Hello. I am new to catfishing but live very close to Lake Benbrook and wanted to give it a go. My kids and I regularly bass fish and just wanted to try something different. Anyone have any success at fishing Lake Benbrook? I’ve put out trot lines in the timber off of Mustang Park with good success but more specifically I’m looking to catch them from rod and reel off the boat. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you all!

I Don't Frequent Benbrook, But A Good Punch Bait For Channels , Fresh Bait For Blues And Live Bait For Them Flatty's Should Put Them In The Cooler.
Hopefully Someone Will Chime In For You.
Welcome.

Welcome Ray. Most of us hardcore bluecatrs are catch snd release for all fish over 10 lbs. Some of those fish in your pic are older than your kids and they aren’t easily replaced like bass. I teach my son as well as all anglers on my boat the importance of conservation to ensure that there are big fish for future generations to enjoy. Fish under 10 lbs are eater. There are plenty of those to eat. Big fish are hard to come by and should be respected in my opinion.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What Gato said

Welcome aboard! If you stick around on this site, you can pick up a lot of good information. Lots of practical tips and tricks to help you crack the blue cat code. Pay special attention to El Gato, He knows what he's talking about.

He and I and some others are members of the Texas Trophy Catfish Association. We have pledged to release any fish over 10 pounds. I love to eat catfish. I keep some small ones now and then for the fryer but anything over 10 pounds goes back. That's the only way we are going to have quality fish for our kids and grandkids.

That's all for the sermon...

The lake you're on doesn't matter so much, get you a carolina rig and some fresh shad and you'll be on you're way.

Good luck!

Thanks for you advice. Like I said don’t know much about the catfish world and still learning fishing in general. We typically do release all of our bass but I never really looked at it from the perspective of catfish. I think that is great insight as I did not know it took so long for them to get so big. Any tips and tricks are certainly appreciated so thanks again.

Hope I didn’t sound like too big of an a hole Ray. We are passionate about our our big catfish around here. There are a ton of new Bluecat fisherman these days and learning about conservation is very important for all the new anglers and especially the kids. Without educating the new guys there won’t be many big fish left for future generations like my son to enjoy. If I went into the bass forum showing off a stringer of 8-12 lbrs for the grease the Bass guys would tar and feather me for it.

I do enjoy helping guys get going on Bluecats especially if you have kids but most guys aren’t going to offer much info if they think you are harvesting big fish for Tuesday night tacos. However, if you decide that returning these big fish back into the water for future generations to enjoy is something that you want to be a part of then you will get a ton of help, brotherhood, and fellowship from the guys on this forum.

No man not at all. I certainly understand the passion you have for something you love so much. Thanks for opening my eyes to that perspective. I would really love to stick around here and see what it is you guys are doing to put them in the boat. Many times we come up empty and it can be rather frustrating but we keep on trying every free chance we get. I have 3 kids ages 17,15,5 who all love fishing. I started off with a small jon boat and quickly upgraded twice when I figured out the whole family couldn't fit in it. now Now I'm completely invested which is what I think is adding to my frustration....lol. It sure isnt cheap but man is it Fun!!! I seen your post for your first annual get together possibly in October. Sounds like a lot of fun and I would sure be interested in meeting people who love to fish. thanks again for the insight and your content is great! I love seeing kids reel in a big fish as well!

Thanks Ray. The videos started as a fun way to memorialize our good times had on the water. Now I not only make fishing adventure videos but getting into more how-to and showing what and how we catch fish. It’s a fun hobby that falls in line with our Catfishing obsession! There are all kinds of ways to catch these Blues and we all do things a little different. There is no real right or wrong way to do so find a style that best suits you and then stay after them! You can find just about any knowledge you need right here on the forum so don’t hesitate to ask questions and someone will chime in to help. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Bluecatn ain’t easy! Tight lines and God Bless!

PS…I’m setting the date for Sunday, October 24th for the Catfishing Get Together. Hope you can make it! Should be a ton of fun!

Ray, there is a thread on here called Catfish NOOby first trip. Check it out. There is a lot of good info on that thread.

Thanks Tim! I definitely will!

Optimus still get on here? He's your Benbrook guy.

Once in a blue moon. Rick gave up on the TFF about a year ago…

Headed out to do some camping with my youngest son this weekend. I can’t wait! I think I’m going to run the santee on my poles and see what I come up with. The other battle is I’m going with a bass fisherman(my son) who wants to bass fish. I figured we would catfish at night then bass fish early in the morning. 😜

If you put him on a bunch of good fish he will be ruined on Bass for good! Lmao!! Hope you get em Ray!