Help, anyone?

[Catfishing Matt]

I am really into Catfishing, and I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers, fishing techniques, bait ideas, and so on.

I usually fish off of a bridge in Milan, IL into the Rock River.

I have an 8' Rhino Tough Glow Tip rod, and 50lb. Test (I know, too much.)

I use worm for bait usually on I think Size 4 Gamakatsu Circle hooks.

I was hoping for some bridge-river fishing, bank river fishing, and bank pond fishing tips, techniques, rigs, and ideas.

Also, can anyone tell me what time of year Catfishing is best, and the types of places in the river to fish for them, and kind of bait to use?

Any suggestions on hooks, bait, techniques, places, rods, line, or anything else would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.:)



P.S. Schoe, I live in your area, so I think you could help me the most, if you would. Thank you.

[capt.kirk]

Matt,Schoe is your go to man for that area,he will give you some advice
and the first thing he will tell you is dont leave that girl friend settin by
her self anymore;) KIRK

[gofish]

use them worms to catch some blugill ,and use em live or as cutbait.gamgatsus are nice but eagle claw is a lot cheaper.i use 2/0 for shad gut for the boys,cut bait /live bait i start at 5/0 and go all the way to20/0. probably the best time of years spring /prespawn when the water hits 55 to 70 degrees, but i do real well in the winter from the boat or thru the ice if we ever get any:mad: schoe,colbyjack and the rest of the guys should be able to put ya on some spots to fish,seems like they got er figured out pretty good. you usin braided? i use up to 30lb mono and anything heavier switch to braid.got 2 rods with 80lb.

[Catfishing Matt]

Yes, I use Spiderwire 50 lb. braided.

[Schoe]

Matt, what Gofish is suggesting to you is very good as I have seen what he did to the Catfish population down at Ky. Lake this past spring with this procedure.

Around here with our Channel Cats I have had very good luck using small chunks of Chicken livers, Night crawlers , Shrimp, (half spoiled) , cut Shad, and Leaches. What works today or this week don't necessarily mean they will bite on it next week and that's why we always try to take a variety of baits. This has worked for me and my fishing partners most of the time but there are lots of other baits that other fishermen rely on.

I hope this helps you out, Schoe