As a lifelong angler and outdoor writer, I’ve spent years chasing fish across the United States. But few experiences have been as rewarding – and downright fun – as learning to catfish with Paula Herring right here in Nashville, Tennessee. If you’re hooked on catfishing, or even just curious about getting started, you’ve come to the right place. Paula isn’t just a local expert; she’s a passionate advocate for responsible angling and a wealth of knowledge about the Cumberland River and its surrounding waterways. This guide will cover everything from gear and techniques to prime locations and ethical considerations, all informed by my time learning from Paula herself.
Understanding the Nashville Catfishing Scene
Nashville isn’t just the “Music City”; it’s a fantastic destination for catfish anglers. The Cumberland River, along with its tributaries like the Harpeth and Stones Rivers, holds healthy populations of channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Each species presents a unique challenge and requires slightly different approaches. Paula Herring, a Nashville native, has been guiding anglers for over a decade, specializing in helping folks land trophy-sized catfish. She emphasizes that understanding the river’s currents, structure, and seasonal fish movements is key to success. “It’s not just about throwing bait in the water,” she told me during a recent trip. “It’s about understanding where the fish are and why they’re there.”
Catfish Species in the Nashville Area
- Channel Catfish: The most common species, known for their active feeding habits and relatively smaller size (typically 2-10 pounds, but can reach larger). They prefer moderate currents and are often found near structure.
- Blue Catfish: The giants of the Cumberland River. Blues can grow to over 100 pounds and are known for their strong fighting ability. They prefer deeper holes and channels.
- Flathead Catfish: Ambush predators that prefer live bait and heavy cover. Flatheads are often found near submerged logs, rocks, and bridge pilings.
Essential Gear for Nashville Catfishing
Paula Herring stresses the importance of having the right gear. While catfishing doesn’t necessarily require the most expensive equipment, investing in quality basics will significantly improve your experience. Here’s a breakdown of what I recommend, based on my conversations with Paula and my own experience:
Rod and Reel Combinations
For channel catfish, a medium-heavy action rod (6-7 feet) paired with a sturdy spinning or baitcasting reel is ideal. For blue and flathead catfish, you’ll need heavier gear – a heavy-action rod (7-8 feet) and a baitcasting reel with a high gear ratio. Paula often uses a 7’6” medium-heavy baitcaster for versatility. REI’s expert advice provides a great overview of rod and reel selection.
Line and Terminal Tackle
Braided line is preferred by many catfish anglers due to its strength and sensitivity. 30-50 pound test braid is a good starting point. Terminal tackle includes circle hooks (sizes 4/0 to 8/0 depending on the target species), sinkers (from 1 to 8 ounces depending on current), and swivels. Paula favors Carolina rigs and three-way rigs for their versatility.
Bait Options: What the Cats Want
Catfish aren’t picky eaters, but some baits are more effective than others. Paula Herring swears by fresh cut bait (shad, herring, and bluegill are all excellent choices), stink baits, and chicken liver. Live bait, such as bluegill and creek chubs, is particularly effective for flathead catfish. Remember to check local regulations regarding the use of live bait. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website has the most up-to-date information.
Prime Catfishing Locations Around Nashville
Paula Herring has a few favorite spots, but she’s always willing to share her knowledge with her clients. Here are some of the best places to catfish near Nashville:
- Cumberland River (Downtown Nashville): Accessible from several parks and fishing piers. Good for channel and blue catfish.
- Percy Priest Lake: Offers excellent catfishing opportunities, particularly in the upper reaches of the lake.
- Harpeth River: A smaller river with a good population of channel catfish.
- Cordell Hull Lake: A bit of a drive from Nashville, but worth it for the potential to catch trophy-sized blue catfish.
Paula emphasizes the importance of scouting locations and looking for structure – submerged trees, rocks, and drop-offs – where catfish are likely to congregate.
Catfishing Techniques: Learning from the Best
I spent a day with Paula Herring learning her preferred techniques, and here’s what I picked up:
Drift Fishing
Drift fishing involves slowly drifting your bait along the bottom of the river, allowing it to bounce over structure. This is a great technique for covering a lot of water and locating active fish. Paula recommends using a Carolina rig with a slip sinker and a circle hook.
Anchor Fishing
Anchor fishing involves anchoring your boat in a promising location and fishing stationary. This is a good technique for targeting catfish in deeper holes or near structure. Paula often uses a three-way rig with a sinker on one line and a circle hook on the other.
Jug Fishing (Check Regulations!)
Jug fishing is a popular technique for blue catfish, but it’s important to check local regulations before using jugs. Jug fishing involves attaching baited hooks to floating jugs and allowing them to drift with the current. Leave No Trace principles are especially important when jug fishing – always retrieve your jugs and dispose of any trash properly.
Responsible Angling and Conservation
Paula Herring is a strong advocate for responsible angling and conservation. She believes that it’s our responsibility to protect the Cumberland River and its fish populations for future generations. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Practice Catch and Release: Consider releasing larger fish to allow them to reproduce.
- Dispose of Fishing Line Properly: Discarded fishing line can harm wildlife.
- Pack Out All Trash: Leave your fishing spot cleaner than you found it.
- Respect Private Property: Obtain permission before fishing on private land.
- Follow All Fishing Regulations: Ensure you have a valid fishing license and are aware of all size and creel limits.
The National Park Service offers excellent resources on responsible fishing practices.
Finding Paula Herring and Booking a Trip
If you’re serious about hooked on catfishing and want to learn from a true expert, I highly recommend booking a trip with Paula Herring. She offers guided fishing trips on the Cumberland River and surrounding waterways. You can find her contact information and booking details through her website (imaginary website address: paulaherringfishing.com) or by searching for “Paula Herring Nashville Catfishing” online. She also offers introductory classes for beginners.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Catfishing Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced catfishing techniques, such as:
Scent Attraction
Using chum or scent attractants can help draw catfish to your fishing spot. Paula recommends using commercially available chum or creating your own using ground-up fish and cornmeal.
Night Fishing
Catfish are often more active at night, making night fishing a productive option. Be sure to use a headlamp or other light source for safety.
Understanding River Structure with Sonar
Using sonar to locate underwater structure can help you pinpoint prime catfishing locations. This requires some investment in equipment and learning how to interpret the readings.
Final Thoughts: The Thrill of the Whiskerfish
Learning to catfish with Paula Herring was an unforgettable experience. It’s a challenging and rewarding sport that requires patience, skill, and a deep respect for the environment. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, Nashville offers some of the best catfishing opportunities in the country. So, grab your gear, find a guide (like Paula!), and get ready to get hooked on catfishing. Remember to always prioritize safety, practice responsible angling, and enjoy the thrill of landing a big whiskerfish!