I just recently fixed up a boat and started fishing calavares for catfish. I know the places to go for reds and stripers, But im just randomly fishing for cats. I have also been trying to find other places (not just lakes) to take my girl friend and catch some fat cats. Anyone know of any good places lake or non lake? If anything im thinking of baiting a hole for cats at the lake. Also, if you could let me know what bait you use at your fishin hole. I mainly use fresh caught bait fish from the location im at, but just curious what others use.

What is wrong with Calaveras? That lake is loaded with catfish. Welcome to the forum.

Big marvs punch bait is always a favorite when I go out. Shad a perch are great as well. Both Braunig and Calaveras produce good cats, I rarely see any thing bigger then #15 but I know they are in there. Have you ever heard of drifting? Its a great way to cover ground and potently catch a lot of fish. Both lakes are great for drifting due to not having a lot of [censored] on the bottom.

If you are looking for more of the trophy cats Dunlop, McQueeney, and Placid have produced some monsters. But McQueeney is imposable to get onto unless you know someone that has access to a ramp and a place to park your truck.

Fell free to PM me if you have any questions or want to go out some time

Try chumming with range cubes,you can get them at feed stores.In winter a good punch bait works good at calaveras.

why would one want to catch catfish after learning to catch "reds"

1. Catfish taste much better fried
2. Reds don't bit when its cold, but I still want to fish...

But brother you know it, when its hot, I turn into the red fish hunter!!!

The record blue is 140+lbs...I've never even heard of a red getting close to that.

But I bet a 30lb red will fight ten times harder then a 140lb cat

Try millers pond they stock channel cats there every two weeks.