Ohio River: Catfish

[JimDi]

This might be kind of late to ask information, but plan on going catfish fishing
this evening on the Ohio River. Will launch from Charlestown State Park in Indiana.

Any advice on what they may be doing ??

[riverrat12]

Coming off the beds I would drift live or fresh bait off ledges, humps, and creek mouths.Fresh bait is the key right now leave the frozen stuff at home. Good luck Chuck

[JimDi]

We were going to get some shiners.
Would you suggest a three way swivel type rig and bounce the weight
right off the bottom or a couple of turns of the reel off the bottom.

Thank You for replying....

[SKIPJACK]

There is a good stretch of water just up river from 14 mile creek on the Indiana side. It's about 2 miles of deeper water close to the bank, full of rocks and humps. We have picked up some good catfish in this area drifting and anchored.. You may be able cast net shad just across the river in the Marina. Good Luck

[riverrat12]

We were going to get some shiners.
Would you suggest a three way swivel type rig and bounce the weight
right off the bottom or a couple of turns of the reel off the bottom.

Thank You for replying....

With the water conditions being muddy to murky I would try and get shad as Skipjack suggested. The cats will be feeding mainly by sence of smell and shad have what they are looking for.As far as rigs go I don't use the three way....even with 100# test you have three knots between you and the fish. I use what I guess would be considered a drop shot for cats,Hook tyed with a palamar knot and sinker 6 to 10 inch under it.Many people love the three way so what ever you think is best for you, I'm no pro.I would keep it right off the bottem and free spool incase of snagg. Hope this helps. Good luck Chuck

[JimDi]

We ended using cut skipjack and caught about 12 fish
Best fish were: 8lb flathead, 7lb blue cat, and 6lb channel.

We caught fish below 14 mile creek and the deep area upstream.

Had a ton of bites... I will be buying a new graph this weekend and start targeting the ledges and
transition areas.

What size catfish should I expect fishing the river itself???

[riverrat12]

We ended using cut skipjack and caught about 12 fish
Best fish were: 8lb flathead, 7lb blue cat, and 6lb channel.

We caught fish below 14 mile creek and the deep area upstream.

Had a ton of bites... I will be buying a new graph this weekend and start targeting the ledges and
transition areas.

What size catfish should I expect fishing the river itself???

I've fished the river for 40+ years ,three biggest 83.5,81.5,blues and 80# flat.Many 70's but load a 60's don't even know how many smaller fish. Once the river gets in your blood you will never want to fish anywhere else. Chuck

[riverrat12]

I've fished the river for 40+ years ,three biggest 83.5,81.5,blues and 80# flat.Many 70's but load a 60's don't even know how many smaller fish. Once the river gets in your blood you will never want to fish anywhere else. Chuck

You will also GLOW!