Attract Catfish To Your Boat Dock: Tips And Tricks

Catfish are strong, migratory fish that can be found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. They are attracted to food sources such as small baitfish, panfish, worms, crayfish, and leeches, as well as dead fish, mammals, and amphibians. To attract catfish to a boat dock, one can use fish lights, aeration, or sunken trees to create a healthy environment and attract baitfish. Additionally, using roadkill, soured grain, or commercially available chum tied to the dock can also attract catfish.

Use fish lights to attract bait fish

Using fish lights is a fun, affordable, and effective way to attract bait fish to your dock area. Fish lights will not only create a pleasant and beautiful area with lighting at night but will also attract fish right up to the area you want.

The best time to catch bait fish is in the early hours of the morning or late at night. When the sun goes down, bait fish come into the shallows. The best way to attract them to your boat or dock is with a bait fishing light, preferably one designed for the job. There are various types of lights to choose from, including underwater and above water options.

Above water bait-catching lights are a popular choice as they can be mounted on the front of the boat and left to do their job. The light should be extremely bright and engineered to the right wavelength to attract fish. A quality above water light can get good coverage, illuminating a large surface area.

Underwater lights are preferred by some fishermen, who believe that above water lights reflect and cause a glare on the water, and don't penetrate as deeply to attract fish. However, both types of lights can get the job done.

When using fish lights, keep in mind that both green and white lights will attract fish. If the bait fish aren't gathering with one colour, you may want to switch it up, just like you would with lures.

Create a healthy environment with aeration

To attract catfish to your boat dock, creating a healthy environment with aeration is essential. Aeration improves the water quality and oxygen levels, promoting fish health and productivity. Here are some detailed instructions to help you create an ideal environment for catfish:

Choose the Right Aeration System

Select an aeration system that suits your specific needs. For instance, Kasco's Bantam-Aire systems are excellent for increasing oxygen levels, promoting fish health, and improving water quality by inhibiting algae growth, aquatic weeds, and muck build-up. Other options include the Air Stream Pro and the Surface Aerator, which are great choices depending on your aeration requirements.

Maintain Water Quality

Aeration plays a vital role in maintaining water quality by increasing oxygen levels and deterring the growth of unwanted organisms. Regularly skim the water's surface and use lake rakes to remove debris, leaves, and other organic materials that can contribute to muck accumulation. This is important because muck at the bottom of your lake or pond will consume oxygen, reducing the supply available for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Enhance Oxygen Levels

Aeration systems are designed to increase oxygen levels in the water, which is crucial for the health and survival of catfish. By providing ample oxygen, you create a more habitable environment, ensuring the catfish are healthy and active.

Improve Fish Health and Productivity

The presence of oxygen-rich water not only improves the overall health of catfish but also enhances their productivity. Healthy fish are more likely to be active and reproduce, leading to a thriving population. Additionally, well-aerated water promotes the overall wellbeing of the fish by reducing stress and improving their immune system.

Deter Algae and Weed Growth

Proper aeration can effectively prevent the growth of algae and aquatic weeds. These unwanted organisms can negatively impact water quality, block sunlight from reaching underwater vegetation, and reduce oxygen levels. By inhibiting their growth, you maintain a healthy aquatic environment and ensure that your catfish have ample space to swim and thrive.

Remove Muck and Debris

As mentioned earlier, muck and debris can accumulate at the bottom of your lake or pond, using up valuable oxygen. Regularly remove sludge and muck to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your catfish. This can be achieved through consistent maintenance, including skimming the water's surface, using lake rakes, and employing muck-removing products.

By following these detailed instructions and focusing on creating a healthy environment with proper aeration, you will successfully attract catfish to your boat dock and provide them with an ideal habitat for their wellbeing and productivity.

Place old trees for protection and sanctuary

If you're looking to attract catfish to your boat dock, one way to do so is by placing old trees in the lake to create a home for the catfish. This method can also be used to attract other types of fish, such as crappie.

