Utah Lake & Cat Fish

[slowNeaZZy]

I would like to go to Utah Lake and fish for Cat Fish. Since this is a new hobby to me I need some info on what gear to use, where to go, and what bait to use. I know this is probably basic info for most but I have to start somewhere. Thanks for your help.
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[Kent]

Welcome to the board. I will start the thread off, and let others add to it. First off you have two choices, either use heavier tackle, or face the possibility of having larger catfish break off. Most of the experienced catfishermen that I have met locally fish with at least 14 pound test line. The choice of baits is almost endless. Popular choices are nightcrawlers (will catch more mudcats) raw whole shrimp, chicken liver (difficult to keep on), commercial baits, minnows, and fillets from fish such as carp or suckers. When you get a bite, don't get in a hurry to set the hook. Catfish will often pick up the bait and carry it some distance before swallowing it. You want minimal resistance on your line. This can be accomplished by using a sliding sinker, or no weight at all on the line. Also popular is the use of a bobber (try near the bottom, and suspended up from the bottom). A slip bobber is far superior to the red and white varieties. You will have some fishermen insist that the best time is early or late or even at night, others can catch them anytime. Especially at night catfish will come close into shore (we're talking within inches or shore if the area is rocky). One thing to be aware of at Utah Lake, is if the wind is or has been blowing it stirs up the mud and can really slow down cat catching. The various harbors are good choices, and Lincoln Beach is a popular place to fish. Go to [url "http://www.google.gom"]www.google.com[/url] and do a search on "catfish baits" and you will find lots of great information. Good luck.
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[loanfish]

I couldnt have said it better myself!



GOOD FISHIN TO YA!!!!!!!!!!!![]
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[FlyFishingMoose]

Use circle hooks too!, The cats won't swallow them amd will generally hook themselves when they run with the bait. We tried the hot dogs and a whole bunch of of the homemade baits and had only one nibble in 4 hours then changed to worms and hooked 7 in an hour or so. Lincoln beach is where we went and you can park right on the waters edge. You can also use shrimp tipped with a worm then give the bait a spray of WD40 to take your scent off the bait and that's been a killer on the cats in the past. Good luck and welcome aboard give us all a report when you get back to see how you did.
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