kc77bam  05/16/2010 - 17:19    Did you fish the area near walmart off of Monacacy blvd or up further near 194? I am also looking to start fishing the river. I have been fly fishing big hunting creek up in thurmont and getting the itch to go cat fishing, but not sure where to go. Do you go to any other areas on the Monacacy?

space inwaders  05/05/2010 - 13:54    welcome to the board PLAD99FRC, you'll notice this isn't the most active site, but a good bunch of guys are on here.

I dont know the monocacy, but catfish were my main quarry for many years. My preferred approach is to use FRESH cut fish. If you can start off an hour or so before sunset, try throwing small jigs, tubes, curly tails, spinners, or a bobber and a worm. Sometimes i'd stop by a small creek or pond if i knew i could get a few fish quickly- its part of the fun especially if kids come along. If you can catch a few sunfish or fallfish, try cutting them into filets, then cut the filets into 1"x3" strips or so, and try that out. I prefer circle hooks, and if im working over a snaggy bottom or an area with alot of current i like to rig the circle hook above the weight, like a drop shot rig, using a palomar knot to the hook. If the bottom is not too snaggy i prefer to use an egg sinker, or a no-roll sinker sliding free on the line with a swivel and varying length of leader to the hook (fish finder rig).

Personally i dont like messing with liver or stink baits just b/c of the smell and mess, they also fall off the hook easily. I know alot of people do well with liver, but I prefer cut fish because its easier to deal with, stays on the hook well, and i beleive it attracts the bigger cats since its a more natural thing for them to eat.

Keep em comming, i love hearing about "the other fish" in our waters.

Too bad that big one broke off, good luck next time.

-steve