How to Catch Gaff-topsail Catfish

Always check your state fishing license laws before venturing out fishing. This will tell you whether you need a license if you plan to catch and release or keep your catch. Gaff-topsail catfish is considered to be a tasty saltwater catfish. Freshwater and saltwater catfish are all bottom dwellers and scavenge on anything that is easy prey and comes to them. Surf fishing or rock fishing tends to bring better results for catching saltwater catfish. Gaff-topsail catfish is primarily located in the Atlantic and Gulf oceans.

Things You'll Need

  • Saltwater fishing pole
  • Catfish nuggets or live silver fish
  • Disposable gloves
  • Hardware gloves
  • Bucket
  • Fishing net
  • Snacks
  • Beverages
  • Beach chair
  • Sunblock
  • Fishing weight
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Instructions

    • 1
      Find a secluded shoreline to surf fish.

      Locate a secluded shoreline or standing rocks to surf fish. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time because this is when catfish are most actively feeding.

    • 2
      Never leave your fishing pole unattended.

      Set up your fishing pole with your catfish nuggets (found in sports departments) or whatever bait you choose to use on your hook. Catfish nuggets smell very foul and the odor is hard to get off your hands, so wear disposable latex or nonlatex gloves to apply the nuggets to your fishing hook. Add a fishing weight to your line so that it will go to the surf floor rather than float near the surface.

    • 3
      Always make sure not to cast too close to any fishing neighbors.

      Apply sunblock and always stay hydrated by bringing water and snacks. Use chair for comfort while waiting to catch your catfish. Once you have set up your area, now is the time to cast your reel.

    • 4
      Use a net if possible to bring in your fish

      Tug your line from time to time to move your bait to attract your catfish. If you feel a hard tug more than once in response from your tug, begin to reel in your fishing line.

    • 5
      Place fish in a bucket to take home.

      Reel in your catfish, but remember not to use your bare hands to pick it up. Put on your hardware gloves to handle it while you remove it off the hook. Saltwater catfish have bony fins that protrude from their sides and are sharp and painful. Release your catfish back into the surf, or place it in a bucket full of surf water to take home.