Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Hook shy channel cats

Have you ever caught one smaller than 15" and released it back into the pond?

I've seen them shy away from a bait in clear water. They hit it with their whiskers and turn away. I have a couple in my pond that were caught once that I know of, tagged, and released. One in 2009, one in 2010. Both have never been caught again......... I've fished with cut bait, live bait, put out limb lines, strung a trotline for weeks straight. They are just too durn smart. Those 2 fish should be over 20# now, as they were 14.8# and 15.95# when caught.