I’d like to try my hand at cat fishing - but don’t have access to a boat - can I actually catch any catfish from the bank?

Actually, for more than 70% of the fishermen intent on catching catfish, the bank is the preferred place to be. Research shows, in fact, that catfish anglers prefer the shore more than fishermen of any other game fish. With all that competition though, there are a couple of things you need to know to guarantee your success. When fishing from the shoreline, for example, the best place to stake your claim will be a fairly flat area with minimal or no brush or overgrowth to impede your casting. Pick a spot close to the outside bend of the river, a pond levee or a deep hole or depression in a small stream. To maximize the area you cover, don’t spend more than a half an hour in the same spot. If you haven’t gotten a bite within that time frame, move on until you find them. Drift-fishing from the bank will give you an opportunity to fish in different locations easily. Simply drift your bait under a bobber as you walk the shoreline. Still-fishing or relax and wait, however, is probably your best bet if you’re angling for a heavyweight Catfish. You’ll need a rod-holder, a lawn chair and a little bit of patience.