• There are some giant catfish just waiting to be caught in southern LouisianaCatfish image by Pavol Kmeto from Fotolia.com
  
  Catfish are a popular game fish throughout the south. Not only can these freshwater sports fish reach very large sizes, but they eat anything and can live in even the murkiest and dirtiest of water. There are many different species of catfish, with blue, flathead, and channel being some of the most common in Louisiana. These fish can vary from only a few pounds, to a few hundred pounds, which helps explain the excitement many anglers have for chasing a trophy catfish.
  
  

Adjust to Environment

• One of the most important parts of successful catfish fishing in southern Louisiana is to make sure to pay attention to, and adjust to, the local environment. Channel catfish, for example, love crawfish and smaller fish, which means rock beds and gravel beds are going to be the best environment for finding channels. Consider using really bright lures or smelly bait in really cloudy water. More natural looking rigs may work when the water is more clear and visibility isn't so bad. Some species of catfish prefer one environment over another--which is why some catfish will mostly be found in rivers or lakes while other species might be found in shallow creeks.
  
  

Adjust Tactics to Species

• Different species of catfish in southern Louisiana prefer different types of lures or bait. While it is true that really smelly bait such as chicken gizzards can attract all catfish, your success level will still vary based on what species you're going for. Flathead catfish, for example, are known in Louisiana for hitting live bait such as shiners or chubs. Blue catfish have the most acute sense of smell, meaning a good stink bait in the river is likely to draw them out from their hiding place. Each species has a specific set of tactics for what works best on them, so adjust your strategy accordingly.
  
  

Consider Night Fishing

• Catfish are active during a wide variety of times, but they also tend to stay very active at night. Flathead catfish in particular are most commonly seen feeding at night after dark, making this the best time to catch them in southern Louisiana. If you're not familiar with the area of south Louisiana you're fishing in, consider hiring a paid local guide who knows the area well. Not only does this take away the headaches of not knowing where to go or what the best catfish fishing strategies are, but it lessens your chance of ending up in an emergency survival situation--which you do not want to experience in Louisiana swamps.