Winter Fishing Has Arrived at Lake Martin

Well winter has arrived on Lake Martin so what about the fishing during this time? If you can stand the cold the fish will continue to bite and will as the water cools even more tend to group in deeper water. Last week we talked about traps to catch catfish. This week we will look at tackle to use to catch this great table fare.

If you just fish for fun that is great and release is a way to preserve some species of fish but on Lake Martin there is and has been for years a great population of catfish. So if you don’t eat catfish ask around to see if your neighbor or a friend does and give them your catch. All during the year catfish can be caught from the water of Lake Martin. Fishing for catfish can be done with everything from a cane pole to expensive rods and reels. A lot depends on what size catfish you are going after. Most fishermen will be looking to catch what is called squealer size around these parts. Squealer catfish are small fish from say six inches long to about twelve inches long most true connoisseurs of catfish love those from six to seven inches long after they are dressed.

Catching catfish can be done from docks, lake banks and of course from the deck of most any type boat. You don’t have to have a special type boat to catch catfish unless you are commercial fishing then you need one designed just for that type fishing. The most common outfit that anglers use is either a cane pole or small spinning tackle with line size from eight to fourteen pound test and small hooks the favorite being made by Tru Turn Hook Company of Wetumpka Alabama. In the tackle line bait casters are also used that will handle both small fish and those of larger size. Rigging is simple a hook on the end of your line, then a piece of lead up the line about twelve inches. The bait can be anything from hot dog wieners to special bait made up just for catfish. I would say the most popular in this area is live worms except for kids fishing off piers during the summer and then hot dog wieners may top the list.

If you fish from docks you will just cast or drop the bait to the bottom and keep a tight line and wait for the bite. Out in a boat you can also anchor and fish the same way or drift over areas bumping bottom as you drift. Once you catch several fish you can mark the area and drift it again. Catfish tend to group up and travel along the bottom in paths. Once you find that path or general area most fish will be caught from casting or drifting that same area over and over again till they quit biting. Catfish offer a great way to spend the day on the lake with the family or a young fisherman or woman. Drifting an area and moving around always keeps the younger ones happier. Now make your plans to explore the sport of catching catfish and have some fun. Till next week I am picking a day to go fishing.

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