Many fishermen around the globe salivate at the thought of landing a catfish. These fish grow up to between 1.2 and 1.6 meters in length, up to 200 kilograms in weight, and there are over thirty five different species in the world, giving the avid fisherman plenty to think about when trying to catch one.
Although catfish can be found at many different places around the world, one place in particular has an abundance of catfish that sees many fishermen flocking there year in and year out; this place is Houston, Texas.
One issue that does behold any fisherman wishing to catch catfish in Houston is which lake to fish from as there are a few well known lakes to choose from. Choosing the right lake to fish can be an awkward choice, some choose from experience, some choose from others comments, some choose from their own fond memories of times gone by, and some just choose on travel time. One thing is for sure, if the right choice is made it make mean a brace or more of large, beautifully formed catfish.
Lake Conroe
Lake Conroe is an extremely well known haunt of many fishermen looking for catfish due to its huge size, and the large stock piles it contains. For those who know how to fish there can be catfish a plenty to reel in.
Lake Conroe is a huge 21,000 surface acres of water, stretches 21 miles in length and is the reserve water supply for Houston which gives it clean, clear water. The lake has an average depth of about 21 feet.
From Bass to Crappie Lake Conroe has many different species of fish to catch, but it's the lakes abundance of Channel catfish that anglers swarm to catch all year round. At Lake Conroe smelly baits or cut Shad seems to be the bait of choice to land big Channel catfish, although some people have been known to cat catfish with soap and other interesting bait choices.
Lake Houston
Known more for its white Crappie, Lake Houston takes a well deserved second best position when it comes to Houston catfish fishing. Whether on a boat, or fishing with rod and reel there are plenty of chances to bag a big catfish.
Lake Houston is 11,854 surface acres of water in size and is a municipal reservoir supplying the primary water supply to the city of Houston. The lake has an average depth of about 45 feet.
The reservoir was built in the early 1950's as an alternative water supply to Lake Sheldon, once the dam had been put in place Lake Sheldon was sold and Lake Houston was then stocked full of fish.
Like Lake Conroe, Lake Houston has a large stock of Bass, Bluegill, Crappie and the most sought after fish, Catfish. Also the bait of choice is Shad as the catfish work up into a frenzy of large proportions when feeding time occurs and they sense Shad in the area.
When you think about catching catfish the first thing that comes to mind is a rod and reel. This is the traditional way of fishing for catfish but it is not the only option you have. A less well-known method used to catch catfish involves using a catfish trap. Many anglers use catfish traps because they can be very productive in catching and hauling in the catfish.
The catfish trap is a pretty basic device that is normally made out of wood or wire. The basic design is a rectangular box that is closed in on one side and open on the other. It normally has an outer and inter passageway. The first allows the catfish to swim into the trap and the second passageway is where he will be held until you pull him out.
The size of the opening will determine the size of fish that you can catch. The size of the overall catfish trap is designed in proportion with the opening. In other words, if the opening is large enough for a ten pound catfish to swim into the trap then the rest of the trap must be large enough for him to swim all the way into the second chamber where it will hold him.
How to Use a Catfish Trap
Using a catfish trap is fairly easy. Your first decision will be to decide what type and size of trap to use. This will partly depend on what size catfish you are trying to catch. The basic choices will be between the wire hoop traps and the long rectangular wooden catfish traps. These are designed with the entrance at an angle. The type of trap you use really depends on what you are most comfortable with.
Before you can decide what type and size of catfish trap to buy or make you need to know the location where you plan on setting the trap. Therefore, you need to choose your location first. Different areas have different types of catfish that range in a large variety of sizes and you need this information to choose the right trap for your needs.
Catfish can be found in just about any type of water such as rivers, ponds, lakes and reservoirs so it is easy to find a location where you can set your traps. Catfish have such a keen sense of smell that they are drawn to most anything with a strong odor. They can easily find food in muddy and stained water making it possible to set your traps just about anywhere.
As with any type of fishing if you are using a catfish trap you have to use bait to draw in the catfish. The catfish are omnivores meaning that these creatures will feed off of plants and other animals. It is for this reason that they are attracted to just about any type of bait you want to use. However, you will find that cutbaits, minnows, chicken livers, shad, frogs, crickets, bullheads and worms are among the most popular used.
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