My New Bank Fishing Tackle Facebook Group

I have recently created a Facebook Group for Bank Fishing Tackle. 

There are many fishing groups on the internet ranging from discussion boards, traditional WordPress and Blogger pages, micro blogs on Instagram, and more, but in those groups I see a lot of posts from people who fish from boats, kayaks, canoes, etc. 

Bank fishermen and fisherwomen need their own fishing group, so I am hosting one.

The group will welcome posts, pictures, photos and discussions about bank fishing for all species. If it's a fish that can be caught from shore, this is the page for it. Those who catch, or desire to catch, freshwater or salt water fish without a boat are welcome in the Bank Fishing Tackle Facebook group.

I have been learning how to target pike, muskie and small-mouth bass, which are all on the fishing agenda for 2021.

How to Attach Fluorocarbon to Braid

The Alberto knot makes it easier to reliably and securely tie fluorocarbon fishing line to braid. If it looks like an Albright knot, that's because it's pretty similar with an "improvement" making it even more effective.

I've always tied braid directly to the swivel and also tied braid directly to my carp hooks. But I'm seeing more and more discussion on fishing discussion boards and websites advocating presentation of fluorocarbon as a leader for carp fishing. The theory is that braid is detectable by fish, and fluorocarbon provides anglers a slight edge. Fish find fluorocarbon more difficult to detect, which should translate to a higher catch rate.

I haven't tried this knot yet, but I definitely will. I found this on a "how to catch pike" web page, but you can never learn to many fishing - can you?

I only use two good fishing knots for all of my carp fishing exploits: 

• Palomar knot link
• Knotless knot aka "hair rig" link

And know I'll add the Alberto knot to my repertoire, which will prove useful for more of my bank fishing efforts to catch some pike and sturgeon in 2021. 

How to Catch More Michigan Catfish

Catfish are sometimes a nuisance when fishing for carp. The photos show some of the larger Mr. Whiskers I have landed in Michigan.

Ninety-five percent of the time I fish with 3 pieces of corn on a hair rig fished with pack bait and bolt-rig. It catches carp effectively and also attracts catfish occasionally. 

Catfish Pictures

When I am carp fishing, catfish are sometimes an unwelcome but necessary frustrating side effect. This collage includes some of the largest catfish I have landed in the past few years. Size ranges from about 5 pounds up to 13 pounds with one of the largest coming from a local city park pond.

The next largest was hooked in a large impoundment near the Michigan / Ohio state line that is known for very good musky fishing. Most of the remaining photos come from various rivers in Michigan.

Best Bait for Catfish

Natural baits work the best. Worms are good choices. 

• Night crawlers
• Red wigglers

Growing up my uncles used a variety of other baits with good results as well.

• Chicken liver
• Beef liver
• Beef tongue

A variety of other baits are also used successfully.

• Bread balls
• Corn
• Hominy
• Stink baits

Catfish are sometimes caught on artificial baits as well, but natural baits increase the odds significantly.

Trophy Sized Catfish 

Catfish in the 12 to 15 pound range are frequently caught in Michigan. A personal best in that weight range is a reasonable goal. But for the trophy sized specimen tipping the scales at 50 pounds or more, I would head to the Missouri or Mississippi River systems. Even some of the larger reservoirs like Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, Lake Barkley in Kentucky, Pickwick Lake in Tennessee are some other good alternatives for some very large specimens.  

Recording Setting Catfish

In Michigan, a Niles man caught a 49 pound catfish in the St. Joseph River back in 2012. The fish was 45 inches in length.