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Basic equipment
Take a sturdy "carnassier" rod (2.40 to 2.70 m, 10 to 25 g), a well-greased reel size 2500-4000, and braid around 0.30 to 0.35 mm (14 to 20 kg). Add a nylon or fluorocarbon leader of 0.40 to 0.50 mm, 1.20 to 1.80 m, to avoid breakage on heavy rubbing.
The right position at the right time
Catfish like deep water, channels, holes near banks, bridges, wrecks or sudden bottom breaks. The best time to look for catfish for beginners is late afternoon, evening and night, when they are most active. To maximize your chances, be prepared to fish for at least 2 to 3 hours at a time.
The simplest technique
Use bottom fishing :
- A light lead (10âeuros20 g) or a leaded head adapted to the current.
- A sturdy hook (2âeuros3/0) mounted on a solid leader, or with a simple steel wire.
- Throw at the edge, in a hole or near a shelter, then let it drag along the bottom, keeping a little tension.
Baits that work well for catfish
For a first catfish, opt for what is simple and natural:
- Earthworms or large natural worms wrapped around the hook.
- Smaller fish (roach, gudgeon, barbel) on triple hook or single hook, cast close to structures.
- Soft lures (shad, pike, jerkbait) in slow or jerky retrieve if you want to try a more sporting approach.
Animate and locate keys
Catfish often produce a bite by pulling calmly, sometimes by bringing the rod down. As soon as you feel a weight that is not the lead, the strike should be clean and dry upwards, then don't release the tension. If it's at the end of the line, bring it back gradually, leaving a bit of line if the drag sings, but without slackening it so as not to take any risks.
Safety and handling
Catfish have a tough jaw: equip yourself with a good fishing glove and a sturdy knife or hook. Avoid picking it up with your bare hands. Respect local regulations (size, quota, zones) and return to the water if you wish, limiting the time out of the water.
Simple but strong tackle, a deep spot close to shelter, fishing with worms or live bait in the evening, and remaining cautious in the face of this powerful beast.
