Fishing Forum

I have been an avid fisherman for about 15 years, mostly Bass, Trout, and Crappie. I have caught a few catfish before but never while fishing just for catfish. I have the itch this year and was looking for some pointers or tips.

I went out with a group of friends last Monday, 5/20, to Steck park. We brought powerbait, chicken livers, gizzards, hearts, worms. We got our poles in the water around 730pm and got a hit about 815 or so. We were able to hook about a 24 inch channel cat. It was caught on a chicken liver. We had 4 poles in the water with different bait on each. After the first fish, we didn't get any bites for about 3 hours.
We were all using a slip sinker rigs, fishing just past the boat ramp about 300 feet, fishing about 50 feet out.
We got our second bite at around 11pm or so and landed a 20 inch channel as well. That fish was also caught on a liver.
We decided to pack up and leave at 2am after we went another 3 hours without any bites.

So I guess what I'm looking for is tips or ideas why we had such a poor fishing trip. Anything helps, bait tips, spots, or tips on how to have a successful catfishing trip.

TL;DR
HOW DO I CATFISH

Thanks in advance.
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I know down on the river before the cool down they were in prespawn mode, up against the bank near brush and trees, could have been your location....
Matt
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Try the up river side of the tracks about 25 yards before the tracks cross the river. Big old juicy Mormon Cricket on your hook. []
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A buddy and I hit Steck Thursday night. We fished with cut bait, livers and worms from 8:00 PM to 4:30 AM and caught four cats, with only a couple missed bites.

They were nice fish, so we were still happy with the trip, but it was very slow with the fish spread out through the night and on different baits.

I'd like to go back with the kids this weekend, but not sure if I want to fight the crowds...
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thanks for the tips. Does my setup sound like the correct setup for catfish? I will try that cricket this next week.
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Try sqaw fish and sucker cut bait on1or2aught hooks enough weight to keep it on the bottom let them play with it till they make a run. Some times you have to tie the bait on.
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