FISH SCHOOL - W/Kev!!!

Not everyday - but, a few times a month I will get questions about Cat Fishing in Lake Waco and Belton. I am much honored to be asked fishing questions - I love to fish - but, I will admit now - I have no degree in Fishology. Not sure if there is a Fishology - maybe I could start a "fish school" <--- that was not funny. But, I wanted to pass on an email I received today from a blog friend - who wanted a little Catfish help - maybe it will help you...

In a message dated 2/21/2011 7:39:51 P.M. Central Standard Time, David writes:
hello, im David and i would like to bother you for a few tips. i dont have no boat but do some shoreline fishing, usually off Baylor Camp Rd, where the bridge is located. ive never had luck fishing in a lake or river, help me please. im using worms, go all year, and usually feed the small tiny fish. six reels and nothing but killing time. aint caught 10 lbs fish in 1 year, LOL. dont tell nobody, LOL. just ran across your site trying to find a fishing forecast. could really use some advise. cant afford a tour :( thanks for your help. nice blogs, i usually dont read stuff like that, i enjoyed it, ty

My reply... hope it helps!

Thanks for your nice comments David. I too learn a lot from talking with people through this blog... Every good fisherman will tell you- "Fishing" is more than just "catching" - it is a learning process. As I have gotten older I have become aware of the many things that go into the overall "Fishing" process. I use to fish all the time with grandpa and I can tell you, as a kid, sometimes IT WAS BORING - but, I love fishing with my dad and other friends!!! I always learn something - not always about fishing! ANYWAY, here are a few basic techniques/tips that I hope will help you...

FIRST, we have to go where the fish are!!! Sounds obvious - but, many times people do not look for the premium spots. Find an area that you THINK fish will be feeding in. This could be near downed trees, grassy areas, near big submerged rocks (near the dam is always good), where two streams meet or near a drop off on the rivers edge... These are VERY GOOD spots - if you can find them!!! Also, take a friend I usually take my dog Sassy. Your friend will love it!


SECOND, bait out the spot... some fisherman think this is UNSPORTSMAN like. I disagree - we are feeding the smaller ones and soon they will be bigger ones!!! Baiting out these spots with maze, cotton pellets, and/or dog food OUT of the can - use gloves for this - open one end of the can and punch a hole in the other end the dog food will drop out - throw a few can full’s into your spot - not the can. Usually the cheapest dog food stays in the cans shape longer! (You do not want the can dog food that is mostly liquid). If you take your dog - be strong during this process - they will pour on the "I'm hungry" face.

THIRD, be consistent. Make sure you bait out the same area for at least seven days -about the same time of day. I fish VERY early in the morning or late in the evenings. So, bait out about the time of day you plan to fish. I would not fish this area until the seventh day. If you do take a human friend - make sure they love the art of fishing - like my friend Rick!


FOURTH, mix up the bait you use on your hooks. I use different size shad - threaded from the tail to the head onto a number four hook... you can try different hook sizes - this one works best for me. If they do not bite on the shad - I will use hot dogs. Worms are GREAT - but, for some reason I usually catch only small cats in Lake Waco on them... that is not to say they do not bring in big ones - on a fishing charter a few Saturdays ago Josh brought in our biggest catfish that day - 7lbs with an earthworm! If all that is not working - I will get the stinky dough bait...USE PLASTIC GLOVES to put this bait on your hook – or you will not have a friend for weeks!! When I use this stuff - Sassy goes to the back of the boat. Key is to mix the baits - but, again be patient. I give the different baits at least 30-45 minutes - then try a different one. Be sure to try different depths - a foot or two off the bottom is usually the depth for me.


AND FINALLY, whether you take a friend or just go by yourself - BE THANKFUL YOU HAVE THE TIME TO GO FISHING... Remember, it is called FISHING not CATCHING!!! You will have a good time every time if you find a way to appreciate what we are given. Throw back the small ones... here in our Texas lakes you can keep the catfish that are 14 inches... to me that is too small. I prefer the 18+ ones. That is just my opinion - my grandpa would turn over in his resting space if he knew I told you that. Fishing to me is a GREAT way to connect with our God given environment - we owe Him the "thank you" of keeping our waters clean and fish abundant for the next generation of Fisherman.

Fish on!
Kevin Foster
TightLine Fishing
http://tightlinecatfish.blogspot.com/
254 709 3058