If you’re a catfishing fan, you probably know about catfish noodling, or you may have even tried it, but do you know that there are certain things that will make you much more successful at catfish noodling than if you just went at it without any information, just for the mere fun of it? In this article are tips that will help you catch more catfish using catfish noodling, and they tell you about the dangers you should be aware of as well. To be safe, let’s start with the dangers:
1. Be strong enough
You never know the kind of catfish that may be hiding in your chosen spot, and many people who practice catfish noodling will tell you that occasionally, you will get a big one. No free creature wants to be captured if it can help it so you will be fighting a catfish that’s possibly the same height as you. You need strength for this. If you are not strong enough, instead of getting the catfish out of the water, it will get you in and accidents could follow.
2. Never go alone
Catfish noodling works best in teams. There will be the main noodler and the rest of the team is there to help him when he makes a catch. Again, it’s because catfish are known to fight back and single handed, they could overpower you. Your team should all understand the sport well, and if possible, they should know basic life saving techniques, especially those related to water.
3. Go during the day
Most catfish will come out to feed in the early morning and evenings, so if you want to catch using regular bait, these are the best times. But they hide during the day and that’s when they get under stones and in caves underwater. This means that your chances of catching them in the day are much higher if you’re catfish noodling.
4. Go quietly
You’ve seen how the Red Indians of old used to hunt for fish with spears. They would be so silent that the fish would almost not know they were there. That’s what you want to aim to do. As a team, you’re having a lot of fun and it can get noisy, but by keeping the noise down, you will go home with lots more catfish.
5. Carry along a first aid kit
Catfish noodling is a kind of sport that gives thrill from the danger in it. It’s that easy to lose a finger. It’s that easy to lunge and catch another kind of fish that could take off a limb. Always make sure that you carry medical supplies with you and that in your team, someone is familiar with how to provide first aid until you can get to a hospital. An experienced swimmer is also necessary – some catfish will weigh up to 30 KGs and can easily take you under water. Treat it like bungee jumping – thrilling but you’re harnessed to the hilt.
When it comes to fishing, this is possibly one of the most enjoyable ways to get a catch. Just make sure that you know all that you need to know and that your team has the necessary knowledge and tips as well. You’ll draw a bit of blood as you catch the cat fish, but catfish noodling is definitely worth it if you’re out for a thrill.