Even though most oxbows are relatively flat and of uniform depth, the outside bend of the lake is almost always deeper than the inside bend. During summer and winter, cats tend to concentrate on the deeper side of the lake, where the temperature and water conditions are more to their liking. In most oxbows, the amount of deep water is very limited, so you don't have to look far to find fish.

When fishing the main river for channel cats, the places I target are dictated by structure -- unusual bottom features like logjams, big rocks, fallen trees or brushpiles. If I'm fishing during the day, I look for the deepest water available. At night, I fish the edges of deep holes first; then, if I don't connect with a cat, I move the bait into progressively shallower water, sometimes as little as 2 or 3 feet. Sandbars' edges provide some of the best fishing, especially whenever the channel cats are gorging on small leeches that inhabit these areas.

My favorite channel catfish outfit is a bass-fishing combo -- a baitcasting reel on a 6-foot medium-action rod. Just as for bass, I like to move systematically from one spot to another instead of sticking to one place. If I drop bait in a spot and don't get a bite within 10 minutes, it's time to move. If a hungry catfish were there, it would hit within that time.

Though Mississippi River channel cats can be caught on a wide variety of baits, I use five most often. These are (in order of my preference) crawfish, chicken liver, earthworms, catalpa worms and baitfish such as minnows. Fishing these on a slip-bobber rig is especially effective. Place a bobber stop or rubber band on the line so the bobber suspends the bait a few inches above bottom. Use just enough weight to carry the bait to the desired level.

Whatever the bait or rig, and wherever you fish it, it's been my experience that you can expect to catch four or five times as many channel cats by fishing the hours between dusk and dawn as by fishing during daylight. The blackest nights are best, especially if heavy rains have muddied the river.

Where is the best catfishing on the Mississippi River? I'm often asked that, and answer by saying, wherever you happen to fishing. I've mentioned the two areas I most often frequent -- the Memphis area and Three Rivers Country. But I have yet to find any portion of the river that won't give up good cats and lots of them to the savvy angler. Don't worry about where to fish; just get out there and give it a try.

Be sure, however, to follow all safety precautions if you're boating on the Mississippi. Strong current and undertows can get you in pickle if you aren't careful, and barge traffic is incessant. Keep a safe distance from these big boats, and always wear a life jacket.

No doubt, the "bigness" of this river keeps lots of anglers away. Despite the fact that this is one of the world's premier hotspots for giant catfish, relatively few rod-and-reel anglers ever fish it. If you want to catch the biggest fish of your lifetime, however -- a catfish that could run over 100 pounds -- no body of water in Arkansas is better than the Mississippi River.

(Editor's Note: Keith Sutton's latest book, Catfishing: Beyond the Basics, is available by sending a check or money order for $22.45 -- Arkansas residents should add sales tax -- to C&C Outdoors, 15601 Mountain Dr., Alexander, AR 72002. For credit card orders, log on to the Web site www.stoegerpublishing.com)