For small-to-average channel cats, baits and rigs may be downsized and tweaked a bit. "For average-size channel catfish, stink baits and smaller live baits like night crawlers get the nod," the biologist remarked. "Fish these baits on bottom. Use a slip-sinker ahead of a small split shot weight pinched onto the line 12 inches ahead of the hook. This rig allows a catfish to take the bait without feeling resistance from the weight."

Dalmier also offered that when using stink baits, which can be liquefied or pasty, some anglers opt for a rig consisting of a treble hook attached to a small piece of sponge or ribbed plastic. "These hooks are designed to hold the bait on the hook and slowly release it into the water," he said. "Whatever your hook type, the bait should be well secured to prevent the catfish from nibbling away your bait without ever being detected."

BLUE CATS
Those targeting blue catfish can use baits and methods similar to those employed for channel cats. The two species, so much alike in general appearance, can also be found exhibiting very similar feeding habits in like habitats, and may even be found and caught together on occasion -- though in Georgia the blue's habitat and range are historically more limited than the channel cat's.

Some anglers, however, point out a few differences in bait preference and fighting style of bigger blue cats. They seemingly prefer cut bait as a general rule, which can be anything from Spam to skipjack herring and anything in between. Additionally, they have a tendency not to nibble at a bait but to grab it on the run. When the hook's set, a hefty blue is often already moving off with a good head of steam. If your strength, stamina and equipment aren't up to snuff, the fish is likely to keep moving without ever being turned. In general, though, you can successfully score with a blue if you can successfully tempt and hook a channel catfish.

WHERE TO FISH
Catfish anglers may catch blue catfish from any number of Georgia waterways, usually as part of a mixed-bag fish accompanying larger catches of pan-sized channel cats. However, if really large blue cats are what you seek, northwest Georgia's Coosa River near Rome is the place to go.

"Fish the Coosa for blue cats using a shad, either live or as cut bait," said Dalmier. "Fish on the bottom in deep holes in bends and below islands."

Flatheads and channel cats may also be consistently caught from the Coosa.

Lake Seminole, on the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers in southwest Georgia, is a good bet for summertime channel cats and the occasional flathead that moves from the Flint into the lake. Work the flats along the river channels this time of year with stink baits, live baitfish, and earthworms. The current in these areas provides oxygen-rich water during hot summer days, and the catfish come up to feed on the these shallows early and late in the day.