Vicksburg angler Walter Scott offered these tips for catfishing the Mighty Mississippi:
• Be careful of Asian carp — Scott has lost two boat windshields to the large, invasive fish that jump at the sound of an approaching motor.
• On the west side of Fordice Island are several rock weirs that, depending on the water level, can be submerged. These can be seen as rapids when underwater. These are good places to use a crappie jig to collect large shad for use on your catfish rigs.
A Rat-L-Trap reeled rapidly across the current will often produce striped bass, as well.
• Cutting the tails off catfish will allow them to bleed out, resulting in whiter, milder fish steaks.
• Special conditions apply to some waters bordering Mississippi and Louisiana. Consult fishing and boating regulations for the respective states prior to departing on a fishing trip.
• The Mississippi River is like a fickle lover: kind and giving one minute, cold and relentless another. It is a major shipping channel, so dangers lurk in the currents for careless boaters. Wear live vests, file a trip plan with someone you trust and be ever vigilant of potential dangers.
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