Deep gaps, for example, offer enough room for large chunks of bait and the biggest catfish. The point—shape and quality—determine how quickly the hook sets and how easily the fish can come off.

I can get lost falling down a YouTube rabbit hole of fish hitting surface lures. I've seen my share ... smashing plugs," but the video below of catfish hunting birds? That's a new one, and it's ...

Fishing patterns are holding steady. Crappie are good with minnows on brush in 16-20 feet of water, and off the barge. Catfish are good in 10-16 feet of water stink bait, liver and nightcrawlers.