I am reaching out to all you catfish experts for some advise on how to locate catfish on any given day on a Texas lake. What are the Top 5-7 things you look for in deciding on where you are going to fish on any given day using a boat? I am a jon boat owner with 2 young boys that are enjoying the short time we have had since catching the catfishing fever. My goal is to keep them busy catching fish so they don't get bored within the first two hours jumping from spot to spot tryng to locate the fish.

Is it wind direction? birds? temperature? depth?

Top 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6,
7.

Thank you in advance for your help. Happy fishing.

Wind blown points , Birds in trees will help , locate a drop off

1. GET DECENT ELECTRONICS AND LEARN TO USE THEM
2. GET DECENT ELECTRONICS AND LEARN TO USE THEM
3. GET DECENT ELECTRONICS AND LEARN TO USE THEM
4. GET DECENT ELECTRONICS AND LEARN TO USE THEM
5. GET DECENT ELECTRONICS AND LEARN TO USE THEM

All the other factors don't really matter that much if you can't master the top 5. Obviously weather effects the fish, but the reality is catfish can be anywhere. For instance we caught fish Saturday morning in 38'-48' of water. By the afternoon we were catching fish in 5' of water. If you can get you a decent fishfinder that has the ability to run either Navionics or Lakemaster as well, you really eliminate most of the guess work.

I also have young kids that fish with me basically every time I go out. I'm no catfish master. In fact I still have a ton to learn. One thing I always try to do is make sure the number of fish we catch isn't the deciding factor on if it was a fun day on the water or not. We have fun being on the lake and being together. That's really what its all about. Gonna be days the fish just don't cooperate. On those days I give the kids some time behind the wheel of the boat, or in the summer I let them swim some. Make it fun and they will always love going to the lake with Dad.

Couldn't have said it any better kubroe. Perfect!!!

Driving around from spot to spot really is just part of it and my oldest boy goes nuts sometimes! Lol! Time on the water watching your electronics = a Sixth sense that can rarely be beaten. When it can, you don't have much gas money and your tired just watch the guides, other fisherman or ask friends where the heck them son of a guns are!!!!!!

Booking a trip with a guide is money well spent. Try and pick a guide though who will teach you electronics and fish movement. Simply following a guide around in a boat will not accomplish anything but you to learn "spots" that the fish will be that particular moment and of course really upset the guide as well. Find a guide on your local lake or someone you feel you will learn the most from. If you factor in their cost vs. time on the water and fuel you will always come out ahead booking a trip.

That's why you just can't beat the good ole fishing forum bro's!!! Lol! Fish on Dudes!

When water temps are in the 50s and below, bigger blues tend to stay in deep water..15 to 35 feet. But not necessarily on the bottom. Try warmer shallows for channel cats year round. Dropoffs are a good starting point anytime to fish for catfish. Try putting some jugs out in different spots. If they start producing, you can usually catch them on rod & reel there as well.

+1

Get some range cubes and pour the out and tie up to a good tree .They will come if they don't try another spot .This time of year try to find a creek.And u might want to try my bait .Good luck if I can help you give me a call.

Some very good info above---
Tiny and Chad have put together some good stuff also-
Hope this helps someone-

http://www.catfishing.tv/Main/tips-section/TipsSection.html

http://www.catfishedge.com/drift-fishing-catfish-tips/

Your A good man Steve. and Tiny is the Blue Catfishing King!!!!!! Lol!

And Punchbait Addict, I don't know what kind of catfish your planning on fishing for, but if your wanting to locate and fish for big blues you might want to reconsider??? It's too Addicting!!!!

Great info guys! Thanks!

I am new to this bluecats game but having some decent success with it. Like said above knowing your electronics is big help , I love my HD8 , seems like to me staying up with the bait is the big key. These blues seem like there always right with the bait. And they seem to big pretty good about being segregated in size.
In the winter after these cold nites the birds and pelicans which are experts at getting on shad dies when water temp falls puts your a lot closer to your target. So thats when reading electronics really makes a difference , water temps important . Learn your bait is number 1 on my list for now. Seems like tight line and fresh bait next.