| Seems like a no brainer, doesn't it? You | | | | one of the things that makes catfishing so |
| just throw your bait and tackle in a bag, | | | | great. |
| grab your interstate map, and hit the road. | | | | |
| Actually, a good fishing trip depends more on | | | | You might talk to some friends or folks down |
| planning than you might imagine. You can | | | | at the bait shop and see what they recommend. |
| always just hit the road, find a stream | | | | On the other hand, since catfish are found |
| somewhere, and stand a good chance of | | | | all over the country, why not just pick a |
| catching something. But, some good planning | | | | pretty area you want to go anyway, and make |
| will make the trip go much smoother, and | | | | that your catfishing trip? I would recommend |
| you'll enjoy your fishing vacation much more. | | | | heading down south, or fishing in the |
| | | | tributaries of major rivers like the |
| What to Take | | | | Mississippi, Missouri, or Red River of |
| | | | Oklahoma and Arkansas. |
| First off, make a checklist. I would | | | | |
| recommend starting your checklist well before | | | | What Do You Want To Catch? |
| you leave for your trip. Include fishing | | | | |
| gear like rods, bait, lures; clothes | | | | Another thing to consider when deciding where |
| including boots, gloves and bad weather gear | | | | to go, is whether you want to catch a bunch |
| like a poncho; tools for sharpening hooks and | | | | of little fish, or a couple of big ones. |
| little things like that, and whatever else | | | | This might also influence what gear you take. |
| you need to keep yourself comfortable. When | | | | Certain parts of the country are known for |
| you pack, separate all these things in little | | | | having lakes and streams full of tiny catfish |
| bags within your big bag, like a small bag | | | | that you can catch lots of. In other places, |
| for tools, one for fishing gear, etc. | | | | there are giant cats prowling the river |
| | | | bottoms, and you might get lucky and snag one |
| Now, there will always be some little thing | | | | of them to take home. Fishing gear, method |
| you'll forget. Each time you go on a trip, | | | | and location will be different depending on |
| you'll end up getting there and smacking | | | | what you want to catch, so keep this in mind. |
| yourself on the forehead, saying, "I can't | | | | |
| believe I forgot THAT." It's no problem; | | | | Where to Stay |
| packing perfectly takes some practice. I | | | | |
| guarantee that you won't forget it next time, | | | | Next, think about where you are going to |
| and after several catfishing outings, you'll | | | | stay. Most of us head out on fishing trips, |
| have packing down to a science. | | | | especially long ones, in order to get away |
| | | | from the city, stress, hassles and everyday |
| Before you pack, you'll also have to think | | | | life. If that's what you want, you might |
| about what fishing method you are going to | | | | consider roughing it and camping out |
| use. For example, if you plan on wading into | | | | somewhere near the fishing spot. The only |
| streams, you'll want to take the appropriate | | | | thing about that is it means taking camping |
| clothes and gear. If you're going to fish at | | | | gear too, which means more preparation. On |
| night, don't forget lights. Whether your | | | | the other hand, you can always stay in an RV |
| chumming, juglining or fly fishing, you'll | | | | or a lodge, sleep at night in some comfort |
| need a whole different checklist of gear to | | | | and luxury, and head out to the remote areas |
| take. | | | | to fish when you want to. I wouldn't say |
| | | | that any way is better; it's all up to the |
| Where to Go | | | | tastes of the angler. Just keep in mind that |
| | | | after all that time fishing, it might be nice |
| The next question is where to go. Catfish | | | | to curl up in a nice warm bed! |
| are found in rivers, lakes and ponds all over | | | | |
| the United States and well up into Canada. | | | | Wherever you end up going, leave an itinerary |
| Probably the best catfishing in the country | | | | with information giving your whereabouts with |
| is in the south and mid-west, from as far | | | | somebody. If you plan to explore, or you |
| north as Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and | | | | don't know exactly where you'll be, give them |
| Ohio, and all the way down to the Gulf of | | | | as detailed information as possible. |
| Mexico and Texas. You can also find catfish | | | | Nowadays, we all have cell phones, and that |
| out west and further up north, so it really | | | | helps keep you safe when you're out in the |
| doesn't matter where you go. Ask any angler, | | | | wilds. Be sure to take your charger. But |
| and they'll tell you that their neck of the | | | | one warning: Don't pick up the phone if it's |
| woods is the best, but the fact is, you can | | | | a work-related call! |
| catch catfish all over the country. This is | | | | |