All catfish species will start there spawning period when the water temperature is between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The length of the spawning period will vary depending on the regional location. The spawn will be triggered by the length of day light which catfish can sense from their pineal gland, and as the water temperature gets to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The length of light in combination with the water temperature guarantees that the catfish eggs will not be laid to early. The catfish spawn can happen as early as april in the deep south, or as late as August in the north. The spawn will not effect your bait fishing efforts. During the spawn period all species of catfish are still active. Because the spawning period is so long for catfish not all catfish will spawn at the same time so their still plenty of good eating or large catfish to catch with your special catfish baits.
To begin the spawn the male catfish will seek a hole at the bottom or a pocket in the bank. Catfish will also spawn in hollow sunken logs and old discarded tires. Catfish need to find correct spawning area or they will not spawn at all, which is a common occurrence in very small stocked ponds. Catfish will spawn in small stocked ponds if artificial spawning structures are planted on the bottom.
Small catfish spawn in small holes or pockets and large catfish need large holes or pockets .The spawning location regardless of the type will only have a entrance big enough for the male and female catfish to swim in. The male will turn himself around inside the hole so his head is pointing out of the hole to fend off intruders. The male will attack anything that comes close to the hole while the eggs are incubating or if the catfish fry are still on the nest. The female will swim in and lay here eggs and the male will fertilize them. After the eggs are fertilized the male chases the female out of the nest and will continue to guard the nest. The male will continue to fan the eggs to keep silt off until the eggs hatch. The eggs will hatch in approximately 1 week. The catfish fry will stay in the nest with The male for approximately one week before they venture out on their own. A male can spawn multiple times through out the spawn period but the female will only have one clutch of eggs per year.
During the spawn catfish are aggressive and will hit on just about any catfish bait you put in front of them. A good catfish bait I always use while I am bait fishing during this season are creek chubs, but other cut baits such as gizzard shad would work also. Make your cut your catfish baits into chunks and place them on a 5/0 to 7/0 hook.
I have had a great time writing this article we hope you enjoyed our information about catfish baits. Have a great day and the the best of luck to you on your next fishing trip
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