For the trophy guys out there, this a good read. There's some pretty good info here.....

https://www.in-fisherman.com/editorial/secret-lives-reservoir-blue-catfish/154076#replay


I can go out all summer long and catch catfish with some regularity, but they're mostly in the 2 to 5 pound range. Occasionally I'll luck into a 15 to 20 pounder but for the most part, I hardly ever catch a really big blue. I haven't learned how to target flatheads yet, so I may be missing out on some trophy opportunities there.

There's no comparison for us in North Texas when it comes to states that have really big river systems like the Tennessee or Cumberland, or the James. I'm sure there are some good areas to fish in the Trinity, there's just not many places to launch a boat, unless you have a kayak or canoe. Also, the Trinity, at least in North Central Texas, isn't a very large river, making it tough to navigate in a larger boat. There may be some better spots to access further south, I'm not sure.

I think the best option for us that's close is the Brazos. Unfortunately, the last time I tried to fish the Brazos, I encountered a slew of wake boats that were completely uninterested in having any concern for their wake's affect on a fishing boat (pretty much the same as they do in lakes, the difference being that they come much closer to you in the river!). If anyone has any info about other rivers in our area, or even fairly close, please chime in!

Yeah, if you're going to fish the Brazos (Tin Top especially) it better be before 10am or at dusk in to night. The wake surfers are out of control down here.

Pretty much of what the article said about the Tennesse River is true. Right now, I don't even bother looking for big blues or flatheads. Starting in mid July, I'll switch from using cut or live bluegill to skipjack and large gizzard shad. Fishing is done by drifting deep holes and secondary channel ledges. I look for mussel beds and drift them. You have to keep moving to find them. Anchoring just isn't that productive. I'll plot a route on my Ultrexx, sit back and watch my rods. But I'm constantly moving. This is where the use of planer boards really helps in locating fish. I'm moving and covering a large area behind my boat at the same time.

Good read.

What ever happened to Catfish Tim. He always had such good imput on catfish topics. Seemed like a very nice person. Seems like he hasn't been on the board in many months. Hope he is ok.

Good post, Geno.

There is some good data in that link. It amazes me that the fish move so much, and sometimes so quickly. For those of us who almost exclusively fish big lakes, I wonder if the same patterns apply. Texoma is huge and the Red River always flows. My local lake Lavon, doesn't have so much water coming in from the rivers that feed it, so I suspect the big fish migration may not be the same.

I decided this year to wait till September before targeting the big cats. Fishing the summer post spawn bite the last couple of years has been a dink fest, and a lesson in frustration!

Nope.



Catfish Tim is still alive and kicking, and still targeting and catching the big cats. He is a very nice person, and will always offer advice and coaching to the n00bies. Recently I know he has been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest, so I will pass on your comments.

Thanks. Good to hear.

A very good afternoon all. I heard my name came up and thought I better stop by and say hello to quell the rumors of my demise...

I am well, but I have been up to my eyeballs in work. Business has been very very good. The consequences of that include a significant reduction in fishing time. This has been the case for some months now and I don't see it going away anytime soon. I will add that I have had some boat woes due to the storms this sprig/summer. I am getting close to getting everything back to full strength. The last issue, my battery maintainer and the subsequent dead batteries and associated dead trolling motor will hopefully be put back together before the holiday and I hope to get out for some night fishing this week to avoid the masses of knuckleheads that will be on the water this week too.

The issues with my boat were caused when a storm destroyed the hydro hoist under it in the marina. My charger cord got ripped out and it took the Noco receptacle with it. I think it damaged the 120 VAC line cord too because plugging it in immediately trips the GFCI on the dock. Got the batteries out and getting them charged up and going to test the charge on the bench here at home. If those all check good, the only think left is the line cord. Shouldn't be a big deal if it is the line cord.

I think the spawn was early this year, just based on how early the water temps got warm enough for them to go on the nest. That said I think there should be post spawn fish to be caught if I could get out and soak some baits at the right time. I am relegated to fishing when I can in my current reduced circumstance. Good to know the forum is alive and well.

I hope y'all get to soak some baits over the holiday week/weekend.

GB/TL

Great to see you are in good health.