February 28, 2020
By Keith Sutton
Few anglers use them, but lively cicadas hooked and tossed out on the water’s surface attract quick bites from catfish, bass and other sportfish. (Keith Sutton photo)
These loud, long-lived insects can be found only in the eastern half of the United States. The nymphs burrow underground after hatching, surfacing again in May, June or July in cycles of 13 or 17 years, depending on the species. When they emerge from the soil, they climb into trees, shed their outer shells and start making the high-pitched noises we associate with summer. Few people fish with them, but a lively cicada buzzing on the water’s surface is one of the best baits you can use for big catfish and even largemouth bass.
Cicadas can be easily picked off trees after emerging from the ground and shedding their outer shells. Keep them in a cricket cage to use when fishing. (Keith Sutton photo)
Normally, it’s tough to obtain cicadas, but every few years, several year classes emerge at once, and millions cover the trees, making it easy to find and catch them. All you need is a cricket cage to hold them, and some youngsters to help catch them.
Hook a cicada through the hard shell and cast it on the water’s surface with no sinker, float or other terminal tackle. Within seconds, you’ll be playing a nice catfish, bass or other sportfish that rose to take the offering.
