Can I Ask A Favor?

[5bites]

I have been on the catfish spawn bite just a few times. I know it's usually around Memorial Day. I badly want to get my wife and kids in on it this year. I know they will have a blast! Anyway this year most of my tournaments are at Grand so I don't get to keep up on Stockton much. I was hoping some of you gentlemen could give me a heads up when they hit the rip rap around the bridges. We will be fishing from my boat. I figured they'd be up a little early this year so I'd appreciate any help!

[straw hat]

I will post something as soon as I hear something. Tried rip rap twice in 2 weeks with no luck yet. Fair number being picked up in the back of bigger coves and along steep nanks. Most are full of eggs and should spawn soon. The rest of the week will be cooler though and it may slow them down. I will try again later this week if I can.

[5bites]

That would be great. Like I said I've only done it a few times. I just use a bobber and a long leader with worms. I'd like to try a slip bobber but have never used one. I need a setup that will cast through the guides. I don't mind casting for all four of us but I'd rather give the slip bobber thing a shot.

[straw hat]

Slip bobbers are all I use. You can set them so they suspend the bait right over the cover. I would recommend a thill bobber. They have several sizes at both Bass Pro and Walmart. They also sell a string that can be slide directly over your line without rerigging. The string is yellow and is wrapped around a small piece of plastic. This yellow slip knot will easily cast through the eyes on your rod. I like to use two hooks below by bobber. In other words, the rig starts with a slip knot set at the desired depth you want to fish, next is the slip bobber, then a small split shot just above the hooks so that the bobber doesn't slide down on the bait when casting, next is a hook, about 1 foot down is the second hook and at the very end of the line is 1 or 2 split shot. If the rig drifts into the rocks or brush the split shot will usually get hung first. Pull hard and the split shot will slide off the end of the line and you are free. You don't usually loose your whole rig. The reason for two hooks...well you just never know what a cat is going to want. I may put a large live bait on the bottom hook for flatheads and then a hunk of liver on the upper hook for channels. I also combo with worms, minnows, bluegill...etc. A regular buffet for them lol. Good luck and let me know if you have any more questions.

[sandbc]

Well 5bites in my line of work I get rained out so around the first of June to the middle we would go up to CC and fish off the rip rap at the bridge and most of the time come home with a nice mess of cats of all sizes. I have seen some very nice bigs ones caught there. We use shrimp most of the time and will let it sit out and get stinky and refreeze the leftover to use next time. Also my nephew has had good luck using chicken breast soaked in powdered koolaid. Just put chunks of chicken in a zip lock bag and pour in a packet of koolaid powder and mix. Good luck.

[5bites]

Thanks for the tips guys. I may literally turn down a trip to Guntersville to do the catfish thing. I know my family will have a blast. We all love to bass fish so this will be a fun change of pace. They should definitely be firing by memorial day correct?

[JMBC]

Hey guys, i read alot on here but just signed in. Just letting you know ive been catching cat on the rocks for 2 weeks. Enjoy the fishing!

[straw hat]

Welcome JMBC! Look forward to your posts. On the rocks? Oh well...so much for my catfishing skills. I have tried the rip rap for 2 weeks with no luck.

[dblades]

I saw some large channel cats in the back of pockets last week, figured they were about to spawn.

[5bites]

Wow sight fishing for cats? Might be fun! I'm Hopi g to get up there soon. One more weekend at grand then I'm open to hit Stockton. I hope it's not over by then.