"They are big enough to go through the bait and still leave the hook exposed," Smothers says. "These allow the hook to pierce the inside of the fish's mouth and get set. The smallest I'd go with would be an 8/0."

Hooking the fish properly is imperative. Smothers says that he pierces the hook between the dorsal fin and the tail. That allows the fish to stay alive after you've stuck the hook through it.

"I'd say the baits last up to an hour. I think the water drowns them," Smothers explains. "I check the baits about once an hour. The goldfish seem to last much longer. The goldfish last at least a couple of hours. I don't know if they ever die. They are pretty strong."

ADDING WEIGHT
Anglers must fish with weights to properly approach the fishery. When faced with a slow current, 2 ounces will get you by. But in a fast-moving current, you may need up to 6 ounces.

Going after channel catfish, you can target the same areas, but you'll need to change the baits. The channels will eat Catmando baits, mackerel, liver, sardines, anchovies and other stinkbaits.

It's also exciting to use live bait. But even better is that are no crowds to contend with, and almost no fishing pressure. Even if reports out of the region say that catfish angling is excellent, you'll have an entire stretch of river to yourself.

"You don't have to worry about keeping your spot, because there's almost nobody on the water. It's like a different world. You hear the bullfrogs. You can get a little scared if you are too close to the tules. It's just eerie," Smothers added.

"Sometimes you wonder what might swim out of the tules. Usually in the city you know what's around, but out there you don't know what might come out. Fishing on the river is real nature. It's not like there's a patrolman to come pick you up. It can be dangerous. You have to always stay alert. You have to always go with someone else."

At night, fishing is a straightforward game, meaning you cast the live baits out, and sit and wait. It's best to use reels with clickers and loosen your drag. This enables you to hear the bite. It can be a challenge to see it at night. Smothers says it's important not to set the hook when you first get bit, rather to wait until the fish swallows it first.

THE BIG CHALLENGE
The word "river" has a different meaning out here. It's not the same kind of river you'd expect in the mountains or foothills. The shorelines are bare. Tules line much of the bank and where they don't, homes and trailer parks do. Most of the shoreline is steep, roughly five to 15 feet high and composed of dirt and sand. There isn't much great shoreline access. You pretty much need a boat to tackle the Colorado River's flatheads.