Freshwater Fishing Advice
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I'm Eric Matechak, an avid angler & outdoorsman. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really cut my teeth fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. This blog is a place where I share my freshwater fishing adventures and take my passion for fishing to a new level.
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
In this article, we’ll cover four prime locations where catfish hide after sunset, letting you catch more and bigger catfish after dark.
For the best chance of catching catfish at night, target riverbanks with submerged logs and rocky bottoms. In lakes, explore deep holes, submerged structures, and areas with underwater vegetation.
I caught these 3 flatheads (biggest was about 15 pounds) right before sunset on cut dead bluegills as bait.
Table: Best Spots for Catfish After Dark
Catfish Type
Lake Locations
River Locations
Preferred Features
Channel Catfish
– Near shorelines with submerge ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Let’s discuss the best locations to catch catfish when the sun is up. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the game, these insights will help you find and reel in catfish during the daylight hours in rivers and lakes.
During the day, catfish move to deeper, shaded areas in rivers and lakes to avoid sunlight and heat. They become more active at night and venture into shallower waters, often near submerged structures, to hunt for food.
I caught these 3 flatheads (biggest was about 15 pounds) right before sunset on cut dead bluegills as bait.
Table: Catfish Locations Throughout the Day
T ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Understanding where catfish move in rivers or lakes is vital. Catfish have distinct behaviors during the day and night, which can significantly affect your fishing strategy.
In rivers or lakes, catfish typically move to deeper and shaded regions during the day to escape the sun’s glare and heat. Catfish become more active at night and may venture into shallower waters to hunt for prey.
Nice flathead my cousin caught on a cut shad.
Table: Catfish Movements Throughout the Day
Time of Day
Location/Depth
Behavior and Activity
Sunrise
Shallower Areas
Begin transitioning from nighttime to day ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
The moon impacts many elements on Earth, including catfish behavior in our waters. For those who fish, recognizing how lunar cycles influence catfish can greatly enhance their success.
Moon phases dictate catfish behavior: during new moons, they are more active in shallows, while full moons see them feed deeper and more cautiously. By understanding these lunar behaviors, anglers can determine optimal fishing times and locations for better catches.
Table: Best Moon Phases for Each Species of Catfish
Catfish Species
Best Moon Phase
Behavior and Baits
Fishing Strategy
Channel Catfish
New M ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Seasonal changes impact catfishing immensely, shaping the behavior of these elusive fish in various ways. Understanding how catfish adapt to the shifting seasons can be the key to a successful day or night on the water.
Seasonal changes impact catfishing by altering catfish behavior, making them more active during the spring and fall days, prompting nighttime feeding in the summer while becoming less active in the winter.
Table: How Seasons Impact Catfishing Day & Night
Season
Daytime Fishing Tips
Nighttime Fishing Tips
Spring
Catfish become more active as waters warm up.
Fish in sh ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Water clarity is pivotal in influencing catfish behavior and the strategies anglers should employ. This article will explore the nuances of different water conditions and how understanding them can enhance your catfish fishing success.
In clear water, catfish rely more on their vision to locate food. But in murky water, their strong sense of smell and taste becomes essential for locating meals.
Water Clarity
Best Catfish Baits
Best Bait Sizes
Clear
Live bait (small fish, crawfish)
2 to 4 inches
Prepared baits (dough, punch)
Golf ball size or less
Stained (Moderate)
Cut bait (shad, he ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Fishing for redfish can be awesome, especially with the right bait. Shrimp, one of the ocean’s small wonders, is a top choice for many anglers targeting these fish.
To best target redfish, choose lively, fresh shrimp and hook them through the tail, allowing for natural movement. Fishing during incoming tides, especially near oyster beds or grassy flats, will place you right where redfish love to hunt for shrimp.
Table: Shrimp Bait Quick Guide
Factor
Quick Tip
Type of Shrimp
Live shrimp works best, but fresh dead shrimp can be effective too.
Size of Shrimp
Medium-sized shrimp (3-4 inch ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Catching redfish gets easier when you use crabs as bait. Redfish love to eat crabs, one of their favorite foods.
To catch the most redfish using crabs, the ideal timeframe is during the transition of tides, especially during dawn or dusk. Select crabs ranging from 2 to 4 inches, and use a Carolina rig for best results.
Now that we know the basics about using crabs for bait, let’s learn how to make the most of this fishing method and catch even more redfish.
Seasonal Guide for Redfish Using Crabs
Crabs are most effective as bait during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when redfish ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Understanding the best baits for nighttime redfish can boost your catch rate. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the right redfish bait for the dark hours of the night.
For nighttime redfish, the best natural baits are 3-5 inch shrimp, small crabs, 3-6 inch mullet, and 4-6 inch sardines. Additionally, 3-4 inch anchovies, 3-5 inch menhaden, and cut bait are effective due to their scent and visibility.
Catching more nighttime redfish relies not just on the bait’s size but also on its appeal to the fish’s senses. Let’s dive into the specifics of each bait type and understand why they st ..read more
Freshwater Fishing Advice
7M ago
Moon phases play a role in redfish activity and will directly impact your fishing success. They might feed differently or be in different spots based on the moon.
Different moon phases influence redfish activity, with brighter nights (like full moons) typically increasing their feeding due to enhanced visibility. In contrast, darker phases (such as new moons) can result in more cautious and localized feeding patterns.
The moon goes through different phases each month, from full to new moon and everything in between. These changes in the moon can make redfish act differently. For example, redfi ..read more