Fishing for catfish spawn is a strategic game that can yield impressive results, even if it's not the most popular choice for anglers. Mike Jones, a seasoned angler from Southeast Louisiana, has mastered the art of targeting these elusive fish during their spawning season. Here's why this approach is worth considering and how it can benefit you.
The Spawn: A Fish's Paradise
Jones emphasizes the unique opportunity presented by the catfish spawn. During this time, larger, older fish move into the shallows, leaving smaller, younger fish in the main river. While most anglers might overlook this period, Jones sees it as a prime opportunity. He explains, "During the spawn, those big fish move up into the shallows. This leaves the perfect eating-size fish all for me."
The key to success lies in understanding the catfish's life cycle. Blue catfish, for instance, reach spawning age after growing to around 24 inches over four to five years. This means the fish in the shallows during June are the ones you want. They're bigger, older, and less interested in chasing bait.
Targeting the Main River
Jones' strategy involves staying on the main river and focusing on its deepest bends. These bends are carved out by the current, creating deep water where shad school up. The concentration of shad attracts blue cats, making them predictable and targetable. As Jones notes, "If you look on Livescope, you can see them. The shad are swimming at the mid-point of the water column, and the catfish are sitting just below the shad in the lower third of the river."
Using Livescope, anglers can pinpoint the exact depth where the shad are suspended. The goal is to position your bait just beneath the shad, in the zone where the blues are holding. This technique ensures your bait is in the right part of the water column, enticing the fish to take the bait.
Summer Setup and Techniques
For June, Jones recommends a rod and reel setup. He suggests using live shiners dropped to the bottom on a split shot and slowly reeling them up. This method allows you to work the bait slowly through the water column, something a jug line can't replicate. Jones advises against trotlines in June due to heat-related oxygen issues, which can harm baitfish and catfish alike.
The Payoff: Abundant Catch
Jones measures success not by the size of the fish but by the number of quart-sized freezer bags he fills. He fillets the fish, removes the red meat, and packages them in quart bags, each feeding three to four people. This approach ensures convenience and efficiency, as quart bags thaw faster than gallon bags.
"Every year, I’m able to catch enough for the whole year and have it nicely packaged and ready to go," Jones says. "All my fish are already cleaned. It’s very convenient."
In conclusion, fishing for catfish spawn requires a strategic approach, but the rewards are significant. By targeting the main river, using the right techniques, and focusing on the right fish, anglers can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious catfish. So, if you're looking for a unique and productive fishing adventure, give this strategy a try and reap the benefits of a well-executed fishing trip.
