Otherwise, Patterson mentioned finding logjams in 2 to 4 feet of water, anchoring down and then pitching the bait to the upstream edge of the jam and letting the current pull the bait under the pile.

"Big Cat" also listed mud banks, treetops, depressions and drainage ditches as likely channel cat hangouts. In fact, his largest channel cat from the Mississippi, a 20-pounder, came from a ditch that was only 15 to 20 feet wide and just 4 feet deeper than the surrounding water.

Tackle, Patterson said, can range from light, crappie tackle including 1/0 light-wire hooks and split shots to medium, bass tackle, 1/0-3/0 Eagle Claw L7228BP hooks and sinkers varying from one ounce to a couple of ounces.

WORKING TOWARD THE PhD
While "Big Cat" and "Catfish" can probably offer more advice on this subject than anyone else, they also noted the importance of self-education and safety while on the river.

"Everyone can do just like I do," Patterson began. "Every day that I go out on a trip, I have to look for the right places, unless the fishing has been the same for a while. If I went somewhere and caught lots of fish on Monday, then I'm going to probably go back there on Tuesday if the river's the same. There's a good chance I'm going to catch more fish there.

"What I'm saying is all you have to do is get out and start looking, fish the river enough and keep good records. It will help you. I've got friends who keep computer records. They can type in that the river gauge is reading 13 feet, and then their computer will bring up all the places they've caught fish at that stage."

Patterson added that channel catfish have a notable overbite and generally bite softer than blue cats do. So, he said, make note of how the fish are biting on a given day. If the bite is a light, slow pull that results in no hookups, then move the rods out of the holders and nail the fish when you feel them. For this technique, he emphasized, you cannot let the fish feel you moving or holding the rod because the channel will spook and simply move away.

As for the opportunity to continue fishing, Patterson said, "Be sure to wear life jackets and use care in anchoring your boat for safety's sake. And be aware of the big barges on the river that often create dangerous wakes when passing. Safety should be foremost on your mind whenever fishing this big, powerful river."