What is a Channel Catfish?
Channel catfish are one of the most common families of catfish found in North America. Their claim to fame is how delicious they taste when prepared properly. They are not typically found in aquariums but have become well known on dinner tables throughout the world. These catfish have been introduced to countries as far as Indonesia due to their awesome flavor.
Appearance
The distinct appearance of these catfish makes them easy to identify. Their long, bluish-grey bodies are smooth and sleek, completely lacking scales or armor like the armored catfish. Sometimes, these fish are found in an army green color instead of blue, but this is not as common. Both varieties of channel catfish often have spots along their backside that are typically black. These catfish have barbels alongside their mouths that are used to help them find food in dark, murky waters. Once a person sees these catfish, they will instantly recognize them.
Size
Fishermen are always out to get a larger catfish, and they have a chance when they are fishing for some channel catfish. They are known to grow as large as seven pounds and two feet long. Some channel catfish are on the smaller side at two pounds and only a foot long, however. Lucky fishermen have discovered that these fish can grow significantly larger, with some catches weighing in at over fifty pounds. This is rare, but it is possible.
In Nature
In nature, these fish prefer the muddy river bottom to swim in clear waters. They can be found along the bottom of rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout North America. This includes western states, such as Colorado, and countries as far north as Canada.
Diet
Because these fish are often in murky waters, they find their food using their superior sense of smell. They are known to feed as soon as the sun goes down on delicious snacks of snails, invertebrate, algae, and plants. Younger catfish feast primarily on meat, but their diet will change as they get older.
Fishing Tips
Fishing for the channel catfish remains a popular sport throughout North America. There is nothing like bringing home plenty of fish and enjoying a family fish fry. Knowing these fishing tips will help make sure that fishermen get the big ones.
First, remember the right time to go fishing. These fish are known to start feeding after the sun goes down, but they tend to stop before one in the morning, so this is the right time to fish for them.
Time of year is not important. These fish are known to bite on bait any time of year, so fishermen can rest assured that they will always have a chance at bringing home a trophy fish.
Using the right bait is the last (but not least) important thing that a fisherman must do. The stronger the scent of the bait, the more likely a catfish is to bite it. Fishermen must fish on the bottom of the lake where the water is murky and visibility is low to capture channel catfish, so it’s important that they can smell the bait.
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