Some species of catfish are so sensitive to low-frequency vibrations that the Chinese once used them to warn of potential earthquakes. If they can sense changes inside the earth, I'm willing to bet they can hear just about anything you do on the shoreline or in a boat.

Many anglers claim to have caught plenty of fish while doing the very things we just discussed. Though this may be true, those same people could have caught a lot more fish if they had not been making so much noise.

FISH MORE CREEKS
Many catfish anglers disregard small creeks as potential hotspots, thinking that bigger fish means targeting bigger rivers or lakes. Big water holds big fish, and that's true. But all across North America, there are thousands of creeks and streams that are heavily populated with channel cats over 6 pounds and flatheads (where they are found) up to 20 pounds and more.

Anglers looking for fast action and eating-sized fish should learn to exploit smaller waterways. Small creeks and flowages rarely have a boat ramp, but in most cases a canoe, kayak or 12- to 14-foot johnboat outfitted with a small outboard will navigate the creek just fine. Any bridge or culvert crossing will suffice as a launch ramp.

When fishing smaller creeks, target the same type of cover you would find on a big river, including deep holes, eddies, snags, etc. The only difference you'll notice is that these structural elements are much easier to identify on small creeks. Holes may be subtler, however. They may only be only 5 to 7 feet deep, but there might be 10 good catfish lairs in a mile of creek.

FISH NEAR DAMS
Low-head dams, big dams, little dams -- they all have one thing in common: They all hold fish. Dams limit the upstream movement of all species, but also provide a virtual smorgasbord for hungry catfish. Small baitfish wash over and through the overflow areas into the heavy currents.

For the savvy catfish angler, this spells opportunity. Dam pools are well known for holding fish in late spring, when the catfish move upstream to spawn. The truth of the matter is, dams hold catfish all year, even in the summer.

On small rivers, creeks and streams, it may not be a dam that blocks the upstream movement of the fish. On some bodies of water, shallow riffles or logjams prevent the fish from going any farther. These areas are hotspots, too.

On big or small water, position your bait near any current obstruction like a chute, eddy, or behind an abutment. Riprap areas and wing dams are also great spots. Use plenty of weight to get your bait to the bottom and hold it there.