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| This information taken from
"River Murray Fishing and Boating Guide" SA Fishing Tackle Agencies 210a Grange Road, Flinders Park. |
MURRAY
RIVER FISHING |
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Catfish The Catfish is a bottom feeding fish and is found in all areas of the Murray. When the River is flowing swiftly they move into the creeks, backwaters and billabongs and then, (when the River drops) become land locked. When this occurs, those fish that were trapped often grow to huge proportions for they seldom have serious difficulty in competing for food with other species. Catfish are known to exceed 15 pound in weight, but the average size encountered is seldom more than 6 pound. Usually taken from the bank of a river or a drifting boat, they seldom take other than bait. The B.S. of the line used is as with all other Murray fishing , usually far greater than necessary, for it is somewhere in the region of 20 to 40 B.S. Strictly speaking, if Catfish only are sought, a line similar to that used for Callop would be adequate. Rods, reels, sinkers, floats, etc., are exactly the same as those used for Callop, therefore further word on this subject is unnecessary. Catfish should be handled with care for they have a sharp, heavy, bony spike in the dorsal fin and one in each of the pectoral fins. These three spikes are capable of inflicting severe wounds, and at the same time infection could be caused if they are not cleaned immediately. Furthermore, the wounds are very painful because an amount of venom is injected into the wound by the spine. In short, care is required at all times in dealing with Catfish. The best bait will depend on the locality, but generally speaking Worms are considered best. Other suitable baits are freshwater Mussel, Bardie, Pellets and Shrimp. The edible quality of Catfish is higher than could be expected for the appearance of the fish does not indicate this. If, however, the fish is skinned, its white flesh becomes evident and its taste improves considerably more than that which would be experienced if the fish was cooked with its skin attached. Please note these fish are now protected
and must be returned to the water if caught! |
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