A catfish finds its food by smell and touch, feeling along the bottom with the whiskers around its mouth, the barbels, and it does most of its feeding in low light and after dark. Several kinds live in South Florida fresh water, and the crew will tell you which you have. The fight is a heavy, stubborn pull towards the bottom rather than runs and jumps. Watch the sharp spines in the fins when you hold one. Most catfish eat well, but what you may keep in Florida depends on the species, so ask before anything goes in the cooler.
We have one catfish boat: Swampdog Tours in Weston, a 22 foot skiff that fishes the backcountry on the edge of the Everglades for up to 6. Capt. Jonathan names catfish among the fish his trips go for, and catching them is a bottom fishing job: bait on the bottom, rod in hand, wait for the knock. Live bait is included, rods and reels are supplied, and a first mate is on board to help.
The trip list has a two hour evening slot at 19:30, worth asking about if catfish are the point, since they feed more as the light goes. Mornings run two or four hours from 07:00, or six from 06:30. Children are welcome and must wear a life vest, so check the boat has their size. Everyone needs a Florida fishing licence, bought before the day.
Questions and answers
Short answers to what people ask before they book. Anything else, ask the captain in chat.
Is the 19:30 Swampdog Tours trip a good one for catfish?
It is the one to ask about. Catfish feed more in low light and after dark, and the evening trip from Weston runs two hours from 19:30. Tell Capt. Jonathan you want catfish when you book so he can pick the water and the bait for them.
Are catfish a good fish for children on a Weston trip?
Usually, yes. Bait on the bottom suits short attention spans, the bite is easy to feel, and the crew can deal with the spines when the fish comes in. Kids are welcome on Swampdog Tours and must wear a life vest, so check their size is on board.