)

Jugs/ floaters A main line is tied to the jug or floater Leader lines with hooks are tied in the middle At the end of the main line there is a weight tied on to keep the line to the bottom

Limb lines A line is tied to a limb A hook is tied to the end of the line Choice bait is put on hook Perch, sunfish, or bluegill

Noodling Bare hands and feet are used to catch fish Can dive or stay above water Fish bite and full the fish out

Other techniques Do you use a different technique?

Review Three main species of catfish? Main parts of a catfish? Major baits used to catch catfish? Do catfish have scales? What are some different catfishing techniques?

Situation It is around July 4th and you and your teammate have a boat to go fishing on. Your goal is to devise a plan to catch those crazy catfish! Pick out your targeted species of catfish, bait, and technique to be used… You can use noodling, but it will have to be used alongside another technique.

Catfish Baits Techniques Blue catfish shad worms Channel catfish sunfish crawdads Flathead catfish stink bait Techniques Pole fishing Trotlines/Troutlines Jugs/floaters Limb lines Noodling