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Comment by John Sheehan on November 14, 2014 at 2:21pm

No problem Tony!.My best channel Cat ( 12 lbs,30 " ) was an incidental catch . Took a tiny worm on an oversized hook for trout that I was fishing for .Went bass fishing and found there was an unannounced surplus stocking of Trout and I didn't have my trout gear .The sloshing around of the released hatchery truck trout called the Big Cat into investigate, I'm thinking . The 2nd best Channel Cat was a 29" 10 # Cat that took a chunk of Hotdog on a #1 hook Me and Art Cole targeted and did well on those channel Cats that night . They were all between 4-10# and we caught about six if I recall correctly . I chummed wet catfood  and started catching a 1/2 hour after throwing it out on a spoon .

Comment by Leo Nguyen on November 14, 2014 at 2:20pm

Tony, it wasn't accidental nor chanced catches. You actually fulfilled two critiera:

1. Available food source.

2. It's fresh, alive, and moving. By the way, fresh and alive, while drown, spikes/maggots do release a chemical compounds that cull/request help from the friendly neighbors (other spikes).

We have infestation of maggots at time during early summer to late fall. Our dogs are know for taking out field mice and pests that enter upon our property. Of course, a few days away without taking care of the small yard, where the 3 dogs have their marking, can cause quite a bit of interesting eco-system development, including high level of maggots. When we try to clean the dead bodies full of spikes around the yard, or the compost bin in the past, we notice they scatter from ground zero where the threat occur. However, if there's any maggot near by the fleeing body, the neighboring maggot immediately follow the fleeing one. Chemical communication just like the ants. Once they found a good spot to hide, they huddle up into a giant ball (dog pile).

So, next time, before putting/exchanging a maggot onto the hook, stir the pot a little. Give a good 2 to 3 minutes before grabbing one. That way, there is plenty of chemical coating all over the lucky victim, and the future victim. Flight or fight chemical is generated constantly. So, the more got coated onto them, the better.

If you're using worms, waxworms, and mealworms, you got yourself some great live arsenal. Unfortunately, I don't see anything similar for crickets. Sorry cricket users.

Comment by John Sheehan on November 14, 2014 at 2:10pm

Thanks again Rod!

Snail, Flat and Spotted Bheads are a mystery to me .I 've only caught Yellows and Browns but Blacks are in waters nearby I understand . 'Big White Bullhead " , something to look for in the waters 'round here !

Comment by Tony Livingston on November 14, 2014 at 2:08pm

John, I wish I could give you a better answer, but every Channel I've ever pulled through the ice has been an accidental catch. I've never targeted them purposefully, but instead have had them hit ice jigs while fishing for bluegills or crappies. Usually tipped with spikes or maggots.

Comment by John Sheehan on November 14, 2014 at 2:06pm

Good info Leo .

Comment by Rod Herington on November 14, 2014 at 2:03pm

Yea White Cats are in the Bullhead family Amerius. They are the kings of the Bullhead family. I call them the "Great White Bullhead" because they share the same demarcation pattern that White Sharks display  There are a total of 7 types. The White,Black,Brown,Yellow, Snail, Flat, and the Spotted Bullhead. They can top 10 pounds or better. I think the average is around 1-3 pounds, but I hear 4 and 5 pound fish are not that uncommon. 

Comment by Leo Nguyen on November 14, 2014 at 1:56pm

Been hanging around you too long Carl ;-) LOL As Tony indicated, cats are year round, and all day. So far, I've observed the behaviors of the cats, thanks to the boys and girls from Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as the local anglers, they're literally active year round, 24/7, regardless of the temperature condition.

When food sources are available in abundant, they will only seek food when needed. When the food sources are scarce, they will hunt, regardless of the hour of the day, nor the season. They will be slow moving in the colder (less than 48°F), and hotter (more than 96°..yep..some California waters can get that hot between Sept and Oct) periods. Dissolved oxygen can be as low as 2ppm, and they still move about like active hungry lions on the hunt.

Comment by John Sheehan on November 14, 2014 at 1:51pm

Channels thru the ice is something I'd like to do Tony .How big of a bait /what kind of bait .Let me guess ,a tip up shiner , a cut chunk?

Comment by John Sheehan on November 14, 2014 at 1:49pm

Thanks Rod! How big do those White Cats get (you referrer to them as Bullheads ! ) I gotta look them up and learn more .

Comment by carl hendrix on November 14, 2014 at 1:45pm

hey Leo;; your learning how to talk redneck buddy!  I knew I would get you to !!!  hahahahhahahahhah

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