Ohio River catfish Sun night

[btfish09]

Thanks for the advice that helps. We have been putting in at the Charlstown park ramp and going up river.

[Fisherjoe]

I have had my best luck at night under lights for skippies and shad. Find an area where there is decent light shining on the water and there may be bait. Throw a sabiki rig for the skippies and/or a throw net for the gizzards.

I have not had much luck finding them during daylight hours due to the lack of current. If you can find water flowing in, you may find some skippies. I have found a few shad by going up feeder creeks with a throw net. The discharges from the energy plants and other industrial sites have worked best for me so far, but they have been spotty. Catching at night fits my schedule best so that is what I do most.

[Fisherjoe]

The second question is about hook-ups. We had 7 fish take off with out baits (dead and alive) leaving the clicker screaming but when we picked up there was no fish on the line. Is a clicker just not a good idea on the river when fishing for cats? or is there something else that is not right? thanks for ANY advice and comments![/QUOTE]

When I am bottom fishing, I will use the clicker and let the fish run for a second or two. If I am drifting, I leave the reel engaged. The fish usually slam the bait hard enough to set the hook themselves. I use circle octopus hooks exclusively, 7/0 or 8/0.


I agree with the other answer about missing fish. Sounds like a bunch of gar. Pick up and move. They will burn thru your bait in a hurry.

[fishassasin]

The second question is about hook-ups. We had 7 fish take off with out baits (dead and alive) leaving the clicker screaming but when we picked up there was no fish on the line. Is a clicker just not a good idea on the river when fishing for cats? or is there something else that is not right? thanks for ANY advice and comments!

When I am bottom fishing, I will use the clicker and let the fish run for a second or two. If I am drifting, I leave the reel engaged. The fish usually slam the bait hard enough to set the hook themselves. I use circle octopus hooks exclusively, 7/0 or 8/0.


I agree with the other answer about missing fish. Sounds like a bunch of gar. Pick up and move. They will burn thru your bait in a hurry.[/quote]




try just leaving the reel engaged when fishing the bottom, letting the rod load up. usually once it loads up it will start dancing(twitchin fast) then just pick up the rod and start reelin. alot of the times when u give it a jerk without letting the rod load up u will just jerk it right out of their mouths.

[Fisherjoe]

Fishassassin made a good point...I should have clarified on my response. With circle hooks, you don't use a big hookset. Just pick up the rod and start reeling when you feel pressure from the fish. The hook and the fish will do all the work. Sorry if I was unclear.

Joe

[steve douglas]

guys i use to have that problem too! but not any more, ive found a new way to catch shad for bait! i can catch 30-40 pcs of 12-16 in shad in about 20 min. now! of course the skipjacks are still a lil chore but i do ok with the shad this time of year!

[Fisherjoe]

Steve,

Mind sharing your secret for the shad?!?!?!? Thanks.

Joe

[steve douglas]

100 ft gill net! 2 in openings ! i catch 12-16 in mooneye, shad and skipjack! takes about 20 mins and your done! i fish alot of catfish tournys ! cabelas and bps's and need to spend my time on catchin catfish and not bait! this works out great for me!