Catfish on the float
An unachievable fantasy? Absolutely not, says moggie specialist Jack Pells…
We’re not joking
FLOATFISHING for catfish is not as ridiculous as it might sound.
Low-resistance rigs tend to bring more bites, so instead of using longer hooklinks and lighter leads, why not try a much more delicate float set-up, which will provide sensitive bite indication?
With a carp rod of around 2.75lb test curve you can have a great battle with smaller cats to 30lb or so and still have a good chance of landing much larger ones… all on the float!
Line of a minimum 15lb breaking strain is needed, because once a cat is hooked, you’ll be holding on for dear life!
When you catch a catfish you need to be able to get it in your landing net so use one of 40ins-50ins and make sure you have a large unhooking mat at the ready as these are big, long fish even at modest weights.
BEST BAITS
Catfish are scavengers, so all baits will work. However, by far the most popular are big pellets and boilies, but don’t neglect a big hook carrying four or five lobworms. Liver, squid and fish can take some beating too.
Catfish aren’t just nocturnal feeders. They are just as often caught in daylight, preferring to lay up under overhanging bushes, sunken trees and even wooden swim platforms.
They use these areas to ambush their prey and to rest up after feeding. I tend to look for a spot with around 3ft depth with an overhanging bush or feature.
Many catfish will have seen the bank at this point in the season – but by using a float, an approach that’s different from everyone else’s, you’re likely to catch them off guard. Give it a go!