Catfish Lures

Fishing for catfish with lures calls for heavy-duty gear that can handle the power of these fish and the often demanding conditions on big rivers and large lakes. This category brings together a selection of lures designed specifically for targeting catfish, with sizes, vibrations and signals tailored to this type of fishing.

How to choose your catfish lures

Catfish respond strongly to pronounced vibrations, big water displacement and sound signals. To build an effective tackle box, focus on:

• Large-sized lures to single out active fish and avoid small by-catches.
• Reinforced rigs with strong wire frames and heavy-duty split rings.
• Heavy-gauge hooks able to withstand long, powerful fights.

Match the weight of your jig heads to depth and current so you can keep control of the lure and stay in contact with the bottom, where catfish often hold.

Main types of lures for catfish

Several lure families stand out for targeting catfish:

• Soft baits (shads, slugs, creatures): very versatile, ideal fished close to the bottom or vertically.
• Diving crankbaits: effective for steady prospecting along banks and drop-offs.
• Heavy spoons: useful for quickly covering large areas and provoking reaction strikes.
• Noisy lures: internal rattles and strong vibrations to draw fish in from long distances.

Vary shapes, sizes and actions to find what triggers the most bites under the conditions of the day.

Techniques and retrieves that work

Lure fishing for catfish is all about reading the bottom correctly and mastering your retrieves. A few effective approaches include:

• Slow trolling or steady retrieves while keeping the lure close to the bottom, especially with bulky shads.
• Controlled vertical fishing over holes, bridge pilings or marked structures, ideal with compact soft baits.
• Fan casting and retrieving to thoroughly cover drop-offs, current seams and deep flats.

Mix up retrieve speeds, pauses and subtle rod twitches to bring the lure to life and get the most out of its natural vibrations.

Adapting your lures to the seasons

Catfish behavior changes throughout the year, and your lure selection should adapt accordingly:

• Early season: favor loud, bulky lures to locate active fish.
• Summer: opt for faster retrieves, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Fall: heavy soft baits and deep-diving crankbaits are ideal for probing greater depths.
• Cold periods: slow down your retrieves and focus on deeper areas with more subtle presentations.

Catfish lures FAQ

What type of lure should I choose to start catfish fishing?
To begin, a selection of large shads rigged on strong jig heads is a simple, effective base, complemented by one or two diving crankbaits.

What lure color works best for catfish?
Natural or dark colors work well in clear water, while bright or high-contrast colors can help in stained water or low light.

Do I always need to fish close to the bottom with lures?
Catfish are often found near the bottom, but they can move up into midwater or hunt close to the surface. Don’t hesitate to vary running depths according to fish activity.

What gear should I use alongside these lures?
A powerful rod, a robust reel, strong braided line and a suitable leader are the ideal partners for these lures when facing the strength of big catfish.