Catfish fishing works best on holidays and in rivers or large lakes, with robust equipment and scented bait such as dead fish, worms or pellets. The best time is evening or night, especially in warm months. Choose deep holes or bends in the river where the European catfish resides.
What makes catfish fishing so special?
The European catfish is the largest freshwater fish in our region. It lives in deep parts of rivers and large lakes, mainly hunts by sight, smell and vibrations, and can grow over 2 meters long. If you are looking for adventure and brute strength, this is your fishery.
Where can you catch catfish?
Catfish is mainly found in:
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Large rivers (Meuse, Scheldt, Rhine)
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Deep canals and lakes with structure
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Outlets, bridges, groynes and bends
Choose spots with a lot of depth variation and obstacles. That's where they wait for prey.
The right equipment for catfish fishing
Rod
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Heavy rod with at least 100 g casting weight
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Length 2.70 m or more (from the shore)
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Catfish rods are often stiffer than carp rods
Reel
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Large spinning or baitrunner reel (size 4500+)
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Strong drag, sturdy housing
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Specifically built for high pulling forces
Line & leader
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Braided line of min. 0.40 mm or nylon of 45/00
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Leader of kevlar or similar (pull strength 50+ kg)
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Hooks: strong hook size 5/0 or 6/0
Bait for catfish: what really works?
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Worms: thick bunches of dew worms remain top bait
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Dead fish: roach, bream, mackerel – large size works better
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Pellets: fishmeal pellets or catfish pellets with self-hook rig
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Lures: large shads, deep diving plugs, heavy spoons
Do not use small bait: catfish is a greedy predator. Anything under 20 cm is usually too small.
Techniques to catch catfish
1. Bottom fishing (static)
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Use heavy lead rig
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Place the bait on or just above the bottom
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Work with bite alarms or fish with the tip in sight
Ideal for the night, from the shore.
2. Float fishing
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Larger floats with sliding lead
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Bait floats just above the bottom
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Useful near obstacles or sloping banks
3. Lure fishing
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Bounce large shads or plugs against the bottom
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Casting from the shore or trolling from a boat
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Use variation in speed and depth
Tip: add rattles or scent additives for extra stimuli.
Best time to catch catfish
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Spring: rising activity, catfish seeks shallower water
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Summer: peak season – active at dusk and night
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Autumn: fish seeks deeper zones, static fishing is effective
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Winter: slow behavior, fish at the deepest points
The best moments are dusk, night and early morning.
Safety and care
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Use gloves: catfish mouth is rough
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Land large fish with two people
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Preferably leave large catfish in the water for unhooking
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Never lift them by the gills or tail
Common mistakes in catfish fishing
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Too light equipment ➤ risk of line break or reel damage
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Too small bait ➤ little to no interest from large specimens
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Wrong timing ➤ catfish is usually inactive during the day
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Unknown spot ➤ know obstacles before you start fishing
Catfish fishing: checklist for beginners
✔ Heavy rod & reel (suitable for 100+ g)
✔ Braided line min. 0.40 mm
✔ Large hooks (5/0 – 6/0) and sturdy leader
✔ Bait: worms, pellets, dead fish
✔ Bite alarm, rod rest or float
✔ Unhooking mat, landing net, gloves
✔ Flashlight or headlamp for night fishing
Frequently asked questions
Can you catch catfish with chicken fillet?
Yes, chicken fillet is sometimes used, especially as an alternative to fish bait. It is soft and scented, but it does not always work as well as natural bait like fish or worms.
Is catfish dangerous?
Not to humans. Catfish has no sharp teeth, but a rough mouth. Wear gloves when landing and unhooking.
Can you catch catfish from the shore?
Certainly. As long as you have access to deep zones or structure-rich spots (bends, obstacles), fishing from the shore is perfectly possible.