Iowa early cats

By 0

When I got off work Friday and noticed the river was on the rise and the temps for saturday were to be in the 50,s. I knew it was time to make a feild report that I have wanted to make ever since I became a feild staff member.And what a perfect day it was.

Many years ago a friend at work told me he was going catfishing this weekend and this was early March I thought he was nuts it didn,t take me long to convince him to include me in his weekend plans.The rest was history I have enjoyed many a spring day catching these early cats.I fished a creek inlet today that has been a producer for many years.The bait was dead fat heads soaked in vannila extract/don,t let wife catch ya/.The rest of rig is simple a#2 long shank hook a split shot a 3/4 ounce egg sinker.I put the split shot about 20in above hook and the egg sinker slides freely above alot of times these cat do not want to feel any resitance and will drop the bait.

I caught 4 cats for the day the biggest was 5# to a 1/1/2 smallest.Missed a few fish lost 2 at bank because dummy forgot net action was steady all mourning.I saved the 3 smaller fish for a friend and released the bigger fish after a photo.

Today was just one of them days that you were glad that you were outdoors.Total for today numerous flocks of geese heading north/1 turkey/herd of deer swimming river/ducks.And has I packing up I was thinking how nice it would have been to have some ice flow to show our veiwers just how early these cats go.Yup it was just a perfect day

Profile Photo

I'm married to a great wife of 25yrs 7 children 11 grandchildren

0 Comments

  1. Nice report Joe . Brings back memories of being a kid and doing the same thing below my dads farm on the Des Moines River. Those catfish should taste extremely good coming out of that cold cold water. Congrats on getting out and see ya on the water.

  2. Thanks for the report. I had thoughts of trying cats but figured it was still to early, well I might have to go get some chubs.

  4. Thanks for the report and pics Joe. Looks like a very relaxing day in the sun fishing. Doesn’t get any better than that.
    Thanks, Bill

  5. Hey Joe, are you just letting your sinker and bait just sit still on the bottom for a long time or do you bring it in if no bites and cast it over to a different area? Do you keep your line tight to detect a bite by watching the line? Have you ever tried circle hooks? What kind of rods and reels do you use for catching cats? I know Bud, alot of questions. But thats how I am going to learn from you on this style of catin.
    Thanks, Bill

  6. Good questions Bill.As far as leaving the bait in one spot I will move bait every 15min with 2 rods and give it 45min with no bites I pack it up and move.Also I have seen these early cats go on crawlers so a switch of bait sometimes can turn them on.Where I fished sat the current kept line tight but if I got the opportunity to leave a little slack I will.Cats will bite different just like all fish and the fun ones are when they just gulp and run other times they will mouth bait and if they like what they tasted in a few seconds they will pick up bait and run.I like the amberdeen hooks just for the longshank its easy to get hook remover on .As far as rods and reels any reasonable spinning reel will work with 8to 10 # trilene xt my favorite rods are the ugly stick when your weaving thru the brush they seem to handle the abuse they get and still limber enough to enjoy the bull dog fight of a good cat

  7. Thanks Bud. Sounds like you have both the spots and the set up to get the job done. Asking questions is a very good way to learn so I like asking them. We ALL learn from each other and it helps our catch rate go up. So if anyone ever has any questions to ask anyone who post a fishing report or a regular thread please feel free to ask questions. And there are no dumb questions so ask whatever question you have. Ask away.
    Thanks, Bill

Leave a Comment