By Mark Hicks

---

We understand. Deep within your ¿¿long-suffering soul is the need for a fish so huge you'll hurt yourself hefting it for the camera. But if you're like many freshwater fishermen, you probably believe that anything over 20 pounds would be the catch of a lifetime. Even in pro ¿¿tournaments, most of the bass cheered on by ¿¿spectators at weigh-in wouldn't strain the biceps of a 10-year-old.

But take heart. There is one sweet-water species out there capable of ¿¿herniating the burliest of anglers: the blue catfish. These behemoths, commonly caught in the 30- to 40-pound range, can weigh more than a small deer. They're also getting easier to hook, thanks to a surging wave of catfish addicts who've perfected the best techniques. One thing these junkies have ¿¿figured out is that some of the very best fishing for giant cats starts right now. The following guide distills the rest of their knowledge into ¿¿simple-to-follow tips and tactics. Read it over, study it well, then hit the water and get the blues. You just might land the largest freshwater fish of your life.