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Many of you who read this think you're going to take a Zebco 202 or similar rod and reel, and catch fish. That maybe OK for some frying size channel catfish, and they sure are some good eating, but a big fish will strip your line or break off.

Fishing at stocked fishing lakes offers lots more than just that. Many of the pay lakes out there offer some big catfish and carp fishing. I'm talking flathead and blue catfish 50, 60, 70 pounds plus, and some mighty big carp.

These fish mostly come from river's and some of our southern states. There are fish suppliers who are paid to put these fish into pay to fish lakes. Some of these stockings are legal, while some of them are not. Lots of these fish are caught by commercial fishing operations who are stripping our rivers of it's natural resources for profit.

Beware of some of these lakes that run fishing pools. I know of at least one that will tell you that you have won, and then make up an excuse, and not pay out.

It's an angler's dream to catch one or more of these fish, and maybe catch the biggest fish they have ever caught in their life! Nothing better than catching your personal best. It's a good feeling to catch a big fish, and then release it back, but the big problem comes from "How did that fish get there to begin with". Some, if not most are illegally stocked.

I fish some pay lakes just to catch big fish. I can always buy fresh channel catfish cheap enough at the supermarket.

To catch big fish at pay lakes:

1. You need heavy duty fishing equipment. A heavy action rod with enough backbone to turn a fish around when you set the hook. Many anglers prefer Circle Hooks. Fishing line 15 to 30 lb. test. I use 65 lb. test Spiderwire with a 30 lb. leader. Note: Some pay lakes do not allow steel leaders. For carp I use lighter line with no leaders. Don't expect to catch many big fish on whimpy rods and reels. They just won't hold up and are not durable enough to land big fish.

2. Fish with live bait. Goldfish, shinners, live bluegill, and crayfish ( Crawdads and Soft Craws ) for catfish. Cut bait for Blue catfish. Live bait is the flathead catcher, and dead cut bait for blue cats. Use bigger baits for bigger fish.

3. For carp I use Wheatie Balls with a very light sinker. Some pay lakes allow hair rigs and/or boilies. I'm not much on these different baits, but other anglers like them.

4. Most pay lakes charge $15.00 or more dollars to fish them for 12 hours. More for 24 hour pass. Most sell bait such as nightcrawlers and doughbaits, while some others sell live bait such as Goldfish, shiners, and crayfish.

If you want to use live bluegill, catch them before you go. It is illegal in some states for bait shops to sell them.

Check to see what types of baits the pay lake offers before you go. Just call and ask them if you don't know. Also, most require you have a fishing net to land your fish in.

Pay lakes can offer some fantastic fishing. Snag rates are low, and most fishing is near your home, leaving you more time to fish, and save's you on the high cost of gas.


Mr. Sutton is an avid angler who likes to fish at Indiana pay lakes. For more tips and advice about fishing at pay lakes please visit his website at: http://indianapaylakes.com

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