If you only remember one thing, let it be this: catfish are creatures of the low light. They thrive during the twilight hours, when the sun is either just peeking over the horizon or saying goodbye for the night. Why? Because that’s when their prey—shad, crawfish, and bugs—get most active, and the water cools down just enough to make catfish feel like hungry hunters.
Think of it as their breakfast and dinner rush. You wouldn’t skip those meals, and neither should they. So set your alarm for an hour before sunrise, or sneak out as the sun melts into the trees—you’ll thank yourself later.
What About Night Fishing?
Oh, you’re brave? Then night fishing is your secret weapon. Catfish, especially the big channel cats and flatheads, become absolute monsters after dark. Their eyesight is terrible, so they rely on smell and vibration to find a meal—which is exactly why stinky bait like chicken liver or punch bait works wonders.
Plus, the stars are out, the mosquitoes might be annoying, but the serenity of a moonlit river is unbeatable. Just bring a good headlamp and a cooler full of snacks—this is the time for patience and stories.
