Some James River Catfish

[lunker934]

We had some luck - sounds like some others did as well. River was nice the skeeters were a complete pain and the boat traffic was up but not bad at nightfall.

Here are some pics

[Ace Laserna]

Nice catch! I might have to go out and try for some cats. I usually put up my catfish gear this time of year until spawn is over. Looks like they can still be caught!

[gman]

Nice looking cats - so here's my question - and I'm a little embarrassed to ask....if you have no net - what is the best way to land catfish in the boat? I have been bitten and stung and have a hard time deciding what to do....I have an easier time grabbing a pike than a catfish and can't figure out why? Should I reach up through the gills? Any ideas would be appreciated...

[Nightfisher]

G-man- Wear a glove-does not even have to be thick. A big cat over 20lbs you should not have to worry about the fins. They tend to be blunted on the bigguns, just mind you don't drop one on your foot. Even mid sized cats can be lipped easily with a glove. Grab the big ones by the lower jaw and lift them straight up into the boat while giving support under the belly. (Just like in Lunker's pics) I do it bare handed a lot and get all scraped up by the plates in their mouths. I do have an enourmous net too. The little ones can be handled by slipping a hand under the belly and carefully gripping around the fins. Or just lift it out on the line and use pliers on the hook to shake the cat off if it's a really small one. Gill lifting tends to harm fish and should not be done unless he is destined for the frying pan.

[gman]

Thanks for the tips nightfisher..........I was on the Occaquan out of Fountainhead and while throwing a Rapala DT6 crankbait for bass had 2 (1 - 2/3lb, 1 5+ lb) attack my lure. The larger cat broke off on the side of the boat with my bait in it's mouth (only had 8# test and my drag was screaming). I'll throw a glove in my tackle box from now on.....

[lunker934]

Yeah I keep a glove with me as well as the net. Makes for some fun with a big cat at the boat - you tend to get soaked!