![]() A pair of wire cutters, again with long handles, to cut off the spines is a good idea. This gives plenty of margin between my hand and the spines. The slime absorbs the bacteria found in the bottom sediments and oxygen-depleted waters, where catfish have evolved to survive.įor hook removal, try long-handled needlenose pliers I make my own by taping 14-inch lengths of ½- or ¾-inch PVC to the handles. ![]() You won't have to wait long.Īlthough saltwater catfish spines are not truly poisonous, they are covered with a protective slime layer. ![]() We may not have cobia stakes but if you're interested in catching some cats for bait just find an active fish clean station. With a little research I found out it wasn't really a secret after all, but just old-time southern “Easy Boy” smarts. The fishermen were attracting forage fish, lots and lots of catfish, which was their secret bait for cobia. It wasn't until lately that I figured out how these stakes really worked. I knew they dumped fish heads, chicken guts and other food waste products there. Although I never got to fish those stakes in the Sound, it always intrigued me how the staked areas were supposed to attract cobia. The Hatteras men would have what they called a cobia stake on a submerged bar. Occasionally I'd get a chance to fish with the locals in Pamlico Sound, mostly for weakfish and red drum, our redfish. Years back I used to surf fish on Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. But, don't look at this versatile, easy to acquire, big-fish bait with disdain. Their malevolent reputation is understandable if you've been stuck by a dorsal or pectoral fin spine. Saltwater catfish are slimy, wiggly, and possibly injurious to the uninitiated angler. Whole or dressed, they'll catch big fish. ![]() In foreground is gafftopsail catfish in back, hardhead. ![]()
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