Catch More Catfish: Mississippi River Blues

Bumping for Blue Cats on the Mighty Mississippi

A Wild Ride of Mud, Muscle, and Monster Fish

There’s something magical about the Mississippi River—a rolling, muddy muscle of water that snakes through America’s heartland with secrets and stories hiding beneath every ripple. And if you’re the kind of angler who dreams in whiskers and blue, spring is the time to pay your respects at one of the river's catfish shrines: Melvin Price Dam near St. Louis, Missouri.

On this trip, seasoned catfish whisperers John Jamison and Marty Gerloff load up their On this trip, seasoned catfish whisperers John Jamison and Marty Gerloff load up their Lund 2075 Pro Guide fishing boat, a freezer full of skipjack, and a truckload of optimism as they head out to tango with the blue beasts staging for spawn. Spoiler alert: It’s a heck of a ride—complete with fish tales, river wisdom, and the legendary power of a turkey foot.

The Setup: Muddy Waters & Monster Dreams

Spring on the Mississippi is anything but gentle. Rising water, floating trees, and unpredictable currents are all part of the show. But for blue catfish? It’s go-time. As the river swells, pre-spawn blues push upstream in search of staging spots, and Melvin Price Dam becomes Grand Central Station for the goliaths.

It’s here our duo launches their Lund, determined to outwit fish, dodge thunderstorms, and maybe—just maybe—land a river monster.

Let’s Talk Tactics: Bumping Like a Boss

Now, if you’re still picturing catfishing as a sit-and-wait game, buckle up. These guys aren’t anchored. They’re bumping—an active, engaging technique that’s more dance than drift.

Here’s how it works:

• Take a juicy chunk of skipjack herring.
• Rig it on a 24-inch leader with a 3-way swivel and a dropper weight.
• Use a sensitive graphite rod with braided line for maximum feel.
• Let that bait hit the bottom... lift... drift... thump... repeat.

You’re walking the bait downriver, feeling every rock, log, and bump like you’re reading braille on the bottom of the Mississippi. It's hands-on fishing that rewards focus, finesse, and a little finesse.

When the River Rises… So Does the Challenge

On this particular outing, the river jumps seven feet in a single day. That’s not a typo—seven feet. For the fish, it’s like their living room just turned into a water park. They scatter. They sulk. They play hard to get.

So what do you do? You adjust.

Jamison and Gerloff downsize their bait, mark their drift lines on GPS, and begin targeting fish hugging structure—dikes, trees, and current seams that collect debris (and dinner). And like clockwork, they start hooking up.

Cue the classic line: “That’s a hog!”—usually followed by Marty dancing a two-step with his rod and John hollering support from the bow.

Enter: The Turkey Foot of Fortune

Every great fishing story needs a little superstition. Forget lucky hats or special shirts—these guys bring a whole turkey foot on board. Yes, an actual foot from an actual turkey.

When the bite slows, John gives it a rub, mutters a hopeful chant, and waits. Moments later? Rod doubles, drag screams, and all doubts are drowned in the chaos of a blue cat busting upstream.

Coincidence? Maybe. Effective? Undeniably.

Gear Talk: Boat Bragging Rights

Let’s take a minute to appreciate the ride.

The Lund Pro Guide they’re fishing from is basically a floating command center. From the rear tiller control to bow-mounted Ulterra trolling motor, it’s all dialed in for maximum fishability. Rod lockers? Check. SportTrak systems? Check. Electronics and cutting boards within reach? Double check.

It’s the kind of boat that makes rough weather bearable and productive days downright easy.

Fish On, Rain or Shine

Despite the rain showers, wind gusts, and short-striking blues, Jamison and Gerloff keep at it. They adapt, experiment, and—most importantly—have a blast. From dialed-in bait changes to drifting new stretches of river, they make every move with confidence born from years of chasing big cats.

And while not every fish is a monster, the consistency adds up. Twenty-pounders, mid-teens, and a parade of healthy, thick-bodied blues make for a memorable day—and one more reason to keep coming back.

The River Gives… If You Listen

Fishing the Mississippi isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s wild, unpredictable, and often humbling. But if you respect it, learn from it, and stay flexible, it’ll reward you in ways a still-water pond never could.

Whether you’re bumping bait along a rock dike, waving at barge captains, or rubbing a turkey foot for luck, one thing’s for sure: this river will keep you guessing—and coming back for more.

FAQs

Q: What’s “bumping” and why does it work?

A: Bumping is an active technique where anglers walk baits downstream along the river bottom. It works because it mimics injured prey and keeps your bait in front of fish that aren’t chasing.

Q: Why fish near Melvin Price Dam?

A: It’s the last lock and dam on the Mississippi. Pre-spawn blues stack up here, unable to go further upstream, making it a hotspot for monster cats.

Q: What kind of bait works best for blue catfish?

A: Skipjack herring is a favorite. Fillets with some gut pocket attached offer scent, texture, and a mouthful that big cats can’t resist.

Q: Do I need a fancy boat to do this?

A: Not necessarily. But having a well-equipped boat like a Lund Pro Guide with GPS, trolling motor, and rod storage certainly helps maximize efficiency and comfort.

Q: Is the turkey foot really lucky?

A: You tell us—every time they rubbed it, they hooked up. Coincidence? Maybe. But we wouldn’t hit the river without one.