THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The summer months are filled with activities to enjoy outside, and angling for catfish is among them as there are plenty of locations statewide to do so, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division.
Though most species of catfish are active throughout the day, the best summer fishing is at dusk and during the night. Catfish can be caught year-round, with the best bite typically from early spring through the peak of summer.
Two things that make fishing for catfish desirable, according to the WRD, are the fact that catfish are plentiful in Georgia and that the gear needed being simple.
In fact, several species of catfish call Georgia home. Those include channel, white, blue, flathead and bullheads. Blues and flatheads can reach weights upwards of 50 pounds.
As for where to find catfish in the water, the WRD advises rocky shorelines, rip-rap areas, points and outside bends of rivers or the submerged river channel. While catfish may be prone to stay in deeper areas during the day, they are likely to roam shallower areas at night for food. During dawn, dusk and at night, anglers should concentrate on shallow sandbars, flats, and shoals near the deep holes fished during the day. Catfish, especially flatheads, love holding near downed trees, so look for these on outside bends.
Visit GoOutdoors Georgia.com to purchase a fishing license online or t by phone at 1-800366-2661. For more fishing information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com.
– Brad Harrison
