Bumpin' the Bottom for Big River Cats

discovercatfish...
Bumping the bottom for catfish is easy to learn and is also a very productive technique for catching big catfish in rivers.
Bumping the bottom contour of a river bed is a one of the best methods of finding big cats that are actively feeding. Bouncing your bait across the bottom with the current is a very under utilized technique I think in part as it requires the angler to be on his toes and is some work like to do it right
The angler must take in all the conditions of the environment to make the adjustments required to do this method of catfish angling. sinker weights, current speeds and boat control must all be considered and put into balance for this technique to work.
It is an awesome technique and will produce some large cats

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

the bumpin rods are heavy duty butlight weight so it can be held in the hand all day. i have bumped with the TWC rods also in a pinch but not designed for bumpin constantly.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

that is awesome to hear, thanks for the comment

[@chuckauten]

Good job Lisa and Steve. Thanks for sharing the info.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks for watchin

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks garrett

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

Sorry guys, I thought I explained what I was doing. I was hand fishing or bumping the bottom, walking the bait down river with the current.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks dan

[@JohnnyFa]

More good stuff. Great tips and catches like always Steve.

[@dmcd2460]

my neighbor taught me this technique around 25 yrs ago we use it on the TN river around Joe Wheeler Damn and that area. He also taught me some weird things to use on jugs down there. Ivory soap and Monerty Jack cheese. I guess the most important thing is to get out there and get your line wet!

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks bill

[@robbiemcmillan1626]

You inspire me to keep catfishing

[@handyallaround5776]

i love the old ranger , i wish i had it!

[@jameswachter9058]

I love watching your videos Steve, you remind of the gentlemen that got me started fishing for catfish 34 years ago. the question i wanted to ask is what is the difference between your TWC rods and your bumping rods.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

Jr. im not a big abu fan so i wouldnt be the best guys to ask. but i do hear alot guys talk about the c3i.

[@jamesboyer8336]

Hay Steve where do u get you're sinkers for you're 3 way rigs

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks

[@garrettcoleman9938]

Jr. for what it's worth I just bought a new 7000iCS Pro Rocket and my buddy bought a 7000iC3. Both seem to be great reels. We caught a couple nice fish on them the first time we had them out last week.

[@awrizzo1]

Great job Steve. Ever fish the Cinci area of the river? I studied the map and watched your vid on what to look for. This will be my first trip on my boat on the river, and i want the wife to have a good time and catch fish! Any other recommendations?

[@Cordellc54]

U ever went fishing at the Mississippi River

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

sadly the cinci area has been hit hard by the commercial fisherman and catfish is not at its best in that area, I know that is not what you would like to hear, but it is the ugly truth. I would try smaller pieces of cut bait and go after the channel cats if you are wanting to put your wife on some fish. good luck, now if you want really catch some nice fish, the ohio river in west Virginia is where the best action is in this region

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

sorry, i was bumping the bottom and walking the bait down river with the current.

[@kermitvb]

Steve, I'm learning how to fish for blue catfish on the Mississippi and Missouri at the confluence north of St. Louis. The current is often between 3-4 mph. My trolling motor can only slow the speed down to about 2 mph. I can run the outboard, but that's a hassle. Any suggestion? Is 2 mph too fast to drift and be successful? Any suggestions would be appreciated

[@dfishman76]

Like your videos but did not really see what you where doing to catch fish in this one.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

yes sir im therea cpl times a year

[@swalker9482]

do you use circle books for this as well, or do you want a j hook so you can set it

[@FatBoyDan]

Great tips/info and nice cats in my book
FatBoy

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

it really only works in current

[@MrGamemaster15]

Hey Steve I'm tx have you tried fishing in my home state

[@Ikefis]

what's the best bait for bottom bouncing.? Is it different for the fish you're targeting?

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

i like shad or skip jack herring, but if they are not available i would look for some bream or bluegill.

[@Ikefis]

thx Steve.

[@huntermanadventures]

Can you do this at a lake or pond

[@DirtyAzathoth]

What is bumping?

[@TheShybone]

do you eat some of the catfish you catch??

[@stephaniepuckett8395]

I went out on the Ohio today and had a giant fish on with ten pound mono and a spinning rod fishing for sauger and it turned out to be a dang Asian carp

[@FatBoyDan]

left comment right befor video was done and ya that blue at the end had a belly for sure, and its only gone to get bigger cause you CPR it, way to go, ....
FatBoy Dan

[@Gabespc2001]

I think there is an guy in north Carolina stealing your rod holder idea or concept down too everything but color..trademark !!! Protect your product Steve!!! I saw them on eBay!!!

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks Sean i did see that, but not alot I can do. some folks just dont have morals.

[@Gabespc2001]

Ok ya it's an shame..well your product is still number one in my book!! Tight lines too ya Steve!!

[@codylindsey2857]

Hey Steve you know my dad his name is Ricky Lindsey .

[@jazzysvlog2959]

love your vids

[@sslvkm]

Nicr cat, you look healthier yourself.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

yes sir
same technique just bigger fish. lol

[@robertunversaw]

Just like back bouncing for steelhead. Just warmer weather and uglier fish lol

[@602pker]

FIRST!!!