To implement this technique, you can use spruce-style trees, which are ideal for your dock area. Look for trees with a similar shape to a spruce tree, such as a Christmas tree, and place one or two of them beyond your dock or shoreline. Ensure that the trees are submerged below the water's surface. The trees will provide an area of protection and sanctuary for the fish, and you will soon notice catfish taking advantage of this newfound habitat.

When selecting trees for this purpose, consider the benefits and drawbacks of different tree species. Smaller trees, such as hazel alder, wax myrtle, Japanese maple, and button bush, can be planted to create vegetative cover for wildlife. Larger trees like red maple, bald cypress, weeping willow, live oak, and catalpa are well-suited for growing in or near water and require minimal maintenance. Catalpas, in particular, are a great choice as they are host trees for catalpa "worms," which are an excellent source of catfish food and bait.

However, be cautious when choosing tree species to avoid potential issues. Avoid toxic trees such as yews, limes, and bays, as they can be harmful to your fish. Trees with extensive root systems, like sycamores, cottonwoods, and poplars, can negatively impact water levels and should be planted at an appropriate distance. Similarly, mesquite and water locust should be avoided due to their thorns. Chinese tallow is an invasive species that should be completely avoided, as it can outcompete native trees.

By strategically placing old trees in your lake or pond, you can create a welcoming habitat for catfish and other fish species, providing them with protection, sanctuary, and an additional food source.

Tie off roadkill to attract flies and maggots

If you want to attract catfish to your boat dock, one method is to tie off roadkill to the dock. This will rot and attract flies, which will lay eggs that hatch into maggots. When these maggots fall into the water, they will attract bluegills, perch, and crappie, which will in turn attract catfish and other predatory fish.

If your neighbours don't mind, you can try this method. However, be aware that it is a smelly process and may be illegal in your area.

To tie off roadkill, you will need to source a piece of roadkill. Check that it is fresh and safe to use by looking for clear eyes, intact skin, and the presence of fleas. Avoid any roadkill that has been tainted by tyre treads or has been run over multiple times.

Once you have your roadkill, simply tie it securely to your dock. Over time, it will attract flies and maggots, which will then fall into the water. This process may take a few days, depending on the climate.

If you want a less smelly method, you could try using soured grain or commercially available chum blocks.

Use soured grain or commercially available chum

Using soured grain or commercially available chum is a great way to attract catfish to your boat dock. This method can be a little smelly, but it is effective.

Soured grain is a great option if you want to create your own chum. To make it, fill a bucket about 3/4 full with grain, then finish filling the bucket with water. You can speed up the process by adding some yeast or beer. Place the bucket in a sunny spot, away from your house, and wait for the grain to sour. You'll know it's ready when you can smell it! Be sure to keep the bucket uncovered, as sealing it could cause it to explode. Once the grain has soured, throw about a gallon's worth around your dock in 1-cup increments. Over time, you won't need to use as much, and you'll be able to throw in your bait and start fishing right away.

If you don't want to make your own chum, you can purchase commercially available chum or fish blocks. These are less messy and less smelly than soured grain, and they can be tied to your dock. Keep in mind that this option may be less effective, as some people have reported that the catfish in their area are not attracted to these blocks.

When using chum to attract catfish, it's important to consider the time of year and the behaviour of catfish during different seasons. Catfish are migratory, and their feeding habits change with the seasons. During the summer, catfish are more active in the evening and at night, as they use their sense of smell to find food. In the fall and winter, they move into deeper, darker holes in the river and are most active during the warmest part of the day.

Additionally, consider the type of dock you have. Older, decrepit docks with built-in ecosystems of barnacles and algae tend to attract more fish. Docks that provide shade and structure can also be more attractive to catfish, especially during hot summer days.

By using soured grain or commercially available chum, and taking into account the seasonal behaviour of catfish and the characteristics of your dock, you can effectively attract catfish to your boat dock.

Frequently asked questions