How to catch a trophy catfish?

The largest freshwater predator isn't caught on fishing trips to the Putorana Plateau, but it's found in many bodies of water across Russia. This predator prefers warm waters. Therefore, it's not found in the cold rivers and lakes of the Siberian nature reserve.

Catching a predator of this size, which can grow up to 5 meters and weigh up to 400 kg, is also impossible in the Turukhansk region. However, it is possible to catch similar predatory catfish of medium size (20-30 kg). Moreover, they are from the noble salmon family, the taimen, the master of Siberian rivers.

This article is dedicated to those interested in catfish hunting. We'll tell you how to make your fishing for these predators successful and trophy-winning. We'll also cover where to look, how to catch them, and what you'll need to catch them.

Where and when can you find a predatory individual?

First, it's worth noting the locations in water bodies where the bloodthirsty monster can be found. These include:

· Catfish live at great depths in pits.

· They love places littered with snags.

· The predator is attracted by whirlpools and pools that often form near hydraulic structures.

The individual emerges from its den at night and moves closer to the shore to feast on fresh, small fish. On warm days, the predator sometimes emerges from its ambush and simply lounges in the shallow water in the sun.

You won't catch catfish in fast-flowing waters or flat areas. When the water temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, landing a trophy specimen is impossible.

The cold chills its body, and the fish ceases its active lifestyle. Fishing can only be successful in late spring and summer. On cloudy days, trying to catch the predator is pointless. It lies in wait, waiting for warmer weather and sunny conditions.

What baits and lures should you have in your arsenal?

When targeting large predators, it's best to choose large baits. They should weigh at least 200 grams. Live bait, such as fish, frogs, and mice, is best. You can also add chunks of flavorful meat. Although catfish prefer large baits, they also don't mind attacking insects, beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and the like.

When it comes to artificial lures, robotic or regular wobblers of large sizes (10 cm and over) are excellent choices. Large spoons and spinners can also be used. You can also try silicone lures paired with heavy jig heads. Trolling and trolling are effective for catching predators.

Fishing on the bottom

During warmer months, catfish actively hunt for their prey, and bottom fishing tackle can yield substantial catches. It's best to rig a bottom fishing rod with a bottom fishing tackle, as this makes it easier to land the fish and cast the bait.

The equipment elements are as follows:

· Monofilament or braided fishing line 0.6-1 mm.

· A leash of slightly smaller diameter, up to 0.8 mm, half a meter long.

· Load weighing from 100 to 300 g.

· Single, double and treble hooks No. 6-10.

Late in the evening, set out bottom fishing gear in areas where predators come out to hunt at night. You can use bite alarms to keep your bait near the bottom.

Cast your line (it's best to have several lines) at a distance of about five meters from the shore. Experienced fishermen recommend setting up docks in a fan-shaped pattern, which significantly increases your chances of catching something.

On a spinning rod

Catching a large catfish with an inexpensive, unreliable rod is unlikely. To target this predatory giant, you need more expensive, reliable rods with a powerful casting weight of 60 to 100 grams. When fishing from a boat, shorter models are suitable, while from the shore, longer rods up to 3 meters are suitable.

A spinning rod should be equipped with a reel (spinning or multiplier) with a metal body and rotor. Its size should be 5000 or larger. The line length should be at least 200 meters. Hooks should be soft, matching the lures, from size 6 to 10.

Catfish hunting by croaking (kwok)

This method is best used to catch the predator sometime before summer, around the end of May. During this period, the predator will spawn and begin foraging for food. To catch the kwok, you'll need a watercraft (PVC boat, raft, etc.) and the following equipment:

· Hooks not less than size 30;

· Reliable cord with a massive bait.

Fishing takes place on warm evenings at medium depth. If the maximum depth in the pond is 10 meters, the cast will be 5 meters. We determine the predator's ambush location. When the bait reaches the desired depth, we make a sharp cast.

At the first bite, we hook the fish, and if a catfish is hooked, we slowly bring the predator closer to the shore. In shallow water, it will be easier to fight, and you can then delight yourself and your loved ones with a trophy catch.