Northeast Mississippi’s smallmouth hotspot is a “sleeper” catfish venue
When the name “Pickwick” is heard in general fishing conversation, it’s generally in context with the great smallmouth bass fishing or tremendous crappie fishery that’s contained in the lake. Say the word “catfish” and most anglers think they misunderstood you. Pickwick guide Brian Barton (256-412-0969) is out to change that perception.
“Pickwick has a healthy population of several species of catfish – most importantly channels, flatheads and blues,” said Barton. “The typical sized blue catfish on this lake is probably between 10 and 15 pounds. But we also catch trophies that go up to 50 and 60 pounds.”
Barton fishes Pickwick for catfish throughout the year but is particularly fond of early spring fishing when blue cats can be found hugging the edges of deep channel drop-offs in search of schools of baitfish. With catfish on this “edge” pattern, it’s a great time to slow vertical troll deep water contour lines. The guide claims that like many species of fish in cold water, where you find one, you’re likely to find several.
“Blue catfish just aren’t going to chase a bait down in water that’s hovering around the upper 40’s and lower 50’s,” he said. “In order to find them, and catch them, I’ll troll very slowly and methodically and try to put the baits right on top of them.”
Barton’s trolling tactics are somewhat equipment intensive. He uses state-of-the-art electronics and gear to both control the boat and put him on the fish. Fishing from the rear of his 20 foot aluminum catfishing vessel, the guide fans four to six medium heavy action baitcast rods along the stern in a rod holder rack and uses and autopilot trolling motor with spot locking technology to troll at speeds as low as .1 mph.
Barton, like most area catfishermen, relishes skipjack herring for bait which he catches during their fall migrations and freezes for use during the winter. The baits are then cut into bite-sized pieces and hooked on a 3-way rig that utilizes high test braid on the main line, a weighted dropper, and a 24 – 36 inch leader which contains the 5/0 circle hook.
“There’s not a rush to grab the rod and set the hook,” Barton explains. “Most times the rod will simply bow over slightly as the catfish takes the bait, then ease off to one side in the deep, cold water. That’s when it’s time to reel in slack and let the hook do its thing.”
Catch the action and instruction first hand in the attached video as Barton explains the in’s and out of early season trolling for catfish on Pickwick Lake.
