Steve
08-17-2005, 07:53 AM
HUNTING MR. WHISKERS
http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/510/1mr_whiskers1.jpg
It's indeed handy to we anglers that, just as so many species hit the late summer-early autumn doldrums, the activity peak of that most underrated of all freshwater sport fish coincides nicely to fill the niche.
The most desirable of freshwater cat species-both for sport and the table-are the prolific and ornery channel catfish and the less prolific but potentially much bigger blue cat, found in limited numbers in the deeper stretches of our own Cuyahoga River.Both of these species lead the catfish pack in terms of culinary desirability, and are best harvested for consumption when between 2-5 lbs..As with all fish, the bigger they get, the less appetizing they become.
Other locally available cat species are the comparatively smallish bullhead clan, featuring the yellow, black(numerous in the Cuyahoga), and brown(this one comprises 95% of Mogadore's cats-at least up until the recent much-needed stocking of channels there).
The flathead, legendary at Clendenning and Peidmont, is essentially a potentially huge(second in potential size to the blue cat)bullhead.A true bottom feeder, unlike the more versatile channels and blues and similar to the bullhead, this monster denizen of the deep regularly exceeds 50lbs.+in deep water.Being a genuine and consistent bottom-feeder is another similarity to the bullhead and likewise makes the flathead(or "shovelhead")less than stellar table fare out of any water.
Channel cats, our area's most desirous and prolific sporting catfish specie tends to feed near the bottom but seldom on it.This is an essential dictum concerning their pursuit.My favorite channel cat rig consists of crane swivel up 2-3ft. from a #2 floating jighead , separated equidistant by a bb shot affixed to halt a 1/2-1 oz. sinker, to slide between the swivel and the shot that keeps it away from the hook.Biting fish are not spooked then by the weight resistance that plagues so many angler's bottom rigs.The floating jig keeps the hook near but up and away from most snags.We packaged these rigs in various sizes for years at the Tackleshack and sold them for years as the "RiverRig", essentially a Lindy rig with stouter line, a better swivel, and that essential floating jighead.
http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/510/1mr_whiskers2.jpg
For bullheads, top off the river rig with nightcrawlers or stinkbait.However, when targeting channels or blues, deep six the crawlers in favor of a minnow or other live baitfish, cut with a shallow incision to give off an attractive odor to the scent-oriented cats without mortally injuring the baitfish-goodbye bullheads, hello channels.
My favored catfish gear includes a quality baitcast reel spooled with 30lb. PowerPro or Fireline;abrasion resistance without the worry of the fish being spooked by the thick-looking line as all catfish are quite nearly blind.
If you are the least bit discouraged by the current state of your bass or walleye fishing, you owe it to yourself to venture out this coming evening to that favorite old fishing hole to do some genuine retro fishing at its best, no big boat or travel expense necessary.
Oh, and don't forget to bring Opie too.
*
Jack Kiser is host of PBS-TV's "Buckeye Angler" and Ohio editor of "Midwest Outdoors" magazine.You may reach him through the Record-Courier or his website at buckeyeangler.com .
http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/510/1mr_whiskers1.jpg
It's indeed handy to we anglers that, just as so many species hit the late summer-early autumn doldrums, the activity peak of that most underrated of all freshwater sport fish coincides nicely to fill the niche.
The most desirable of freshwater cat species-both for sport and the table-are the prolific and ornery channel catfish and the less prolific but potentially much bigger blue cat, found in limited numbers in the deeper stretches of our own Cuyahoga River.Both of these species lead the catfish pack in terms of culinary desirability, and are best harvested for consumption when between 2-5 lbs..As with all fish, the bigger they get, the less appetizing they become.
Other locally available cat species are the comparatively smallish bullhead clan, featuring the yellow, black(numerous in the Cuyahoga), and brown(this one comprises 95% of Mogadore's cats-at least up until the recent much-needed stocking of channels there).
The flathead, legendary at Clendenning and Peidmont, is essentially a potentially huge(second in potential size to the blue cat)bullhead.A true bottom feeder, unlike the more versatile channels and blues and similar to the bullhead, this monster denizen of the deep regularly exceeds 50lbs.+in deep water.Being a genuine and consistent bottom-feeder is another similarity to the bullhead and likewise makes the flathead(or "shovelhead")less than stellar table fare out of any water.
Channel cats, our area's most desirous and prolific sporting catfish specie tends to feed near the bottom but seldom on it.This is an essential dictum concerning their pursuit.My favorite channel cat rig consists of crane swivel up 2-3ft. from a #2 floating jighead , separated equidistant by a bb shot affixed to halt a 1/2-1 oz. sinker, to slide between the swivel and the shot that keeps it away from the hook.Biting fish are not spooked then by the weight resistance that plagues so many angler's bottom rigs.The floating jig keeps the hook near but up and away from most snags.We packaged these rigs in various sizes for years at the Tackleshack and sold them for years as the "RiverRig", essentially a Lindy rig with stouter line, a better swivel, and that essential floating jighead.
http://www.ohiosportsman.com/photopost/data/510/1mr_whiskers2.jpg
For bullheads, top off the river rig with nightcrawlers or stinkbait.However, when targeting channels or blues, deep six the crawlers in favor of a minnow or other live baitfish, cut with a shallow incision to give off an attractive odor to the scent-oriented cats without mortally injuring the baitfish-goodbye bullheads, hello channels.
My favored catfish gear includes a quality baitcast reel spooled with 30lb. PowerPro or Fireline;abrasion resistance without the worry of the fish being spooked by the thick-looking line as all catfish are quite nearly blind.
If you are the least bit discouraged by the current state of your bass or walleye fishing, you owe it to yourself to venture out this coming evening to that favorite old fishing hole to do some genuine retro fishing at its best, no big boat or travel expense necessary.
Oh, and don't forget to bring Opie too.
*
Jack Kiser is host of PBS-TV's "Buckeye Angler" and Ohio editor of "Midwest Outdoors" magazine.You may reach him through the Record-Courier or his website at buckeyeangler.com .