Baitcasting Reel Reviews

Fishing for Catfish can be fun and exciting if you choose the right catfish rod for the fish you are trying to catch. If the rod is extremely stiff and strong you take all the sport out of catching all but the biggest catfish. If the rod is extremely flexible a medium sized catfish will tear it up. Catfish are great fighters which make them fun to catch but they can destroy your gear if you don't choose correctly.

To make I better choice when buying a new rod there are a few things you should know. When choosing a rod there are 3 main factors that will determine how the rod will perform in actual use.

Action refers to where or how much of the rod will bend. With equal weight a fast action rod will start to bend more toward the tip where as a slow action rod would tend to bend over the entire length of the shaft. A medium action rod would start to bend in the middle. The action is controlled by the taper of the rod itself. A fast or short taper would make a slower action rod and a slow or long taper would make for a faster action rod.
Power or strength is the amount of force needed to bend the rod. The thickness and type of rod material will determine this. A lot of rod manufactures and anglers get this confused with action. Most rods when marked light-action are referring to power not action. The best way to tell the power of a rod is to check the line weight ratings.

Sensitivity is the ability to transmit vibrations from the line through the rod and to your hand. By taping lightly on the tip with your finger you should easily feel the vibrations holding the handle of a sensitive rod. The thickness and density of the rod material will make a difference. Graphite is more sensitive than fiberglass and boron is denser and more sensitive than graphite. The ferrules also make a difference; metal ferrules are far less sensitive than graphite. A one piece rod of course would be the most sensitive. The rod blank should also continue through the lenght of the grip. Single foot guides add less weight and help retain sensitivity verses a double foot guide which is heavier and must also be wrapped in two locations. Also the rod action plays a major role, fast action rods will be more sensitive than a slow action rod of the same material. Don't confuse a lighter more flexible rod with being more sensitive.

If you are new to catfishing a good inexpensive rod choice is the Shakespeare Ugly Stick. It is a medium action pole that is a favorite among catfish anglers. While this is a good rod to start with you should get to know what the other rod types are capable of. You will have a lot more fun catching a 5 lb channel catfish on a medium action pole than you will on a heavy action pole. Choosing the right catfish rod will make your fishing much more fun.

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How to Catch Catfish Through the Ice in Minnesota

Author: Daniel Eggertsen

Minnesota is a great place to go ice fishing for catfish. Ice fishing is growing in popularity all the time as more anglers are learning some of the advantages it has to offer. In the past, many anglers consider ice fishing to be more difficult than fishing in warmer weather because you can't just go boating through the water until you find a spot you want to try.

Instead, you have to drill a hole through the ice and try that one area to see what kind of luck you have. If there are no catfish in that spot you will have to move to a different location and drill another hole and start over. Therefore, you are much more limited. Still, there are many reasons why ice fishing for catfish in Minnesota is a great way to spend your time.

One reason ice fishing is so popular is because it provides you with an opportunity to catch some really large catfish. The ones that made it through the spring frenzy have grown even larger and can be quite a prize to reel in. Another advantage is that you will not have to deal with a lot of other fishermen crowding around scaring off the fish. Ice fishing for catfish can be very relaxing and rewarding.

Education Can Make a Difference

The more you learn about the body of water in which you are fishing the better off you will be. It can make a big difference in the amount of success you can enjoy when you go ice fishing for catfish in Minnesota. For instance, did you know that the catfish will follow a specific pattern in the wintertime just like they do in the spring? Understanding how the fish react in the cold water will help you know what to expect and the steps you need to follow to find the catfish under the ice.

Using a sonar fish finder to locate the fish is one of the best and easiest ways to find a good fishing spot under the ice. In fact, many anglers will tell you that a fish finder is the most valuable piece of equipment you can ever buy for ice fishing. Take some time to learn how your equipment works before you go out so you won't be wasting time when on the ice. There are some types of sonar that are designed specifically for ice fishing so learn about the different types so you can choose the one that is best suited for your needs.

Learn about the weather in Minnesota before you go out on the ice to help avoid accidents from happening. You need to know how and when to check for thin ice and what to do if you encounter it. You should also be familiar with the different types of equipment available to help you stay warm while ice fishing so you can protect yourself from this type of environment. You will need to wear the right type of clothing and have shelter while on the ice

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/how-to-catch-catfish-through-the-ice-in-minnesota-422984.html

About the Author

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on Ice Fishing for Catfish in Minnesota here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

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Catfish Fishing - Learn the Facts That Can Help you Catch the Trophies

Author: Robert W. Benjamin

Catfish are popular amongst many types of fishermen. There are 37 catfish families and these species are found in both freshwater and saltwater, depending upon the type of catfish. Perhaps one of the most distinctive traits which catfish possess is their catlike whiskers, or barbels. It is hard to mistake a catfish for another type of fish due to this visible attribute.

