Absolutely, catfish can bite on a Texas-rigged soft plastic worm, although it's not the most common method used to target them. Typically, catfish anglers prefer using natural baits like cut bait, live bait, or stink baits because catfish rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food. However, catfish are opportunistic feeders and can be curious about different types of lures and presentations.
In the context of the Texas-rigged soft plastic worm, which is primarily a bass fishing technique, here are a few things to consider:
Presentation: The Texas rig is designed to be weedless, making it ideal for fishing in heavy cover like aquatic vegetation, wood, and rocks. This can be beneficial if you're fishing in areas where catfish might be hiding.
Bait Movement: The action of the soft plastic worm can attract catfish, especially if it's moving slowly along the bottom. Catfish are bottom feeders, so a worm that mimics a natural prey item can pique their interest.
Hook Size and Strength: When targeting catfish, make sure your hook is strong enough to handle their powerful bites. The video mentions using a 5/0 VMC wide gap hook, which should be sufficient for most catfish.
Line Strength: The video context suggests using a 20-pound test fluorocarbon line, which is a good choice for fishing in heavy cover and can handle the strength of a catfish.
Adaptability: As mentioned by Brian Latimer, adapting your setup based on the fishing environment is crucial. If you're fishing in waters known for catfish, you might want to experiment with different soft plastics and see how the catfish respond.
While targeting catfish with a Texas-rigged soft plastic worm might not be the most conventional method, it's always worth trying different techniques to see what works best in your specific fishing situation. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!