Planning a Great Catfish Fishing Trip

What to Take

First off, make a checklist. I would recommend starting your checklist well before you leave for your trip. Include fishing gear like rods, bait, lures; clothes including boots, gloves and bad weather gear like a poncho; tools for sharpening hooks and little things like that, and whatever else you need to keep yourself comfortable. When you pack, separate all these things in little bags within your big bag, like a small bag for tools, one for fishing gear, etc.

Now, there will always be some little thing you'll forget. Each time you go on a trip, you'll end up getting there and smacking yourself on the forehead, saying, "I can't believe I forgot THAT." It's no problem; packing perfectly takes some practice. I guarantee that you won't forget it next time, and after several catfishing outings, you'll have packing down to a science.

Before you pack, you'll also have to think about what fishing method you are going to use. For example, if you plan on wading into streams, you'll want to take the appropriate clothes and gear. If you're going to fish at night, don't forget lights. Whether your chumming, juglining or fly fishing, you'll need a whole different checklist of gear to take.

What Do You Want To Catch?

Another thing to consider when deciding where to go, is whether you want to catch a bunch of little fish, or a couple of big ones. This might also influence what gear you take. Certain parts of the country are known for having lakes and streams full of tiny catfish that you can catch lots of. In other places, there are giant cats prowling the river bottoms, and you might get lucky and snag one of them to take home. Fishing gear, method and location will be different depending on what you want to catch, so keep this in mind.


Wherever you end up going, leave an itinerary with information giving your whereabouts with somebody. If you plan to explore, or you don't know exactly where you'll be, give them as detailed information as possible. Nowadays, we all have cell phones, and that helps keep you safe when you're out in the wilds. Be sure to take your charger. But one warning: Don't pick up the phone if it's a work-related call!