Catfish are creatures of habit, during the day they tend to hide around submerged rocks and logs where they can shelter themselves from any possible predators. It is at nighttime when these unique fish seek out the open water to find food. Catfish are plentiful in number with regard to family and species type. They are found in various areas throughout the world although certain types of catfish stay within certain regions.

Catfish vary in size, depending on their age and what variety they are. They can range anywhere from a few inches to a few feet and come in a variety of weights as well. One unique trait which a catfish possesses, in addition to the familiar barbells, is the lack of any scales. This also makes identifying a catfish quite an easy task for beginner and advanced fishermen alike.

The catfish eats a variety of foods which come within its reach. Items such as smaller fish, water insects and more all make up the eclectic menu for the catfish. For the avid fishermen out there who target catfish as their selected catch, there are a few tips which make fishing for catfish that much easier. The first tip is to fish for these varieties at nighttime when they are out and about.

Since they tend to hide during the daylight hours, fishermen who are looking to catch catfish should do so when night falls. As for bait, there are a few items which catfish are more drawn to than others. Tantalizing items for the catfish include live bait such as shrimp, chicken liver and worms whereas lures in the form of spoons, jigs and spinners will all do the trick of catching some catfish.

Catfish are a unique type of fish which many fishermen look for when they are out on the water. Fishermen who desire to reel in some catfish are sure to find that the previously mentioned tips may help them to land that perfect catch.

There is a website that has great information on most species of freshwater fish. It has details that pertain to each species of fish such as habitat, spawning, eating habits, the best lures and baits and more, the website is called: Fishing Stringer, and can be found at this url:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/catfish-fishing-learn-the-facts-that-can-help-you-catch-the-trophies-106275.html

About the Author

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

Seasonal Vacation Spots

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

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Catfish Fishing Pole - Types and Reviews

Author: Daniel Eggertsen

Does it matter what type of catfish fishing pole you are using? Some may tell you no, but that depends on your skill, your location and the fish you are after. The fact is, there are benefits of several types available to you when you take advantage of the right fishing pole. A pole designed for catfish is designed to give you the best results possible. Here's what you need to know.

There are a wide variety of rods with which you may catch catfish very effectively. The choices should be based on factors such as cost, where you will be fishing, your size and capabilities, personal preference, and how much you will be using your pole. Anything from your classic cane pole to sophisticated and expensive rod and reel outfits may be used to fish for catfish.

Fishing poles are classically made of fiberglass or bamboo, but some really great poles have recently been made of graphite. Bamboo rods may be superb hand made fly fishing rods, simple cane poles without reels, or anything in between. Fiberglass poles are very popular with most novice fishermen. They are comparatively low cost, they require very little upkeep, and they are not easily broken.

They are probably the most popular type of fishing pole available, especially for the novice. Graphite has become an exceptionally popular pole. The biggest selling point for graphite is that it is so strong that it rarely breaks. It requires next to no maintenance, and it is very light.

It is largely a matter of personal preference, but if you are armed with a few suggestions and a little bit of information, you will be one very big step closer to choosing the pole that is right for you, and will provide a quality catfishing experience for you.

Sturdy rods that are shorter in length are usually used for trolling and bigger fish. Longer poles are helpful if you need to cast your line longer distances. Be sure you can handle the size of rod you choose, because if your rod is too long for you to be comfortable when you handle it, you will tire, and your fishing experience will not be satisfying. Since catfish tend to be large, if you only intend to have one pole, opt for a shorter, sturdier rod.

Some really popular poles with which to catch catfish are Shakespeare Ugly sticks, which are extremely popular and come in a variety of styles and sizes. For fishing the bank, Catfish getters are state of the art. Made of fiberglass, this new lightweight pole comes with line, sinker, swivel, and hook. They are specially designed to stick the end of the pole into the ground or affix to trees or logs, and fishing is a snap! These poles are not only light weight, they are quite visible even at night!

Another quality pole that deserves to be mentioned by name is the Quantum Big Cat. Anytime you are out to catch large fish, be it cat or any other type, or if you are fishing in rivers with strong currents, these big cat rods really do a great job. Big Cats are available in three different types. There is a heavy, a medium heavy, and a medium strength.

Each one of these is seven and a half feet long. They all have cork handles and many other amenities including the fact that they are sturdy enough to handle really big fish and saltwater. These catfish worthy rods are surely among the most well respected rods on the market, and they are priced quite nicely at about $40 each. For spin anglers, there is even a spinning type of Big Cat available!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/catfish-fishing-pole-types-and-reviews-282329.html

About the Author

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing pole reviews here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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Good Choices in Catfishing Reels

Author: Daniel Eggertsen

As with every other sport, fishing has developed a huge set of associated equipment from numerous manufacturers, covering every conceivable niche in the sport. Within that gargantuan array of gear, there is further variety among the various general components, and fishing reels are certainly no exception. For something that is basically a spool to wind your line on, fishing reels have developed into an amazingly complex and scientific breed of equipment, each model specialized to a particular application, quarry, preference or technical point of prowess. For the specialized pursuit of catfish, the main points of prowess in a reel need to be durability, reliability and outright strength. Within that realm, one can then take into account the particular style of reel one prefers to use, and the features and appearance of the reel, to narrow down the options.

