Ohio River catfish Sun night

[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