Q&A for How to Catch a Pond Catfish

The scented bait specifically advertised as catfish bait works well. Other artificial baits like swim baits or crank baits won't work as well because catfish are bottom feeders and don't hunt like bass do.

A circle hook is best, usually around a 3/0 or 4/0. If you plan on taking them home, a treble hook works too, but you will have to set the hook with those.

Usually, you will see them swirl on the top.

They will take bait at any time of day, but the best time to go is in the summer during the night, early morning, late dusk, or during any time of day when the sun is covered by clouds.

Chicken liver works very well for catching catfish. As a rule of thumb, the smellier the bait, the better.

It may be because you handled it incorrectly, kept it out of the water too long, hooked it in its guts, etc. Catfish tend to be extremely hardy fish, and quite difficult to kill, so if a catfish dies after you release it, you're definitely doing something wrong.

The best weather is cloudy and not too humid. If it is humid, they may not be as hungry and you will get tired of it really fast. They don't like when it's raining.

Yes, just find an area where flowing water meets still water and has cover like rocks or driftwood.

The best time of day to catch catfish is early morning or late evening. You could also try at night or on a cloudy day.