Hunting for a river giant is always a challenge for a fisherman, requiring not only physical strength, but also a deep understanding of the behavior of the fish. Catfishing from a boat It's very different from shore fishing, because it allows you to get to the predator's sites, which are often inaccessible from land, and it allows you to catch deep pits, pools and beds where trophy fish hide.
Unlike the shore, where the angler is tied to a single point, the boat allows you to actively search for catfish as you move around the waters, but there are some nuances: engine noise, pitching and limited space require a special approach to equipment. Trophy catfish It rarely comes out in shallow water during the day, so knowing the bottom relief becomes a key success factor.
Many beginners make the mistake of using the same gear as for fishing from the shore, without considering the specifics of swimming. On the water, compactness and reliability of equipment are critical. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to assemble the gear, which bait to choose and where to find the owner of the river, so that your fishing will crown the desired trophy.
Choosing the optimal boat and equipment
The first thing that a fisherman who plans to hunt a catfish encounters is the choice of a boat. PVC It's a full-blown, inflatable paiole, and it provides the necessary cushioning when you're catching large fish that can ram or try to get under a boat, and it's a hard bottom that allows you to stand and work with heavy gear.
The second option is metal boats ("Kazanki", "crows"), but they have a significant disadvantage: high noise level. The catfish is careful, and the impact on the side or the loud sound of the anchor can permanently scare the predator from the native place. If you use metal, you need to handle the equipment as quietly as possible and use soft pads.
Besides the boat itself, the anchor is critical. For deep pit fishing, one anchor is not enough, because the boat will turn sideways to the current, which is inconvenient for catching. You need anchor stretching or using two anchors (nose and stern) for rigid fixation. The weight of the anchor should be enough to keep the boat on the stream, but not excessive, so that you can quickly choose it.
⚠️ Attention! When fishing for large catfish, always carry a sharp knife or kukan loop so that in an emergency, you can quickly cut the line if the fish goes under the boat and confuses the anchor falcon.
For somina fishing, the boat must be stable and have a hard bottom for mounting heavy tackles, and the anchor system must provide reliable fixation on a strong current.
Catfish fishing gear from the boat
The boat gear should be powerful but compact. The use of long rods (over 2.4 meters) on the boat is inconvenient because of the risk of hooks and the complexity of maneuvering. rod It is 1.8-2.4 meters with a test of 100 to 300 grams, and the build is preferable fast or medium-fast, to confidently cut the bony mouth of a predator and extinguish the jerks.
The coil must be a reliable power model size 4000-6000 according to the Shimano classification or specialized. multipletMultipliers are preferred for trophy fishing, as they have a tremendous traction power and reliable friction. The gear ratio of the coil is better to choose a low (for example, 4.0:1 or 5.0:1) for maximum exhaustion effort.
The main line is used only wicker cord. Monophile line is not suitable because of its extensibility: you simply can not make a confident cut at a depth of 5-10 meters. The diameter of the cord should be at least 0.35-0.45 mm (in Japanese classification it is PE 4.0-6.0). The color of the cord can be any, but the bright line is better visible in the dark.
Special attention should be paid to leashes. Catfish have no teeth, but its "terca" (many small teeth on the upper and lower jaws) can wipe even a thick braid. leash It is made of thick line (1.0 mm), fluorocarbon or Kevlar cable, and the length of the leash should be 50-70 cm.
Why is a multiplier better than a meat grinder for catfish?
The multiplier coil has a more powerful mechanism, a straight handle stroke and less risk of breaking the spoole when the giant fish jerks, and they often have a fishing line counter, which is convenient for catching in driftwood.
The bait: what prefers catfish
Catfish are omnivorous predators, but their taste preferences can vary depending on the pond and the time of year. babeFor fishing from a boat, it is better to use large fish: carp, perch, roach or even a small locust. The bait must be active to attract the attention of the predator with vibrations and smell.
The second most popular option is the snouts (large earthworms), a bundle of 5-10 pieces is often strung on one tackle, but for a trophy catfish, the worms can be small, although during periods of active zipper the fish takes them, and the catfish also responds well to the trophy catfish. meat-pieceChicken gibberries, liver, cancerous neck and even scorched birds.
Some people say that catfish likes "smelly" baits. Indeed, spoiled meat or fish with a smell often work better than fresh ones. You can pre-marinate the bait in the blood or leave it in the sun for several hours. Experiments with bait are the key to success if the bait is flaccid.
- 🐟 The best bait for a trophy (drug, perch) is the best bait for a trophy.
- 🪱 A bundle of crawls - works on the medium som and at night.
- 🍗 Pieces of liver or meat are a universal and affordable bait.
