Outdoors Dad Life × CreekHopper
First Catfishing Trip
No license drama, no dawn alarm, and the rod actually bends.
When
Year-round — a flexible mission throughout the Sept. 15–Jan. 15 push
This one you can do this weekend; favor warm afternoons as winter water cools.
Ages
Any age that can hold a rod
Tagging along: Toddlers welcome — bring a chair and a headlamp
Read this first
- Life jacket on kids near any bank, dock, or boat.
- Catfish have sharp spines on the dorsal and pectoral fins. Show the kid the safe grip before the first fish, not after.
- Pliers for hook removal, and a towel or lip grip so nobody handles a thrashing fish bare-handed.
- Headlamps and a lit-up spot if you fish after dark, plus bug spray.
- Check the state's fish consumption advisory before you plan to eat the catch.
Licenses & certification
- Freshwater fishing license for the adult; kids under 16 fish free in both SC and NC.
- Know the size and catch limits for blue and flathead catfish where you're fishing.
Gear checklist
- Medium-heavy rod with 20 lb line and a circle hook
- Cut bait, chicken liver, or fresh shad
- Egg sinkers, swivels, and a rod holder or forked stick
- Camp chairs, a lantern or headlamp, and a cooler
- Pliers, towel, and a net
- Snacks and a chair blanket — this is a sit-and-wait game
Tips of the trade
- Fish the last two hours of daylight into full dark. That's when catfish move shallow to feed.
- Look for deep holes, river bends, the downstream side of bridge pilings, and creek mouths after rain.
- Water in the 70s and 80s means an aggressive bite; below 55 slow way down and use smaller baits.
- Fresh cut bait beats anything from a jar. Catch bait first if you can — kids love that part.
- Two rods out, one for each of you, and let the kid set the hook on both.
Did it? Mark it complete.
We'll add the patch to your crew, drop it in your logbook, and hand you a Mission Complete postcard to post.