As far as the basic design of the reel goes, regardless of the fish sought, there are essentially four designs, or types of reel to choose from. These are the fly reel, the spinning reel, the spincasting reel and the baitcasting reel. Each design has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on the fishing technique you intend to employ. Different manufacturers make various models of each of these four reel types, in varying price ranges, so your choice of reel will come down to its basic capacity to handle the fish you expect to hook, the design you prefer to use, and the price you are willing to pay to get the features you want.

To begin, let's look at each of the reel types, as they apply to catfishing. The first reel type, the fly reel, is only rarely used in catfish fishing, and only by folks with strong hands and a penchant for torture, fishing in small-cat waters. This is because a fly reel is, simply, a manual reel, period. A heavy catfish can be easily over forty pounds, and the fly reel's direct, simple and unbridled operation make for a chancy option at best, for landing one. If you really, really want to use a fly reel, use a mighty strong fly rod to go with it, and get a reel by one of the better manufacturers - you're going to need it.

Moving on, the spinning reel is probably the most common reel in use today, if not the ultimate preference for the pursuit of catfish. Spinning reels use a central, horizontal inline spool of line, with a rotating carriage, called a bail, which wraps the line around the spool, or, alternately, can be pulled open to cast the line out. These reels are the most capable in the art of casting, and are available in models strong enough to take on a real granddaddy catfish, though the issue of strength is the one which will let you down with a spinning reel, if anything does. Look at Quantum, Mitchell and Daiwa reels, here. If you go this route, make sure that the spinning reel you choose has a strong foot, a solid casing, and a bail made of serious metal - no cheapo parts - along with a strong hand-crank and a smooth, powerful drag control.

The spincasting reel is similar to a spinning reel, but has an enclosed spool, and an "automatic" casting system which allows it to be easily handled by novice anglers. Casting is done by depressing and holding a thumb button on the back of the reel, and releasing it, just as the cast moves to the appropriate release point overhead, which sets the line free to be pulled off the reel. Experienced fishermen also use spincasters, but the issue of strength leaves this design in a questionable light, where really big cats are concerned. Fishermen who are after only small or medium-sized fish, though, will appreciate the simplicity and compact design of spincasters, as will those with children or other novices whom they are teaching to fish. The predominant manufacturer in this design is Daiwa, with Mitchell offering a series of respectable models also. Once again, for heavy fish, this is not the preferred choice in a reel design, so for any catfish pursuit, make sure that the model you are looking at is rated for a pretty decent sized fish, because cats will put even the sturdiest gear to the test.

The final category, baitcasters, are the catfisherman's best choice, in most arenas, primarily due to their exceptional strength. Baitcasters are the "original" mechanical reel, with a strong, horizontal transverse spool, driven by a high-reduction drive from a large, sturdy hand-crank, and generally equipped with a drag control and a level winding device. The biggest shortfall of baitcasters, is the technique required to cast with a conventional reel, although modern reels have a number of advancements onboard which have made that task somewhat easier. However, as far as a reel which can handle even the biggest bait, when casting, and which will withstand all that the heaviest catfish can dish out, baitcasters take it, walking away. Their low profile, close connection to the rod and strong, transverse spool design make them pretty tough to knock off their game.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/good-choices-in-catfishing-reels-388178.html

About the Author

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish reels here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/

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Picking the Right Catfish Rod

Author: Doug Burns

Fishing for Catfish can be fun and exciting if you choose the right catfish rod for the fish you are trying to catch. If the rod is extremely stiff and strong you take all the sport out of catching all but the biggest catfish. If the rod is extremely flexible a medium sized catfish will tear it up. Catfish are great fighters which make them fun to catch but they can destroy your gear if you don’t choose correctly.

To make I better choice when buying a new rod there are a few things you should know. When choosing a rod there are 3 main factors that will determine how the rod will perform in actual use.

Action refers to where or how much of the rod will bend. With equal weight a fast action rod will start to bend more toward the tip where as a slow action rod would tend to bend over the entire length of the shaft. A medium action rod would start to bend in the middle. The action is controlled by the taper of the rod itself. A fast or short taper would make a slower action rod and a slow or long taper would make for a faster action rod.

Power or strength is the amount of force needed to bend the rod. The thickness and type of rod material will determine this. A lot of rod manufactures and anglers get this confused with action. Most rods when marked light-action are referring to power not action. The best way to tell the power of a rod is to check the line weight ratings.