- 🦞 Cancer cervix is a delicacy that catfish rarely refuses.
Tactics of finding and installing tackles
The success of fishing depends on 90% of the right location: catfish are bottom fish, preferring deep pits, pools, entrances and exits from them, as well as areas with reverse currents. During the day, the predator stands at the bottom at the deepest points, and at night can go out for watering and eyebrows. sonar It greatly simplifies the search for promising places, allowing you to see the relief of the bottom and even the fish itself.
There are two main ways of catching from a boat: plumb (for crook) and bottom fishing in the cast. Fallbow fishing is more active and requires constant monitoring of the tackle, but it gives the best results in trophies. Bottom fishing (for "suppliers") is more passive: tackles are placed around the perimeter of the pit, and anglers are waiting for a bite.
When you go down the plumb, the boat anchors across the stream or above the hole, you lower the bait to the bottom, then you make a few smooth climbs, mimicking the movement of the injured fish, the pauses at the bottom should be long, and it's important to feel the weight of the tackle and not let it lie in the mud if there's no cool.
⚠️ Attention! Never wrap a fishing line on your hand or finger when fishing for catfish. A big fish jerk can cause serious hand injuries or even loss of a limb. Use only a rod or glove with protection.
☑️ Checking before installation of gear
Fishing technique and safety
Catfish fishing is not just a fight with fish, it's a fight with your own nerves. After a powerful cut, the catfish often makes its first sharp jerk, followed by a series of pulls. The main task of the fisherman is to keep the fish from going into driftwoods or under a boat. The rod should be held at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees to the water, working as a shock absorber.
If the catfish is taken under the boat, you can't try to drag it by force. You need to slowly, without jerking, pull the fish up, trying to turn it head to the shore or to the board. At the critical moment when the head of the fish appears at the surface, you need an assistant with a baggage or a cook. You can only grab a catfish with your bare hands by the lower jaw if you are confident in your abilities, but you better use a special grip.
Water safety is priority number one. A large catfish can flip a light boat or cord on a motor propeller. Always have a partner. If you're alone, make sure all cutting tools are available and the engine is silenced or raised during the active phase of the catching.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| The rod test | 100-300g | Depends on the weight of the loader and the current |
| Cord diameter | 0.35-0.50 mm | The wicket is mandatory. |
| Size of hook | № 10/0 – 14/0 | Single, long-forearm. |
| Length of leash | 50-80 cm | From a line 1.0 mm or Kevlar |
Use a red headlight for night fishing – it scares fish less and does not blind the angler when reloading the gear.
Typical mistakes of fishermen
One of the most common mistakes is to use too thin a tackle in the hope of "maybe," the catfish is not a pike, its mouth needs to be punched, and its resistance is enormous. Thin cord Or a weak carbine is a guaranteed trophy, and you can't save on fittings when you're fishing for that fish.
The second mistake is noisy behavior: anchoring, loud talk, blowing plastic buckets on board, all of which alarm the catfish. In shallow water or clear water, it can leave the point before you even throw the gear. Move smoothly and talk quietly.
The third mistake is not keeping the catch properly. The catfish is strong, and even if planted, it can escape. Be sure to use a reliable cooker, passing it through the lower jaw and gill cover, and lower the fish deep into the water, away from the boat, so that it does not beat against the board.
Ignoring the weather can also make fishing less effective. Before a thunderstorm, the pecks can be active, but strong storm winds make fishing from a boat dangerous. Always evaluate your capabilities and the state of the water area.
⚠️ Attention! Release the small catfish (up to 1-1.5 kg) back into the water. The population is recovering slowly, and the preservation of the juvenile is the guarantee of future trophies for all anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time of day is it better to catch catfish from a boat?
The best time to catch is at night, especially in the summer months, the catfish feeds after sunset and bites until dawn, and is less frequently caught during the day, mostly in deep pits or by croaking, but night fishing is considered more effective.
What weight is optimal for flow?
The weight of the loader is individually adjusted to the current, and the loader is usually between 60 and 150 grams, and the rule is that the loader should be kept on the bottom and not carried by the current, but not too heavy to scare the fish when it bites.
Can I catch a catfish on spinning from a boat?
Yes, trolling is a very efficient method of finding and catching catfish, using large wobbles, silicone baits and deep-sea baits, but it takes a very strong rod and coil to catch a trophy on a spinning.
What to do if a catfish swims under a boat?
Don't make any sudden movements. Try to slowly bring it up to the surface, working with a rod. If the fish is frozen, you can lightly knock on the side or throw a stone next to it to provoke a jerk. The main thing is not to let it confuse the anchor shaft.