For many anglers, the day ends when the sun slips behind the horizon. But for catfish hunters, that’s when the real action begins. After dark, catfish leave their deep, daytime haunts to roam shallow flats, channel edges, and current seams in search of an easy meal. Whether you’re targeting channel cats, blues, or flatheads, the right gear and bait can make the difference between a long, quiet night and one full of screaming drags.
Why Nighttime Is Prime for Catfish
Catfish are opportunistic feeders with a highly developed sense of smell and taste. As water temperatures cool after sunset, they become more active, pushing into areas they avoid during the bright heat of the day. Night fishing also reduces competition from other anglers and boat traffic, allowing you to fish prime spots without pressure.
Essential Gear for After-Dark Catfishing
1. Rods and Reels
- Rods: Medium-heavy to heavy-action rods between 7 and 9 feet give you the casting distance and backbone for battling big fish.
- Reels: A quality baitcasting or large spinning reel with a smooth drag system is essential. Catfish can surge hard, especially flatheads.
2. Line Choices
- Monofilament: Good for its stretch and forgiveness, especially when fishing near snags.
- Braid: Offers greater sensitivity and hook-setting power, ideal for long casts or heavy cover. Many anglers run braid mainline with a mono leader for abrasion resistance.
3. Terminal Tackle
- Hooks: Use circle hooks in sizes 5/0–10/0 for larger baits and fish. Circle hooks help with solid corner-of-the-mouth hook-ups, especially when fishing unattended rods.
- Weights: Egg sinkers or no-roll sinkers keep bait in place in current. Adjust size based on flow.
- Rigs: Slip-sinker rigs remain a top choice for both still and moving water. Three-way rigs are great for suspending bait just off the bottom in current.
4. Lighting
- A quality headlamp with red-light mode preserves night vision.
- Lanterns or LED floodlights help with tying knots and baiting hooks but should be placed away from the water to avoid spooking fish.
5. Comfort and Safety
- Bring a comfortable chair, insect repellent, and warm layers.
- Always wear a PFD if fishing from a boat at night and keep a spotlight on hand for navigation.
Bait That Brings in Nighttime Cats
Catfish feed heavily by scent, making fresh, aromatic baits the best choice for night fishing.
For Channel Catfish:
- Fresh cut bait (shad, skipjack, bluegill)
- Chicken liver, preferably fresh and firm to stay on the hook
- Prepared stink baits or punch baits
For Blue Catfish:
- Large fresh cut bait from oily fish like skipjack herring or shad
- Whole live baits in areas where regulations allow
- Heads of larger baitfish, which release scent slowly over time
For Flathead Catfish:
- Live bait is king—bullheads, bluegill, and large shiners
- Freshly killed baitfish if live isn’t available
- Flatheads are ambush predators, so present baits near structure
Locating Nighttime Hotspots
Shallow Flats Adjacent to Deep Holes – Catfish often feed on flats but retreat to deeper water during the day.
Channel Edges and Bends – Natural ambush points where current delivers food.
Downstream of Wing Dikes or Dams – Concentrates baitfish and oxygen-rich water.
Logjams and Rock Piles – Prime holding areas for flatheads in particular.
Night Fishing Tactics
- Stay Quiet: Sound travels farther over water at night. Keep voices low and avoid stomping around the bank or boat deck.
- Set Multiple Rods: Spread out baits to cover different depths and current speeds.
- Be Patient: Catfish often cruise in waves. A long quiet period can suddenly turn into a flurry of bites.
- Check Bait Often: Current, small fish, or turtles can strip hooks clean without you knowing.
Final Cast
Night fishing for catfish is part science, part patience, and part thrill. With the right gear and bait, you can turn warm summer nights into some of your most productive fishing trips of the year. Whether you’re chasing eater-sized channel cats for the fryer or monster blues for the fight of a lifetime, the cover of darkness can tip the odds in your favor—if you’re prepared to stay out late and let the river come alive.
