Beach's Pond kitties

[StacyR]

Went out yesterday and got some suckers that were about 16" at Robie Creek. I filleted out the suckers, cut the meat into 1-2" chunks, and made a 'trip pack', one cut up fillet in a baggie. I also diced up the guts and split them evenly between the bags for that added scent attraction. Then I added just enough water to cover the meat so it wouldn't get freezer burn.

It was kind of messy, and after all that trouble, I figured I'd use the nice weather and do some catfishing. So I left one bag out and went today. First trip this year where I've focused specifically on cats.

Went to Lake Lowell first and fished off the dam without so much as a nibble. When some a-hole water skiers started zooming up and down in front of the dam and getting my gear all wet with their wake, I decided to pack it in.

There was still about an hour and a half of daylight left, so I stopped at Wilson Ponds in Nampa. i figured since teh water there was shallower, it would warm up quicker and the fish would be more active. People were catching stocker trout in the front ponds, and for a moment I was tempted to switch to trout. Then I figured since I still had half a bag of cut bait left, I might as well use it.

The water was super clear. You could see straight down to the bottom from the little dock. Got a solid hit first cast, but the fish managed to dart into a sunken concrete tube and cut the line. Rebaited the hook, but didn't get another bite for about half an hour. Then the action was fast and furious. They were pouncing on that sucker meat like it was mana from heaven. There were a couple of times it barely had time to hit the bottom before getting a bite.

Came home with six, lost two due to cut lines, and missed one from reeling too soon (was using circle hooks).The biggest one I'd guess was close to 10 pounds, the others all over 5. I will post some pictures tomorrow.
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[windriver]

Thanks for the information. I will be in that direction next weekend. Maybe I will have time to give it a try. I know my kids would love to catch a catfish. Kind of a novelty for them.

Windriver
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[StacyR]

Just make sure that they watch their lines carefully and always have the pole within grabbing distance if they're not holding it. When the fish realizes he's hooked, he takes off and if you're not paying attention, the rod might go with him.
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[fishin4days]

Awesome! been wanting to get out and do some catfishing myself. Was that Wilson ponds or were you at the caldwell gravel ponds?
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[StacyR]

A bit late, but here's the picture I promised:



And yes, these were caught at Wilson Ponds.
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[idahoron]

There is like 4 ponds there. Which one is the best for cats? Ron
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[StacyR]

Beach's Pond is the one in back with bass and bluegill. I have never tried for cats in any of the others, since the report specifically stated they were put in Beach's Pond.
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[fishfever208]

What report was it that stated there were cats placed there? thanks in advance
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[StacyR]

This one:

[url "http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=4582"]http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/...view.cfm?NewsID=4582[/url]

One of the cats that I caught had a tag (the bottom one in the pic) that I called in. The information sheet I was mailed on the fish stated it was planted in June of 2009. Probably one of the fish moved over from the Snake River. So I assume they will be planting every summer.

Word of caution, though... these fish do a valuable service for the pond. They feed on small bass and bluegill, which increases the amount of food available to those that survive so they grow bigger.

It's a small pond, so don't go hog wild and keep every fish. I've been back a few times and caught more very nice cats (including one that weighed in 8 pounds) and I released them all.
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[idahoron]

At one point Jeff Dillon the F&G fish manager was thinking about putting a limit on all planted cats. I think that would be an outstanding idea. I agree with you keep 1 or 2 but catch and release is the best option. Ron
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[StacyR]

I agree a limit on catfish in the stocked lakes and ponds would be a good idea. That way they wouldn't get all caught out quickly. I've heard that their spawning success in small bodies of water in ID is low.

I thought about it later, and wished I'd released some of those for others to catch. That's why I haven't kept any more. They sure were tasty and fun to catch, though.
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