Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Fixing a stocking problem: Catching Catfish Tips?

Prior to me finding this forum and realizing the error of my ways, I stocked my 1 acre Bass Pond with about 150 Channel Catfish of 8-12in along with my BG, RES and Minnows in fall of 2022.

Obviously, I now know that was a bad idea as large CC compete with LMB for the same food sources. As such, I am working on a plan to harvest out the vast majority of the CC that I have stocked in the pond. The water levels are still below 60 degrees and as such, I assume that the CC have not begun spawning yet. However, temperatures are starting to rise and I think the water will be above 60 degrees in the next couple of weeks.

Short of electroshocking the pond, does anyone have a great suggestion on the best way to catch and pull out 100+ CC?

I searched the forum and did come across a post about catching catfish in a bucket and you essentially catch 2 per bucket. However, that is designed to be used during spawning season and I am trying to get ahead of the spawn.

Obviously there is the rod and reel method, however I was wondering if there might be a better solution to catch multiple fish quickly.

I thought about using a milk jug, putting liver, milk, and some other meats into it. Leaving it in the sun to get a bit rancid and then drilling some holes into the jug to allow for the liquids and smells to get out and then setting it in a shallow spot of my pond. Hopefully, catfish come in (they appear to generally eat in small packs of 3-6 fish) and I can use a net and a pair of waders to grab a bunch of fish at once. However, I did not know if that was actually a good plan or not.

I would appreciate any insight that someone would be willing to provide. Thanks!

SSJSayajin, unfortunately catfish don't float to the top when electroshocked. IIRC, they hover at the location they were at.

Go buy a trot line or three. I've caught them on shrimp, chicken livers and hot dogs. Channel Cats are the 2nd smartest fish in North America, so typically if they are caught once and released, you will be VERY lucky if you catch them again. Cut the hot dogs into pieces about 1"-1.5" in length.

@esshup, I didn't even consider trout lines, that is a great idea! I was going to set up some bank lines to supplement what I could do with a rod and reel (pulled out 16 this weekend), but trout lines are a much better idea! Thanks for the suggestion.

Good job SSJ!

16 cats out is definitely a good start.

The CC would wise up to this pretty quickly.