There’s no better time to use a technique called “doodlesocking” than late spring and early summer, when channel catfish are spawning. This is a sure-fire way to load up on channel cats and have a day of fast-paced fishing action – and you won’t even need a boat. When water temperatures begin to reach the 70 degree mark, have your gear ready because the window of opportunity will end by late June when the dog days of summer arrive. There are a few “tattletales” that mother nature provides that the “old school” catfish anglers have used for decades to predict the time of the spawn.
Blooming cottonwood trees are a good indicator that the spawn is near. If wheat fields have reached maturity and are ready to be cut, there’s a good chance you’ve already missed a week or two of prime channel catfish action.
Local bass anglers are also a great source of information. If they complain about catching channel catfish while bass fishing, then you should be fishing!
Doodlesocking Gear Basics
Doodlesocking is a finesse fishing technique, so light tackle similar to what is used for largemouth bass or white bass is a perfect fit. If you’re looking for an excuse to buy a new rod and reel, the 7-foot, 6-inch Ugly Stik CAL1100 ML action rod and Abu Garcia 5500C3 are a perfect “no frills” combination for Texas channel catfish.
If fishing from the shore, a longer rod will come in handy, such as a 10- to 12-foot crappie rod paired with a spinning reel.The additional rod length allows you to access some areas that you would otherwise not be able to and allows you to place baits in very tight places.
Monofilament fishing line in 12 pound test provides easy casting with the light tackle you’ll be using but is still durable enough to hoist fish out of cover or heavy timber.
Prepare your rig using a slip bobber and a size 6 treble hook that is 4X strong adding a small split shot sinker a few inches above the hook. The slip bobber aids in detecting the light channel catfish bite and also helps reduce snags fishing in and around cover.
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