Ohio River catfish Sun night

[riverrat12]

Joe, are you fishing the Mcalpine area? If so what ramp did you use? Good catch. Chuck

[Fisherjoe]

These last few trips I have been in the Brandenburg area, using the B-burg ramp. I am going both upstream and downstream. Generally targeting the flats on the outside bends nearest the channel.

Joe

[riverrat12]

These last few trips I have been in the Brandenburg area, using the B-burg ramp. I am going both upstream and downstream. Generally targeting the flats on the outside bends nearest the channel.

Joe

Thank you sir, Have you had any problem getting bait?

[btfish09]

I have just recently gotten interested in big cats on the Ohio. 2 questions... The first question has to do with different baits. I have been using live and dead bluegill. Not much luck and the only luck I have is by using the smaller bluegill? Are Skipjack a neccesity or is there another option? 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!

[riverrat12]

I have just recently gotten interested in big cats on the Ohio. 2 questions... The first question has to do with different baits. I have been using live and dead bluegill. Not much luck and the only luck I have is by using the smaller bluegill? Are Skipjack a neccesity or is there another option? 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!

I personally use bluegill around structure for flathead. Skipjack are great but sometimes hard to come by, gizzard and threadfin shad are # 2 on the list but usually a little easier to catch. clickers are fine but just remember if using a big piece of bait let them run with it for a while before you set the hook. It sound like you guy's found a mess of gar which will do exactly what you said was happening.....Move. Where about are you guy's fishing ,deep holes or near a dam? Lots a good guy's on this site, Hope this helps. Welcome aboard. Chuck

[btfish09]

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

[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

[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.

[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