Mississippi is a state Located in the distinctive northwest section of the U.S. The state lies between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. As such, it is more often a massive wetland when the rivers flood. The presence of these two rivers has made Mississippi Delta a perfect destination for fishermen and anglers. It is home to the biggest catfishes and is well known for it.
Catfishes are a diverse group of ray finned fish with barbells that are akin to a cat’s whiskers. They are largely found in freshwater places. Their numerous species vary in behavior and their habitats. Others live in salty water, others underground in phreatic habitats. They are caught for food and also for other economic purposes.
Catfish mostly feed when the food is available. During these times, one who’s out to fish for them should consider this. Day and night, if the food is available, the fish will be there.
So where are you assured to catch the Biggest Catfish?
Catfish are mostly found on the outside edges of current seams where the river outlets into the marsh but you can easily catch them in the places below.
Ripraps
Ripraps are large rocks along shorelines often placed to prevent erosion. They are usually erected near dams, bridges and causeways. These rocks provide cover, depth and shade to the catfish as they prowl for food. Large catfish love this habitat in relation to others.
Wing Dikes
They refer to narrow rock structures on navigable rivers. They more often than not define the course of the river. Here,the catfish actively gather with other fish to feed. Due to the low and reduced speed of the currents, catfishes hold onto these dykes and feed without using much effort. In order to catch them, you should shift your attention upstream.
River Holes
They provide a cool resting spots for many catfish. These holes are difficult to spot though but sonar helps determine them. On these spots, you should set your baits right as the fish stay in deeper areas during the sunny days and move to shallow ends at night making them predictable to be caught.
Tributary Mouths
They make for the best spots to catch catfish as rivers wash food into the main water body. Catfish gather here awaiting the forage during cool seasons. They use these tributaries to ambush prey as they enter the other water body. Cast your net or rig upstream and chances are you’ll catch loads of them.
Log Rafts
During high waters, many logs and other debris collect to form log rafts that float in backwaters of big rivers and reservoirs. When the speed of the water increases, it forces the backwater to circulate. As this happens, the logs form massive rafts that are appealing to catfish in a sense that they attract its prey and other forage.
If you are lucky enough to catch a catfish, remember that spot, come back again and again for a while. If every time you come back you catch one,then you found your nest.
I have been to various parts of the Mississippi River more times than I can count. It started in my youth with a group of my friends. Today, I take my family to the Mississippi almost every other vacation.