I tried again today. I grew up in walking distance to the upper lower mississippi, and have tried countless times. One big ass river monster even swam right up to the bank where I was , like he was taunting me.

>>2826818 (OP)
bigger bait

>>2826818 (OP)
smaller bait

>>2826818 (OP)
nigger faggot

>>2826818 (OP)
gator bait

>>2826818 (OP)
...do you really want to touch the fish near St Louis?

>>2827086
This they probably have AIDS

>>2826818 (OP)
>One big ass river monster even swam right up to the bank where I was , like he was taunting me.
Bow fishing is the answer.

Find a different river.
One with big catfish.
Like this one.

>>2827086
As long as you are north of chain of rocks it’s fine which is where I typically fish from. North of Alton is better though. You unironically want to avoid anything south of Malinckrodt street.
>>2827114
I’ve thought about this. I feel it’s cheating in a way. Like I might as well get a big ass net at that point
>>2827115
I’ve had incredible luck when the river floods the bottoms, the catfish all come up to munch on new food sources. I don’t really consider the floodwaters part of the river proper, plus it only happens like once every 7 years

>>2827385
>I feel it’s cheating in a way.
Only if you're a good shot, which you probably aren't.

Fish for catfish on the bottom. Catfish are the easiest fish to catch