Jug Fishing for Cats

Of all of the numerous tried and true methods fordurability than glass. Commercially manufactured
hauling in a big catfish, jug fishing, or "juggin'" is oneproducts are also available for jug fishing, many of
of the most popular among seasoned catfishermen.which are smaller, lighter and easier to manage than
Jug fishing's simple approach and high return,the conventional standbys.
combined with the low cost of the materials neededAdmittedly, 20 bleach bottles in your boat takes up a
to make a jug fishing rig, make it popular among alot of space. It should be noted, too, that many
great many anglers everywhere, both for sport, andjurisdictions have regulations on the types of fish
for commercial fisheries, too.than can be jugfished for, the design of the rig, and
Jug fishing's main advantage is that it can be carriedthe color of the jug - usually, white is the rule. Check
on, unattended, leaving the fisherman free to setyour local regs, though, before setting out on a jug
more jug lines, or tend the ones that are taking fish.fishing expedition, or any fishing trip, to make certain
Also, free-floating jugs can cover a great deal ofyou are fishing legally.
water area. As a result, jug fishing is usually highlyTo build the rig, you will need to make a couple of
productive, and a great way for families or groups todecisions regarding the length of the jug line. Ideally,
engage in catfishing, especially if kids or beginners areyou want the jug line to float freely, but the deepest
involved.end of the rig should be close to the bottom, maybe
Jug fishing is best practiced in mild-current rivers, andtwo to three feet above it. If you don't know how
pond or lake conditions, as too fast of a current willlong to run your lines, try making a few of different
take the jugs away quickly, making their retrievallengths, and setting them out across your fishing area
difficult.- some will get more attention than others.
The basic strategy of jug fishing is simple - set up aHaving decided on the length of the lines to run, cut
series of jug fishing rigs, float them out over a wideyour jug lines accordingly. Fasten one end of a line to
area of water, possibly with different baits, slung atthe neck of the jug, or to the fastening point, on a
different depths, and see what comes calling. Then,commercial product. On the other end, tie a
after you get a bite, if you're really keen, you canreasonable weight, enough to keep the line down,
bring in the non-producing jug rigs, and re-set thembut not so much that it overly tensions the line, or
with the successful bait and depth combination, whichover-weights the jug. Now, tie two hooks on each
will then keep you very busy hauling in fish.jug line, one, about a foot or two above the weight,
Building a jug fishing rig is simple. To make one, youand one, maybe six feet above the weight - Palomar
will need some sort of powerful float (the jug), aknots work well for this.
length of heavy trot line, a couple of hooks, aThis system puts two hooks in the water, lays twice
weight, and your favourite bait.the bait out, and sets baits at differing depths, to
First, a word on jugs. As the name implies, the originalcover as many bases as possible. Further, if the line
floats used in this technique were, and often still are,floats into shallower water, while the sinker and one
empty jugs of some description. Pop bottles, bleachbait may end up out of commission, the higher hook
bottles, or any empty, sealed container will do. Plasticwill usually still be in a position to get a bite.
containers are best, due to lower weight and greater