I am preparing an article on bullhead catfish that are native to me. I am (hopefully) going to be capturing and examining many specimens of three different species that are either native to me or within a short drive. I would like to be able to capture these fish to photograph, examine and release unharmed. Well, no worse for the wear anyway. I'm not opposed to dragging a few out with a hook and line, but that would not be the preferred way to go about catching them IMO.
My first choice would be a minnow trap, but when targeting 1-2 pound bullheads, that probably wouldn't work. In the muddy, stump strewn ponds and backwaters I'm going to be searching for my subjects, a castnet doesn't seem like the best idea, either. Hook and line would work, but it is terribly inefficient time wise and I have a full time job, kid, wife and college to worry about. I would prefer to have a more expedient manner in which to capture my specimens.
If you all could be so kind, I'd love to hear some ideas how I might go about capturing these fish.
My first choice would be a minnow trap, but when targeting 1-2 pound bullheads, that probably wouldn't work. In the muddy, stump strewn ponds and backwaters I'm going to be searching for my subjects, a castnet doesn't seem like the best idea, either. Hook and line would work, but it is terribly inefficient time wise and I have a full time job, kid, wife and college to worry about. I would prefer to have a more expedient manner in which to capture my specimens.
If you all could be so kind, I'd love to hear some ideas how I might go about capturing these fish.
) but you know these nets that you can put in the creek, along the complete width? I'd put one of those in there, grab a buddy and drive the fish into it from upstream using big nets and lifting rocks. Has worked for me when helping friends.
