Blue Catfish

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, offers some underappreciated opportunities for targeting blue catfish. The Leaf River and Bouie River systems, though not massive, hold surprisingly robust populations of these whiskered giants. While they might not reach record sizes, consistent fishing can yield some impressive catches. The best time to target blue catfish here is during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. During this period, they are more active and tend to congregate in deeper holes and channels. Cut bait, particularly shad or skipjack herring, is the most effective bait. A key tip for success is to find areas with current breaks or structure, such as submerged logs or rock piles. The confluence of the Leaf and Bouie Rivers is a particularly promising area. Also, be prepared for a fight, as blue catfish are known for their powerful runs. While access can be challenging in some areas, the potential reward of landing a large blue catfish makes the effort worthwhile.