Medium casting rod
RodVersatile backbone for Texas reservoirs, rivers, and cover-oriented presentations.
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First Cast species profile
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
A big-river and reservoir catfish that tracks shad, current, ledges, and deep wintering holes.
Bite estimate
Reading conditions for your fishing location…
Movement & conditions
Near San Antonio, TX · change location
Movement modelling for Blue Catfish is on the map and the conditions screen, which cover this species from its own habitat and seasonal profile. Open the map
Predicted zones combine environmental and historical fisheries data. They do not represent live fish locations.
Movement and migration guide
No movement profile is matched to Blue Catfish yet — this searches the Field Guide by name.
Where to fish
Fresh cut bait works around ledges, flats, channel drops, and wind-driven bait.
River ledgesDeep holesWind-blown flatsChannel dropsReservoir flats
Regulation card
Needs review: check current TPWD Outdoor Annual before harvesting.
Regulations: Check current TPWD rules before harvesting.
Source: TPWD Outdoor Annual 2025-2026What to throw
Fresh cut shad, Skipjack, Cut carp and Santee rig around River ledges, Deep holes, Wind-blown flats.
FreshwaterRiver ledgesDeep holesWind-blown flats
Recommended setup
7'6 medium-heavy rod, baitcaster or 5000 spinning reel, 30-50 lb main line.
Santee rig
RigMatches the primary presentation anglers use for this species.
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Fresh cut shad
BaitKeeps the offering close to what fish are already feeding on.
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