When I first started to learn how to fish, it was in dirty mud ponds and lakes. Sitting and waiting with patience as a kid, and giving a quick jerk to set the hook when I get a bite. I barley remember a time not knowing how to do this. But we weren’t going for, bass, walleye, or catfish when I was a kid though. We were going for Bullheads.
Some may ask, why? They are a considered a rough fish in South Dakota. Simple. They were quick and easy to catch. And you could find them in a lot of locations. This means catching bullheads was quick and easy fun.
Learning how to fish as a kid, I needed to be entertained quickly. As is the case for most kids. Sitting around for hours waiting for a bite (like you would for catfish) was no good. Bullheads gave you almost instant gratification. Were they live in these murky areas, usually means there are tons of them waiting to be caught.
They also fight ferociously for a small fish. It always gave you the impression of an angry fish on the other side that would stop at nothing.
Bullheads didn’t require fancy equipment or jigging ether. A bobber with a hook, or a sinker and hook almost always worked. And unlike pan-fishing, you didn’t have to repeatedly reel in and out. You also didn’t need a special motion to get their attention. Your best bet, was to set your rod down and wait for a bite. This meant my dad did less untangling of lines.
The bait and tackle were pretty cheap too. As I stated before, some hooks, sinkers, and bobbers were about all that was required for tackle. Then, dig or buy some worms. I do recommend a hook remover as well. They do have teeth that are like sandpaper. They won’t hurt you with them. But they will start to make your fingers raw after a while. A small tackle box will do the job nicely.
As far as places to find them? That’s pretty easy as well. Flooded slews, ponds, creeks, and most lakes have them in abundance. You can catch them out of the rivers occasionally, but they are harder to find. Another option, if you know some one who fishes in an area, odds are they know a good Bullhead pond. If all else fails, the local game wardens may also be able to help.
Bullheads can also be fun for adults. Just remember to be be aware that in South Dakota, if your over 16 years of age, you have to have a fishing licenses. Even for rough fish. You can get one at a lot of local hardware stores. Or you can get one online at the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks website. They have made this process easier than ever with their addition of electronic licenses.
The Bullhead can be very good to eat too. Though a bit time consuming to clean. Since you need several to get a good meal. For though’s wanting to try them though, they taste like a less fatty Catfish meat. I personally recommend that they are best to eat in the springtime. Right after the spring thaw.
Bullheads can be a great way to introduce some one to fishing. Especially kids. And before you dismiss them as a rough fish not worthy of your time. They can also be very a very relaxing way to fish and make memories for years to come.
So put away the video games and phones. Turn off the TV. Grab the family and the poles. And head out to the great outdoors. South Dakota has a ton of fishing opportunity’s. This is only one.
Growing up in South Dakota myself, this was the fish that first sparked my interest in fishing and the outdoors. And just maybe, this can inspire some one else to take some one fishing as well.