Sensitivity is the ability to transmit vibrations from the line through the rod and to your hand. By taping lightly on the tip with your finger you should easily feel the vibrations holding the handle of a sensitive rod. The thickness and density of the rod material will make a difference. Graphite is more sensitive than fiberglass and boron is denser and more sensitive than graphite. The ferrules also make a difference; metal ferrules are far less sensitive than graphite. A one piece rod of course would be the most sensitive. The rod blank should also continue through the lenght of the grip. Single foot guides add less weight and help retain sensitivity verses a double foot guide which is heavier and must also be wrapped in two locations. Also the rod action plays a major role, fast action rods will be more sensitive than a slow action rod of the same material. Don't confuse a lighter more flexible rod with being more sensitive.

If you are new to catfishing a good inexpensive rod choice is the Shakespeare Ugly Stick. It is a medium action pole that is a favorite among catfish anglers. While this is a good rod to start with you should get to know what the other rod types are capable of. You will have a lot more fun catching a 5 lb channel catfish on a medium action pole than you will on a heavy action pole. Choosing the right catfish rod will make your fishing much more fun.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/picking-the-right-catfish-rod-563408.html

About the Author

Doug Burns is an avid fishing enthusiast who is committed to providing the best information possible on the right catfish rod. Get more information on Catfish Fishing here.

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Spare the Rod......and Lose the Fish!

Author: Daniel Eggertsen

I am often asked "What is the 'best' rod to use?", for this or that.

'Best' is a relative term. There are many different types that will get the job done, so a lot of it comes down to what you prefer using. So all I can do is give you my opinions of what I think is the best type for a given situation.

Catfishing covers a lot of territory, only part of which involves rods. And what would work best for Channel Catfish from the bank, would be close to useless for trophy Blue Catfish or Flatheads from a boat. When selecting a rod, bear in mind that even if you are fishing for Channel Cats in the 1-5 lb. range, there is always the chance that you will hook into a monster Blue or Flathead. I'll go from smallest and simplest to large to make it easy to understand the entire scope.

At the bottom end of the spectrum, we have Bullheads, usually caught from shore. For these fun little guys, nothing more than a cane pole and a can of worms is needed. I've passed many an afternoon pulling in these tasty tidbits. What they lack in size, they make up for by being both easy to catch and delicious. While the world record Bullhead was around 8 lbs., most of them you will catch will be under a pound.

If you want to get more technical, almost any ultralight or light action rod will do. You can even fly-fish for them. I am partial to the Zebco Micro-Spin series, but to get the best of both worlds between cane-pole fishing, and ultralight spinning, try a crappie pole in the 12' length. I use B & Ms models alot for small to medium fish from shore.

For channel catfish in the 1-15 lb. range, I prefer a 6' 9"' Ugly Stick Medium Action Tiger Lite rod. They are short enough to be easy to handle and cast from a boat, and have a good strong backbone for heaving catfish out of cover if needed. They are also incredibly tough. They are light enough to hold comfortably and have a long handle for leverage. The medium action is sensitive enough to detect the sometimes-shy bite of Channel Cats.

They can be cast gently, and/or flipped, making them a good choice for using dough or prepared baits, so as not to sling the bait off the hook. For shore fishing in still to moderate moving water, I prefer an 8' Medium Action Ugly Stick Big Water spinning rod. The extra length comes in handy when shore fishing.

For larger Channel Catfish and Blues from a boat, I prefer the Eagle Claw GRX Series. I know, you're gonna say "But those are Salmon and Steelhead Rods!". That may be the case, but they are also ideal for larger catfish from a boat. They are tough and durable, have a nice long handle for heaving fish when necesary, and have a good, heavy backbone to make heaving large fish possible.

They also have a faster action than most of the heavier rods designed for catfish, making it easier to detect a hit when not using a bait clicker. The faster action is also easier on live-bait when casting.

For larger catfish in the 20-40 lb. range from shore. in both still and fast water, I prefer a 12' Heavy Action Ugly Stick Big Water Casting Rod. They are tough enough to handle the biggest freshwater fish under the most demanding conditions. Your muscles will fail before this rod does! It is also my preferred rod for Gar, Sturgeon (where legal) and Medium saltwater species.

For the true behemoths of the catfish world in excess of 40 lbs., my choice hands-down is Cabelas King Cat E-Glass rods in the 9' length. These are the premium rods for large fish. They have double-footed, double-wrapped and sealed ceramic guides, so they won't come loose when fighting a large fish.

They have stainless-steel hoods on the reel seats, so your reel stays on the rod no matter what. They have the backbone and durability to handle anything you might hook into, up to small submarines! With the proper reel, line and leader, there is nothing these rods couldn't handle.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/spare-the-rodand-lose-the-fish-267925.html

About the Author

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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