Not all cats meow!
November 1st 2007 00:11
nationalgeorgaphic.com
As soon as people find out I have a fishing blog they start offering advice. “You ought to write about this…Or that.” I know they mean well but fishing is a “niche” topic. Writing about a specific type of fish would further divide an already limited audience. For instance, I think I’d probably lose a lot of American readers if I indulged in my obsession with reddies!
BUT—would I hold your attention if I said I know of a fish you can catch that’s found on every continent except Antarctica and there are over 2,000 varieties???
The silver tip catfish. Others call this the sharkcat. You can keep this in your aquarium if you add salt and have a BIG aquarium. Sharkcats can grow to 2 ft. (60 cm).
Catfish are most easily recognized by their barbells, feelers, or whiskers, hence, the name. There are USUALLY four pair of whiskers but this can vary with the species. Also, a cat may lose a barbell or two from fighting or rooting along on the bottom. Further, in some varieties, the whiskers may not be as pronounced as in others.
This brings up a point I was talking about earlier. I ran across a webpage the other day and the author stated, hands down, that ALL catfish have eight whiskers. I’ll give him the benefit of the benefit of the doubt and accept what he said as “niche” writing and assume he was writing about his native area. In most cases I’d have to agree but… Remember 2,000?
Characteristics
Even the general appearance of catfish varies although most have a cylindrical body with a broad, flattened head. The eyes of the cat are small since hunting is often done at night and it relies its sense of smell.
The red tailed catfish, a beautiful example of the cats many colors
Unlike most fish you find, catfish are smooth rather than having scales with some varieties having an “armor” of bony plates. Almost all fish have a slimy coating. This goes a step further in catfish. They have a tick mucus-like covering containing scent that, in some varieties, remains long after you wash your hands.
Contrary to popular belief, the barbells in most catfish are not poisonous. What you have to watch out for with cats is the pectoral (front) and dorsal (top) fins. When the cat is frightened, these fins stiffen to stinger-like projections and venom is injected into the unlucky victim. However, let’s remember that the spines are purely defensive and be glad the 9 ft. (2.7 m.) behemoth in the picture didn’t use his fins in an offensive manner!
The Striped Rafael or Chocolate Catfish. Their size 81/ 2 in. (22 cm.) make them very popular in aquariums. However, be careful. This South American variety packs a nasty sting!
This brings up another topic I’ve wanted to mention since I started this blog—NOODLING. This is where some MORON stands about waist deep in water and pokes and probes around in rocks and logs WITH HIS FINGERS in search of prey. I’ve seen this done for cat fish, craw crabs, and golf balls. The thing is—2 out of 3 of these things can hurt you!
Fishing
Hooking a cat, even a small one, can be one of the most thrilling fishing experiences an angler can have without going to the ocean. These things are ferocious fighters!!! Even if you catch one as small as 6 in. (15 cm.) you know you’ve caught something!
Since most cats feed at night, that is usually the best time to try and hook these bottom feeders. Naturally, jerkbaits or spinners are good bets when using artificial lures but, your best bet is to rig a #4 or larger hook with minnows (alive or dead), chicken liver, or raw beef. Some varieties even go for plain soap! Depending on the variety, some cats bite on pepperoni, wieners, cheese, or pop corn and most will bite on rotten meat. A guideline is, “The stinkier, the better!” The only rule here is if you want to use raw meat, make sure it isn’t cold.
Some people say catfish are better than salmon. I’ll never know. I’ve seen these things feeding on the bottom and bite on rotten meat. It’s too hard NOT to remember that every time I try to take a bite. I’ll let you be the judge. You can buy them in the store or catch your own.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*small images from animal-world.com
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