AR Channel Cat Beginner

[Stripes]

Hey guys,

I've never done much catfishing, just some on a family pond.

On the lakes I crappie fish (Brewer, Conway, Overcup) I would like to do some rod and reel channel cat fishing. Just looking for eating size and enough action to keep wife and 2 kids entertained.

Where do you start as far as what kind of structure/cover are you looking for and is it better to fish on bottom tightlining or under a slip float?

Thanks guys!

[Stripes]

Bump... nothing??

[Hawkeye72]

I would start bottom fishing around the places you crappie fish in the lakes ( logs/brush piles). Cats will follow the food bluegill and shad will be your bet find them and the cats will be close. After that it just kind of depends what they wanna eat worms,liver,shrimp and stink bait work well. Living down south you can also catch skipjack and use it as cut bait. It's a good oily fish like shad but can be caught on rod and reel. As far as a slip float I have never tried in a lake. I would rig 1 pole with a slip float throw it out and see what happens. Hope this helps good luck and have fun!!!!

[LowePro]

Hey stripes just now seeing this post and hope Im not too late. I would love to help ya get started. Any questions you have let me know.