Channels Vs Blues

[chuckd67]

I don't know if its just me but do you think waters which hold Blue Catfish hurt the growth of the channel cat. Our state record was caught in a man made reservoir holding no Blue Cats. It was 40 pounds and most of the other waters I have fished hold Blues and I never hook up on Channels. I got an 8 and a 17 Channel out of Gunterville but I was fishing for Blues. What is your take on Channel cats growth in waters that hold Blue Catfish?

[fishstick11]

I would think since channels are blues are so similar that they would be competitive for the same food source... I bet since blue are more oriented toward scavenging that a channel would have to relive more on being a predator than a scavenger... You should try using more live bait than cut or prepared baits

[chuckd67]

I fish both live baits and cut baits for blues. I caught both Channel Cats on Chicken Livers when I was in a rush and had no bait. Most of my Blues have been on live bait. I try to use cut bait in current and live bait when they shut the water off. It seems the Channels are seeking the leftovers.

[Smoothkip]

I think the blues are more aggressive and will actually deplete a channel cat fishery. Look at the James river. There are very few channels left in there. The Ohio Dnr stated that the bluecats they released in dillon and Hoover would prob bring a decline in the channel population.

[rodpitt]

They are not only competing for food, but I am sure that the big blues are eating the channel cats too.