Catttin

[dirty_water]

The cats had thrown me a curve ball as of late so it was time to change tactics! Found a few, missed a few big bites but managed this one and a few others.
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[catmaster23]

You're holding it out too far, quit it. []
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[Flyfishinglover]

Dang!
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[SkunkedAgain]

Nice cat what did it measure? I found the same deal on cats moving. They are gone in the shallows now. Too warm I suspect. Time to go deep. Later J
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[dirty_water]

I'd guess between 8-9 pounds not super long or super big, ha nothing special!
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[SkunkedAgain]

Not bad so about 27-28"? I hope I can get out again, but I'm hitting that really busy part of summer where I have too much to do. Leave a few for me. Later J
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[dirty_water]

Yeah I would say somewhere between 26-28, just an average fish! I'll be headed out next weekend, see if I cant get em dialed in again only a few more weekends and I'll have to hang up the poles and get out the rifle!
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[UtahLakeCats]

You northerners really tear up those cats! Glad to see other cat wranglers in Utah who prefer a fish with some real fight - I get bored with all these slimer reports! [sly]
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[SkunkedAgain]

You are right the cats really fight and have some great size on average and if you catch them casting or trolling they are every bit as fun as a trout to catch. But the trout are still great fish too and I like to catch them as much as the cats, it just depends on the day... Hard to beat a dry fly hit from a trout for excitement... It's all good to me just give me a tug and I'm good.... Later J
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[UtahLakeCats]

Wont argue that - I've enjoyed fly fishing the few times I've gone. Catfishing in Utah has a poor reputation compared to the rest of the country, so I'm constantly defending myself against my trout-fishing buddies. But I enjoy a good fight as opposed to catching a "prettier" fish, so I still stick to my guns. I plan to branch out more soon, but for this season I'm still trying to master my catfishing holes.
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[SkunkedAgain]

I think the poor rap for catfishing in Utah comes from a couple things. First most people just fish bait for cats and the more disgusting the bait the better it seems to work. Then the people that fish for them leave all the bait containers and beer bottles behind making a trashy mess. Once you find out that cats hit lures like trout and you put more sport into the fish they start getting way more interesting. But at this point you need to ask yourself if you really want more competition out there for your kitties? Sometimes it's just best to and agree with your trout fishing buddies and let them do their thing and we'll go continue to catch 20" average size fish each time we go they don't have to know what they are missing out on and we can keep rocking great creels of fish. I always say find what you like, do it and don't worry what anyone else thinks. But keep an open mind for new things there's lots of great stuff out there to learn. Later J
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[UtahLakeCats]

Well said. It definitely takes more technique than other fisherman might think, I lost more fish than I would have liked before I finally started using circle hooks and learning how to set the hook right. Each species has it's own challenges & techniques, which is what makes it fun. Still trying to master a few catfishing holes close to where I live and then I think Bass is next on the list.

Appreciate the thoughts.
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[SkunkedAgain]

You're welcome, and good luck. Later J
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[catmaster23]

People that say catching big cats is easy make me laugh. Guaranteed they have never tried. Even if you know how it's never a sure thing. Some days are lights out and some days you catch one or none. I know I've spent many times beating my head against those muddy banks till I finally figured it out. In my opinion trout are hands down the easiest fish to catch.
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[SkunkedAgain]

How have you been doing this summer on cats? I'm not following the contest this year because its hard to track, but I like to know how everyone is doing. I liked following your numbers last year that was amazing fish. I agree with you completely there is an art to catching big cats consistently. I just haven't figured it out yet, I get a couple 8 lbers a year but I know they are small compared with you guys in the 30"+ club. I just won't pay the price to fish at night. I'd like to try landing one of those big boys sometime. I'll need a bigger net, but I'll bet its a fun challenge. Later J
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[UtahLakeCats]

You nailed it. I have a few holes that have been red hot all summer and now they're absolutely dead - hardly any bites. Same bait, same time of day, relatively same weather conditions... thought I had them figured out and now I'm back to square one. I figure I'll need to see a full year cycle before I can nail down the trends for even a few holes.
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[setthehook]

it's never a sure thing

Thats the only thing i have truly proven about cattin. But when the stars align and the conditions are perfect... Hold on for the ride of your life.



Still waiting for someone to knock me out of the lead!!! Great time to do it! I will be hanging up the fishing rods and grabbing the bow in pursuit of a monster muley
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[SkunkedAgain]

[quote setthehook]

it's never a sure thing

Still waiting for someone to knock me out of the lead!!! Great time to do it! I will be hanging up the fishing rods and grabbing the bow in pursuit of a monster muley[/quote]

I think UTCATMAN just knocked you off, 33.75" and 28" same night, not sure you'll find many that big in Cutler, but who knows... your 30+" cat is dang nice for Cutler... Good luck, team northern is doing pretty well again way to go... Later J
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