While catfish may not be the first species that come to mind in lure fishing, it is a technique gaining traction among anglers in the UK. Chris Bury, a leading catfish lure record holder and consultant for Catfish Pro, shared his insights into this unique method of targeting one of Britain’s largest freshwater fish.
"I have been targeting the beautiful Wels catfish with lures over the last five years," said Bury. He emphasized that while lures are most often utilized in winter to elicit bites from catfish that might otherwise be uninterested in feeding, they can yield successful catches all year round. "Many catfish anglers take the winter off or switch to other predatory species, but they don’t have to—lures can turn a blank session into a highly productive one."
"I have been targeting the beautiful Wels catfish with lures over the last five years,"
Finding the right location is paramount when lure fishing for catfish. Bury pointed out that these fish commonly gather in tight groups, inhabiting small areas of the water. "Only rarely do individual fish stray from the main shoal," he noted. This characteristic makes it essential for anglers to cast frequently across their fishing area. He added, "If you're not thorough, you might miss the small but critical area that separates a blank session from a red-letter day!"
"Only rarely do individual fish stray from the main shoal,"
Race Results
Anglers should keep casting until they either get a hit or disturb the shoal, which may result in a flurry of bubbles on the lake’s surface. Bury’s experience has shown that catfish often congregate in deeper sections of the water, sometimes occupying a space not much larger than a bivvy. "They rarely stray far, and takes away from the main shoal are uncommon," he explained.
"They rarely stray far, and takes away from the main shoal are uncommon,"
When it comes to tackle, Bury emphasized the importance of using proper gear. "As a full-time catfish angler, I always encourage people to use strong mono or braid, five-pound test curve rods, etc. We often see ill-equipped anglers targeting our huge catfish with tackle designed for carp. While a catfish can be landed on this tackle, long, drawn-out fights can be deadly for predatory fish designed for short bursts of energy," he said.
Race Results
In winter, catfish behave differently than in warmer months, resulting in slower, more lethargic fights. Bury shared, "Now, I’m not saying to take your dropshotting rod out catfishing, but the gear I use is still strong. I use the Fox Rage Heavy Spin Rod, as it’s suitable for casting larger lures."
He elaborated on his reel choice, stating, "I pair this with a Penn Surfblaster 3 reel, which is an unusually large reel for lure fishing, but it excels as a long-range casting machine." Bury pointed out the benefits of this setup for both casting distance and retrieval efficiency.
As more anglers explore the depths of fishing for catfish, they are discovering an enjoyable and rewarding challenge. Bury encourages those interested to give lure fishing for catfish a try. "If you want to catch huge fish like this, give lures a go!"
Overall, Bury's insights serve to illuminate the path for novice anglers aiming to delve into the world of lure fishing for catfish. With the right techniques, gear, and perseverance, anyone can experience the thrill of hooking a sizeable catfish through this underrated fishing style.
As lure fishing for catfish becomes more popular, it's clear that with the right strategies and knowledge, anglers can effectively target these magnificent creatures year-round. Whether you’re an experienced catfish angler or a novice looking to try something new, the art of lure fishing offers exciting opportunities for success.
