Guide Chris Simpson has some tips for Lake Monticello catfish anglers; some basic and some gleaned from years of catching big blue catfish.
• When you decide on a place to fish, stay at least 1 ½ hours before leaving.
• Watch for diving loons; they are feeding on bait. Fish where you find baitfish.
• Big arcs on your depthfinder or graph indicate fish. Make sure you see some before committing to a place to fish.
• Schools of baitfish close to the bottom is a good sign. Schools of bait that appear “broken up” indicate something is feeding on the school.
• Look for mussel beds in 10 to 25 feet of water. Sandy areas are good for mussels. Use a long section of ¾-inch plastic pipe to probe the bottom for hard spots among the soft. High points usually have mussels.
• Fish areas around hazard buoys.
• Have a large net to land large fish.
• On days with strong winds, find banks where the current set up by the wind is pushing bait.
• When targeting white perch for bait, use ¼-ounce spoons or drop-shot rigs baited with small minnows, worms or cut bait.
• Dress warmly, and take extra clothes. Stay dry, and use hand warmers.
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