06-25-2020, 04:48 PM
(06-25-2020, 01:40 PM)Springbuck1 Wrote:Experience (and understanding) will really help you in the future...especially if you keep a log and record the conditions on each trip and the mitigating factors. That adds to your mental database so that on any given trip you can match up conditions against similar conditions on past trips. Doesn't mean you will always catch fish but it does help you come up with the best possible plans A, B & C.(06-24-2020, 03:48 AM)TubeDude Wrote:I'm slowly gaining experience, and I'm convinced the temperature thing matters SO much. For all species, but especially the catfish in the spring. From April to June (about), if I fish after a three day WARMING trend, I'll get into nice cats from shore. If it just rained, a front dropped the temps, or cold wind roiled the lake, no dice. Likewise, sometimes even if it's cooler but stable, I can catch a few farther out, along some magic 6 foot deph line or something similar.
As most of us "seasoned" cat-chasers come to learn, catfish will show up and bite according to THEIR schedule...not yours. Every year seems to be different. This year the water levels have been high...for a good spawn...but that also tends to spread the fish out into more area. And then the up and down temperatures do affect the temp-sensitive kitties. When the water reaches and sustains 75 or more the game will be on. But when the water gets above 80 you will do better at night for the biggest fish. Remember?
If I have the luxury of planning a trip, I too prefer to go after at least two to three days of stable and improving conditions. Gives the fish a chance to settle down after a blow or a temperature drop. I have rushed into plenty of "day after" trips when fishing was dismal. But we fisherfolk tend to be more optimistic than realistic sometimes.