Meeting the giant of the underwater world is the moment for which anglers are willing to endure mosquitoes, heat and long hours of waiting. Catfish from a boat is radically different from coastal fishing, opening access to deep pits and swirls where the largest trophies hide. It is a floating tool that allows you to point to the bottom relief and deliver bait directly under the nose of a predator.
But running a gear on an unstable platform requires special skills and strict safety precautions. You'll have to balance active fishing and keeping the boat balanced, which is often the deciding factor for success. In this article, we'll take a look at the nuances of finding, equipping and catching a mustachioed predator from a boat.
Selection and preparation of a boat for hunting a giantThe success of the event depends on the reliability of your boat. aluminum boats The use of a lightweight inflatable boat without protection from the claws of the catfish ("claw") can end in a puncture of the balloon at the most critical moment, since the fish has enormous strength and sharp spikes on the pectoral fins.
It is important to take into account the carrying capacity of the vessel, because the weight of the trophy catfish can exceed 50-80 kg, and together with the equipment and fuel supply, the load on the board increases. PVC Boats They must be equipped with a strong transom capable of withstanding the power of the motor necessary for rapid return to base or for maneuvering against the current.
⚠️ Warning: Never wind the fishing line on your hand when fishing from a light inflatable boat. The jerk of a large catfish can turn the boat over or pull the fishing rod out of your hands, which will lead to a dangerous situation on the water.
Equipment: quoc, sonar and anchor systemThe basic tool to attract the attention of a predator is quirkThis device produces a specific sound when hitting water, which, according to ichthyologists, mimics the sound of a feeding female or frog, attracting males. Choosing the shape of the kwok (Atanovsk, Kiev) is a matter of taste, but the material must be light and durable, for example, a tree or a composite.
An indispensable assistant in the search for parking will be sounderIt can find extreme depth swings, pits and trunks where catfish like to hide, and modern models allow us to see not only the relief, but also thermocline, which is important for determining the horizon of the fish on hot days.
The boat needs a reliable anchor system to hold it, and it's usually two anchors, one on the bow and one on the stern, allowing you to stand on board or across the jet.
- ⚓ Danforth anchor - perfectly holds on sand and silt, easily folds.
- ⚓ Cat anchor - versatile for rocky bottom and hooks, but requires caution when lifting.
- ⚓ Cargo bag - used on a strong current as an additional weight for the main line.
The secret of the quack's work
To get the right sound ("gurgling"), the quok should be carried through the water not by the muscles of the hand, but by the work of the hand, sharply removing it from the water at the end of the wiring.
Search strategies: where to look for a trophyThe catfish search is always about studying the bottom, the predator prefers deep pits with a reverse current, the pools under steep banks and the confluence of tributaries. During the day, the fish often stands at maximum depth, and when the sun goes down, they go to nearby "tables" and shallow waters to feed.
When searching, use the fan-pass method, anchor upstream from the proposed pit and catch different horizons, and if there are no bites within 20-30 minutes, it makes sense to change position. Snags They are also a favorite habitat, but fishing in them requires special equipment to avoid blind hooks.
Equipment: from powerful spinning to classic donkeyTwo types of tackle are most effective for fishing from a boat: spinning and bottom fishing rod. Spinning tackle should be powerful, test 100 to 300 grams, with a coil size of 6000-8000 according to Shimano classification. Leska is better to use a wicker, with a diameter of 0.4-0.6 mm, since it has a high tear load and zero stretchability.
Bottom tackle ("leap") is often more catchy in passive fishing, it is a strong cord or thick line, at the end of which is fixed a heavy loader and a leash with a large hook, the Dong can be held in your hands or mounted on board boats, but always using insurance.
Use a fluorescent wicker line of bright color - this will allow you to visually control the tension of the tackle and see careful bites even in complete darkness.
The bait and bait: how to treat the mustacheCatfish are omnivorous predators, but they have their own gastronomic preferences. babe (Cattle, bass, frog) And the crawls (large earthworms) strung with a bunch and the pieces of meat (liver, chicken giblets) also work perfectly.
| Type of bait | seasonality | Imposition | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bait (carp) | Year-round | Back or lip. | High. |
| Frog | Summer, autumn | For the foot or under the skin | Very high. |
| Snakes. | Spring, summer. | Big beam. | Medium |
| Meat pieces/liver | Night. | A dense lump | High. |
Boat fishing is rarely used because of the difficulty of delivering large volumes to depths, but sometimes it makes sense to throw a few pieces of toasted liver or blood at the fishing point to create a fragrant plume. However, remember that catfish is a loner, and it is the smell and sound that attracts it, not mass food.
Fishing and catching techniquesThe fishing process begins with the boat being placed across the stream or above the hole, the nozzle being lowered to the bottom, the line being pulled and the rod being fixed, and the rod is struck rhythmically every 5-10 seconds, creating a sound background, and the catfish's pecking is often felt as a powerful jerk or, conversely, as a sudden heaviness, after which the gear goes to the side.
The most important step is to catch the fish, you can't force events and drag the fish "snort", you need to tire the predator by holding the rod upright and surrendering the fishing line when the catfish makes a jerk.
- 🎣 Do not let the fishing line sag - this can lead to the descent of the hook.
- 🎣 Try to keep the fish deep without raising them to the surface immediately so they don’t see the boat.
- 🎣 Use the hook or bumper only at the last moment when the fish is already on board.
☑️ Pre-throw check
Safety Techniques and Trophy PreservationCatfish are risky, and big fish can not only injure the fisherman with spikes, but also cause a tail blow, and when catching a line, it can cut your fingers to the bone, so you must wear gloves. Always carry a knife to cut the gear.
If you plan to let go of the fish, do so as quickly as possible. Don't lift the large catfish vertically behind the fishing line - it can damage its internal organs. Carefully take the fish under the gills (using a gag or rag to avoid cutting yourself against small toothbrushes) and support the belly.
⚠️ Warning: Catfish poison in the glands on the spines of the fins, when it enters the blood, causes severe pain and inflammation. Any scratches and punctures immediately disinfect with alcohol or iodine.
The main principle of catching catfish from a boat is patience and control of tackle. One mistake in setting up a friction can cost you not only a trophy, but also expensive equipment.
What weight is considered a trophy catfish?
A trophy is usually considered a catfish weighing 30 kg or more, but for many regions of Russia and the CIS, a fish weighing from 15-20 kg is considered a worthy trophy. Record specimens can reach 100 kg or more, but are extremely rare.
Can you catch catfish at night from a boat without a kwok?
Yes, night fishing on bottom tackles without a quack is very effective. At night, the catfish goes out to feed on smaller places, and the sound of the quack can be even less important than the right position and appetizing bait.
What to do if the catfish went into snags?
Don't try to pull. Knock on the rod form, create vibrations. Often the fish come out of the shelter. If the hook is dead, use the uncouple or boat anchor cat to release the tackle, sacrificing some of the equipment to save the trophy.