05-15-2018, 02:07 PM
Finally got out to Lincoln Beach to try for catfish last night. Was using what tackle I already have until I can get new reels ordered. Fished a worm on a large Eagle Claw baitholder under a bobber at various depths. Nothing. On the other I snelled an Eagle Claw circle hook baited with a big cross section of a white bass about an inch thick, everything included. I ran the 2/0 hook through the meat of the "loin" and out through the skin of the back, leaving what I thought was plenty of hook exposed. I was heeding Ahi's and others' advice to go big bait for big fish ( I would need a 28"er to really help my team). I had it about 6' under a bobber which put it near or on the bottom. I looked away at my other bobber and when I looked back the bobber was headed toward the boat ramp! By the time I picked up my rod and reeled in the slack the bobber had gone under. I just reeled like they say to do with circle hooks. The fish felt heavy and was pulling line against drag quite easily. Then nothing, fish off. What I think happened is he had grabbed the bait by the belly section and never had the hook in his mouth. What do you think? What can I do better next time? I cut off the skirts below the ribs and tried again, but got rained out before I could get anything else on.
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The older I get the more I would rather be considered a good man than a good fisherman.