Channel Catfish(Ictalurus punctatus)

Quick Facts

  • Size Range: They can reach 50 pounds, but 2 to 5 pounds is common.
  • Native Species?: Yes
  • Food Value: Excellent eating

State Record

  • Louisiana State Record: 30.31lbs
  • State Record Date: 8/1/1977
  • State Record Holder Harold W. Clubb

The channel catfish is one of the most commonly sought after members of the catfish family. Their wide distribution, ease of catch and great eating, account for their great popularity. They are grey on top with a white belly. Distinct features include barbels or whiskers used for smell and dorsal and pectoral fins with prominent spines, of which anglers should use caution.

They live in all rivers and lakes and are widespread in their range throughout the U.S.

They are commonly caught on rod and reel, jug lines, bush lines and trot lines. A wide range of baits are used to attract channel cats including; worms, fish, cheese, liver, crickets, chicken parts, sunfish and crawfish.

Channel Catfish Rules and Regulations

Size Limit : 11” min total length
General Info:
Related Habitats:
Other Most Popular Sport Fish Species: Red Snapper Dolphin White Crappie White Bass Striped Bass Southern Flounder Yellowfin Tuna Spotted Seatrout
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Related Fishing Methods

Bottom fishing is normally about fishing bottom structures in order to target benthic or bottom dwelling fish. There are a wide variety of techniques, but the common element is the targeting of species who dwell around or hide in natural and man-made structures. Fish like grouper, snapper, amberjack and catfish would be considered bottom fish. It is very popular amongst anglers and success is often determined by the fishermen's ability to crank a fish away from the structure before the fish can duck into it and cut the line. Anchoring or drifting the boat over the structure is key to having success. There are many versions, and many of the bottom fish are prized eating.

Dead bait consists of many different types of bait that is no longer alive. Dead bait is still attractive to many fish as they are normally feeding by smell and dead bait is the ticket for smell. Fresh cut fish, dead shrimp, half crab, shucked clam, cut squid and all popular examples of bait that will catch a wide variety of fish. Many sport fish that are predators, will gladly take the opportunity to slurp up a fresh dead bait. A redfish is equally happy to chase down a baitfish or slurp up a dead shrimp on the bottom. Dead bait has the benefit is being easy to obtain, maintain and transport, as opposed to live bait which takes livewells, quality water control and can be harder to obtain.

Live bait is a term given to many different types of fish, crustaceans, insects and worms that are popular food items for fish and used by fishermen for bait. There are many benefits to live bait as well as a few cons. The pros normally out weigh the negatives, and live bait is widely used. The biggest benefit for fishermen is that they are using the real thing and often puts a fish's guard down. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, crickets and the good ole earthworm are all used to entice a fish to the hook. The only negatives to live bait is just that, keeping it alive. Sometimes catching it can be a challenge, as only some species can be bought as live bait. No matter how you get it, live bait is a great way to target many types of fish.