Wilson Bridge Catfish

[Rockchaser]

Well, it worked out that I could get on the water this afternoon and enjoy this nice warm weather. It was slow going but I managed a few Blue cats. The water temp was around the 40 degree mark. The cats are slowing down but still hungry.

My best was a 41" blue with a 26" girth. It put up a hell of a fight but didn't make any long runs. I caught several 19" to 19 3/4" just under Kayak Wars point size.

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[DanMarino]

Totally cool Jim. So what kind of rig and weight system do you use for them?

[Rockchaser]

A simple fish finder rig with 4oz to 8oz sinked and about a 20" leader to 7/0 to 10/0 circle hooks. I run 50 pound braid on my heavy rod and 30 pound on my other rod. at least 60 pound leader. The bridge has many places to snag and or get cut off. Also the ends of the walls are open just a few feet down in areas so fish will drag your line in and under the walls. After dragging a few fish against the concrete your line starts to look a little rough.

I still find plain raw chicken breast the best bait. I have tried a few other things like eel and garlic soaked chicken but plain gets more hits.

[daolai]

Jim,

Great report and is it true big bait = big cats?

Thanks,
Dao

[chex]

That's a big cat Jim! Nice.

[camelbird]

Nice work!!

I once heard someone say "use uh cut bait bait bout the size of uh grilled cheese sammich"

[Rockchaser]

I cut chicken into chunks about 2 X 2 inches. I will soak a bigger piece if I feel the bigger ones are around. It sucks to have a 19" steal a big piece of bait.

[FishAholic929]

I swear, one of these days I'm going to try it..... Nicely done

[Turtle135]

Nice blues! That big one is a bruiser!

I hooked one of those big blues down at Mallows Bay on a jig earlier this year. I did not stand a chance with the tackle I was using (and all the places to get cut off around the ships) but the fight was fun while it lasted.

[DanMarino]

I seriously want to give this a try, even if I can only get some little guys.
So the correct launch is on the Virginia side of the river, right?
Is that the place with the floating dock that is kinda elevated too high?
I keep trying to talk my 16 year old into going with me. I have a feeling I'm going to have to go without him and then show him photos of all the fish he missed out catching. Then he might come along.

[tufnik]

Very nice, Jim. I think I'm going to call you the Cat-man.

[Rockchaser]

I seriously want to give this a try, even if I can only get some little guys.
So the correct launch is on the Virginia side of the river, right?
Is that the place with the floating dock that is kinda elevated too high?
I keep trying to talk my 16 year old into going with me. I have a feeling I'm going to have to go without him and then show him photos of all the fish he missed out catching. Then he might come along.

Yes the dock is a bit high but very doable. I have seen many people launch many different types of yaks and a canoe from it. The park is located on the VA side of the river. The name of the park is Jone Point Park, it is free to park and launch. They open around 6:30 or when ever someone gets around to unlocking the gate. Really sucks when you get up early to find out the guy geting paid did not. The park is open until 10:00 every night so you can get some night fishing in also.

[Rockchaser]

Very nice, Jim. I think I'm going to call you the Cat-man.

If you look at my user name you will see Grilled has taken care of this for you. My BUDDY Grilled.

[Rockchaser]

Nice work!!

I once heard someone say "use uh cut bait bait bout the size of uh grilled cheese sammich"

I think he also mentioned something about Hotdogs.
That's how he do!

[Shady]

nice, I still haven't gotten into the really big ones like you. I think next time I will bring some salties to try there. Funny that you say the unmarinated chicken works better. I've marinated mine in garlic overnight everytime I've gone. Maybe I should stop doing that... My last trip. the cats were taking goose heart over chicken when given the choice...