[TarRiverCats]

What are the best places to fish for catfish on the Tar River? I went for the first time this week and caught one channel. I spent most of my time making new rigs because of the 10 hang ups on the rocks. I was at battle park near the boat ramp. I feel like there are better spots for large catfish. Can anyone help me out? I am willing to drive and walk to spots. Also, are the fish safe to eat? I have heard a lot of people say they are not safe due to all of the pollutants.

 

[zky1812]

Also, are the fish safe to eat? I have heard a lot of people say they are not safe due to all of the pollutants.

I am sure others know more but the state recommendations/advisory

http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Regs/Documents/2014-15/NC-Regs-Digest.pdf
page 33

 

[sundrop]

In areas with a lot of snags don't use Carolina rigs. Use any type of rig that places the hook/hooks above the sinker, then add a few inches of leader to the sinker snap and use a lighter weight line to attach the sinker. Keeping the hooks of the bottom helps prevent snags and using a lighter weight line on the sinker lets the sinker break away without losing the whole rig/fish if the sinker snags.

 

[TarRiverCats]

In areas with a lot of snags don't use Carolina rigs. Use any type of rig that places the hook/hooks above the sinker, then add a few inches of leader to the sinker snap and use a lighter weight line to attach the sinker. Keeping the hooks of the bottom helps prevent snags and using a lighter weight line on the sinker lets the sinker break away without losing the whole rig/fish if the sinker snags.

Great idea. I will work on some rigs today.

 

[NCGMAN]

personally I don't eat cat's from the tar.. I give them away,, cause some people don't mind... I fish the tar some, mostly for bream, crappie and bass... I am usually up river from sunset park. have been caught in a few rains and seen what comes out of the storm drains and run off from the bank... it's not a pretty sight... but you be ur own judge... good luck... red x has the right idea for rigs.. keep the hook off the bottom...

 

[TarRiverCats]

What is the best place to catch big catfish? I was at the pier near the ramp at battle park(not a lot of structure). Do I need to go up to the dam? Are there any known spots in Nash or Edgecombe on the Tar?