Nation Cats.....

[Steady Eddy]

Evening all. I was hoping some of you could share some of your knowledge of Channel Cats. I have tomorrow off and alot of worms. Its supposed to rain lightly over night and in the a.m. Do Channel Cats have good sense of smell ? Is the earlier the better ? Its a far drive out from Kanata to realize they cant find the worm. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[GuinnessGuy]

I fished Petrie for Chanel Cats today and the bite was OFF. They could not find the worm.

Normally, you cast out a big lump of worms and the cats eventually find them (my experience, on the Gatineau river in warmer temperatures).

If you're driving from Kanata, I'd wait a couple of weeks to be sure the bite is ON.

GuinnessGuy

[Steady Eddy]

Thanks GG.
As I'm sure you can understand, I am jonsin' for a fish that tips the scale at more than 1lb. It really sucks being shorebound this time of year.

[GuinnessGuy]

Well, if you want to drive east, drop by Petrie, and stop at the first bay on your right, just before the bait shop. While I resisted the urge to join the "brigade" that was there today and ended up empty-handed, they were pulling in mudpouts left-right and center. Some decent sized ones too...

Today was my first outing of the year (never made it to the ice). It felt good to break the ice. "My name is Dave. And I am a fish-aholic".

Good luck
GuinnessGuy

[Steady Eddy]

" Hi Dave ! "
If I go for mud pouts, I was thinkin of goin to the pond in behind linoln fields mall. Ever heard tale of it ?

[GuinnessGuy]

I haven't heard of a pond in that area, but you could try Victoria Island. There's 1-2 hour parking, during the day, just outside the parking that is used after 5pm... See the post Joco put up for the location.

GuinnessGuy

[Eli]

Do Channel Cats have good sense of smell ?

A channel cat is essentially one giant olfactory organ. They have taste buds in their skin, whiskers, fins...so yeah, if they're feeding they'll find your worms no problem.

[FrogEyes]

If you're in Kanata, you should try Constance Bay. I have caughts tonnes of cats just casting a hunk of worms off the beach this time of year. I don't know if the bite is on at the moment but if it is, fish over 5lbs are possible.

[Steady Eddy]

Thanks for the ideas GG and Frog. And Eli, I thought my lab had a snout on her...Wow.
Sorry all my posts are questions, but I've only really fish Lake Ontario and the dock at the cottage as a kid. I have another.
Given the weather in Ottawa this a.m., could anyone suggest a spot on shore where the water would be calm and deep ?
Thanks everyone.

[GuinnessGuy]

Rideau Falls, or Rideau Locks, both spots are fairly deep.

[steve-hamilton]

we use cut sucker (fresh and live if possible) on the grand. it out produces all other baits probably 5:1

just a thought if the other baits aren't working.

[Steady Eddy]

A little confused, are these suckers that I cut, or are they called Cut Suckers ? Do I buy them at bait shops or loblaws ?

[Musky51]

use freshly caught suckers, cut into chunks... works well on the Ottawa as does Shrimp, chicken liver, worms and hotdogs

[steve-hamilton]

these are suckers you catch, then cut.

once caught, put them in fresh water (cooler, livewell, etc) then when ready to use, cut their head off, throw into water (for chum) then start "steaking" your pieces back from the head.

[Steady Eddy]

Thanks guys. Having a hard time on selling a fishing trip to the missus today (not currently driving ), but will let ya know how I make out should I go.