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Catfish
World-wide, there are over 30 families of freshwater and marine catfish, containing about 2,250 species. These families include the Ictaluridae of North America, the Siluridae of Europe, and the Plotosidae of Australasia, all of which have scaleless bodies, broad heads, and 'whiskers' around their mouths. They generally inhabit still or slow-flowing waters, and are most active at night and on cloudy days.
WHISKERS: The barbels or 'whiskers' around the mouth of a catfish are highly sensitive organs with which the fish can taste, smell, and feel for its food. The Wels has six whiskers, and the American Catfish and the Tandan (Australia) have eight.
WELS: Southern Sweden to the Danube basin and Amu Darya; introduced into England, France, Spain, Italy. Also known as the Danubian catfish, the Wels is native to central and eastern Europe but has been widely introduced into western waters. The reason for these introductions is that the Wels is one of all of the freshwater fish, reliably known to reach a length of 3m (9ft 10in) and a weight of 200kg (441lb); individuals weighing over 320kg (700lb) have been reported.
FLATHEAD (Pictured): Lower Great Lakes, Mississippi basin, gulf slope drainages. It averages about 1.8kg (4lb) but may reach 45kg (100lb).
FISHING TIPS:
TECHNIQUES: Freshwater Catfish are usually taken on natural or processed baits by float fishing, ledgering, or freelining, but spinning with artificial lures is also effective.
TACKLE: Use a 2.7 to 3m (9 to 10ft) rod, such as a heavy bass rod, with a fixed-spool reel, 2.7 to 5.4kg (6 to 12lb) line, and hook sizes 6 to 1/0. To freeline for the larger species, such as Wels, use a 3 to 3.7m (10 to 12ft) rod with a powerful all-through action, a fixed-spool reel, 6.8kg (15lb) line, 9.1kg (20kg) Dracon trace, and hook sizes 4 to 2/0.
BAIT: Freshwater catfish can be taken on practically any type of bait, or lure, even a bare shiny hook. Best baits include; stink baits, these include soured shellfish, ripened chicken entrails, beef liver, pig liver, and rabbit liver, coagulated blood, and even pieces of scented soap.