The best lures for wels catfish
The best lures for wels catfish
The wels catfish is a voracious predator that reacts to a wide variety of lures. Soft shads, crankbaits, poppers, stickbaits: the choice is vast. The key to success lies in adapting the lure to conditions — depth, current, light — and mastered animation. On the Lot and Lot-Garonne confluence, lures allow active and captivating fishing, from boat or bank.
The Lot-Garonne confluence at Aiguillon offers varied waters: deep holes, currents, margins. Each lure type has its use. From the private pontoon of Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, you can prospect with lures by boat or from the bank. Hamid, your host, will advise you on the most effective models according to the season. 2-metre-plus catfish are not rare on these waters; suited equipment is essential.
What you need
Soft shads 15-25 cm
Base lures for catfish. Jig heads 40-80 g. Dark colours (midnight blue, black, purple) for coloured waters. Stock several sizes.
Crankbaits and jerkbaits
Hard lures for prospecting. Diving crankbaits 15-20 cm, jerkbaits for jerky animation. Floating plugs for surface.
Casting rod 2.70 to 3.30 m
Semi-parabolic action, 80-150 g casting. A versatile rod for casting and animating different lure types.
Casting or spinning reel
5:1 to 6:1 ratio. 150 m capacity of 35/100 braid. A robust reel to withstand large catfish runs.
Braid and fluorocarbon
35-45/100 braid for sensitivity. 50 lb fluorocarbon hooklink for discretion and abrasion resistance.
Rigging and practice
Choose lure type according to spot
Deep holes: shads and diving crankbaits. Surface and margins: poppers, stickbaits. Current: heavy lures to stay on bottom. On the Lot, 18-20 cm shads are versatile.
Adapt the colour
Clear water: natural colours (bleak, perch). Coloured water: dark or fluo colours. Overcast: strong contrasts. Try 2-3 colours per session.
Master the animation
Shads: regular pulls with pauses. Crankbaits: linear or jerky retrieve. Poppers: short twitches. Vary the rhythm until you find what triggers takes.
Prospect methodically
Cover holes, current margins, snags. Cast in a fan from boat or bank. A spot can produce in 5 minutes or after 30; persevere.
Strike and fight
The take on lure is often brutal. Strike immediately. Keep the rod high to control the catfish. A 10-20 minute fight is normal for a large specimen.
Practice this technique with us
Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, on the Lot at Aiguillon, is the ideal starting point for lure sessions. The private pontoon allows embarking or fishing from the bank. The Lot-Garonne confluence, a few minutes away, concentrates 2-metre-plus catfish. Hamid, your host, practises lure fishing and shares tips on models and spots. 4 to 12 hour sessions allow good prospecting of these rich waters.
Book your stayCommon mistakes
Using lures that are too small
Catfish target prey 15-30 cm. 10-12 cm lures attract fewer large specimens. Prefer 18-25 cm.
Animation too monotonous
Vary speeds, pauses and amplitudes. A catfish can follow without taking; a rhythm change often triggers the attack.
Neglecting margins
Catfish often hunt at the edge of holes and channels. Don't prospect only the middle of deep zones.
Equipment too light
A 2-metre catfish requires a rod and braid suited to the task. Carp or light predator gear risks breakage.
Your questions about this technique
What is the best lure for catfish?
The 18-20 cm soft shad is most versatile. It works in vertical fishing, casting and trolling. Dark colours (midnight blue, black) are effective on the Lot.
Do you need to fish lures from a boat?
No. Lure fishing from the bank or pontoon is possible. The boat nevertheless offers more spots and prospecting possibilities.
What period for lures on the Lot?
From April to October, catfish are active on lures. Best periods: May-June and September. Dusk is often most productive.
Fluo or natural colours?
In coloured water (typical Lot), dark and fluo colours work well. In clear water, prefer natural imitations (bleak, perch).
How many lures to bring?
Plan 10-15 lures per session: shads, crankbaits, possibly poppers. Catfish damage lures; having spares is essential.