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No Limit Fishing Guided Trip in Morristown
Black Bullhead Fishing in Lake Pleasant
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The Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) is a member of the Ictaluridae family within the order Siluriformes. These fish typically range from 8-26 inches in length and weigh between 1-5 pounds when fully grown. - Found primarily in rivers, lakes, and backcountry waters with muddy bottoms. - Distinguished by their squared (non-forked) tail and whisker-like barbels. - Generally more active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours.
Guided Fishing Trip by Guide Glenn Diaz in August
Meet your Guide Glenn Diaz
- Get your fill of Trophy Bites in Arizona!
Summary
Spent an action-packed Saturday August evening on Lake Pleasant with Jesse and crew. Launching from Scorpion Bay Grill, we enjoyed perfect summer conditions as we trolled the lake's productive waters. Our guided fishing trip yielded a mixed bag including a feisty 14-inch Black Bullhead, a 17-inch Striped Bass, and a healthy Channel Catfish. Lake Pleasant offers year-round fishing opportunities with multiple techniques working well - we had success with trolling, bait fishing, and crankbait casting. This 5-hour trip showcases why Lake Pleasant remains one of Arizona's premier fishing destinations, with consistent action whether you're targeting bass, stripers, or catfish. No Limit Fishing provides all the equipment you need for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Glenn Diaz – Rates & Booking
Guide Glenn Diaz of No Limit Fishing on Saturday August offers a 5-hour guided fishing adventure on Lake Pleasant that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're chasing bass, striped bass, or catfish, this trip provides everything you need for a productive day on the water. The base price covers two anglers with high-quality fishing equipment and bait included. Morning and evening trips are available, with the evening sessions often producing excellent action during summer months. Book your Lake Pleasant fishing adventure today to secure your spot with one of Arizona's most experienced local guides.
Highlights of Guided Fishing in Lake Pleasant – Bass, Striped Bass & Catfish Adventure | Shared- 5 Hour Trip (AM/PM)
This Lake Pleasant fishing trip delivers consistent action across multiple species. We specialize in putting clients on quality fish using various techniques including trolling, bait fishing, and crankbait casting. The 5-hour format provides ample fishing time without overwhelming newer anglers, making it perfect for families and mixed-experience groups.
Lake Pleasant is a premier fishing destination in Arizona, offering excellent opportunities for largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish. With Scorpion Bay as our launch point, we quickly access productive fishing areas that consistently produce catches throughout the year. As your guide, I'll share local knowledge and techniques that have been proven effective on this lake across all seasons.
Local Species Insights: Black Bullhead
The Black Bullhead is one of Lake Pleasant's most reliable catches, especially during evening trips in summer months. These catfish relatives are easily identified by their squared (not forked) tails and characteristic whisker-like barbels. While not the largest catfish in the lake, they put up a respectable fight on light tackle and can be found near structure and along muddy bottoms.
We target Black Bullhead using bottom fishing techniques with cut bait or prepared catfish baits. They're particularly active during low light conditions, making our evening trips ideal for connecting with these fish. Lake Pleasant's Black Bullhead population provides consistent action when other species might be less cooperative, making them a valuable target for anglers looking to bend a rod.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our Lake Pleasant fishing trips accommodate up to two anglers comfortably in a well-equipped fishing boat. All fishing gear, tackle, and bait are provided - just bring sun protection, refreshments, and your Arizona fishing license. Morning trips typically begin at sunrise to capitalize on early bite windows, while evening trips start approximately 4-5 hours before sunset, depending on the season.
Dress in layers as Lake Pleasant can experience temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Wear non-marking shoes suitable for a boat deck, and consider bringing a light jacket even in summer for comfort during early or late hours. A camera is recommended to document your catches before release.
Fishing in Lake Pleasant: Black Bullhead
The Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) is a distinctive member of the Ictaluridae family within the order Siluriformes. These catfish are easily recognized by their whisker-like barbels, squared tail (unlike the forked tail of channel catfish), and slightly humped back. In Morristown waters this August, these catfish provide reliable action for anglers seeking a fighting fish that doesn't require complex techniques.
Black Bullhead Overview
Black Bullheads are smaller members of the catfish family that thrive in lakes and slow-moving rivers with soft, muddy bottoms. They're valued by anglers for their accessibility, willingness to bite, and their fighting spirit when hooked. Though not the largest game fish, they make up for their size with their abundance and aggressive feeding habits.
Black Bullhead Habitat and Distribution
These hardy catfish prefer warm, turbid waters with soft bottoms where they can forage for food. They're commonly found in shallower areas near vegetation, fallen trees, and other structure. Around Lake Pleasant, they particularly favor coves and creek arms with muddy bottoms, especially areas with minimal current and plenty of cover.
Black Bullhead Size and Weight
Black Bullheads typically range from 8 to 26 inches in length, with average specimens in the 10-14 inch range. They generally weigh between 1 and 5 pounds, with larger specimens being less common. The 14-inch specimen caught during our trip represents a healthy mid-sized example of the species.
Black Bullhead Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume a variety of prey including aquatic insects, small fish, crayfish, worms, and even some plant matter. They're primarily bottom feeders, using their sensitive barbels to locate food in murky waters. Black Bullheads are most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, making evening fishing trips particularly productive.
Black Bullhead Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in late spring to early summer when water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low 70s. Males create and guard nest depressions in shallow, protected areas. After hatching, young bullheads travel in tight schools guarded by adults until they reach about an inch in length.
Black Bullhead Fishing Techniques
Simple bottom-fishing techniques work best for Black Bullheads. Use nightcrawlers, cut bait, chicken liver, or prepared catfish baits on a basic bottom rig with a sliding sinker above a swivel and 12-18 inches of leader. Fish near structure in 5-15 feet of water. In August, anglers around Morristown find them congregating near deeper structure during daylight hours, moving to shallower feeding areas at dusk.
Black Bullhead Is It Good to Eat?
Black Bullheads offer mild, sweet white flesh when properly prepared. Their smaller size makes fillets more modest than larger catfish species, but many anglers enjoy their flavor. They're good sources of protein and relatively low in fat. For best results, clean them promptly and cook them fresh. Frying is the most popular preparation method, but they can also be baked or grilled.
Black Bullhead Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Black Bullhead?
A: Nightcrawlers, chicken livers, cut bait, and prepared catfish baits are all excellent choices. Scent is critical as Black Bullheads rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food in murky water.
Q: Where can I find Black Bullhead near Morristown?
A: Lake Pleasant offers excellent Black Bullhead fishing, particularly in coves and creek arms with muddy bottoms and structure. The Scorpion Bay area has proven productive, especially during evening hours.
Q: Is Black Bullhead good to eat?
A: Yes, Black Bullheads provide good table fare with mild, sweet white flesh. They're best when taken from clean water and properly prepared. Remove the skin before cooking as it can impart a muddy flavor.
Q: When is the best time to catch Black Bullhead?
A: Evening and night fishing produces the best results as these fish are most active in low-light conditions. During summer months like August, focus on dusk into evening hours for peak activity.
Q: How do I identify a Black Bullhead?
A: Look for a squared (not forked) tail, dark coloration, barbels around the mouth, and a slightly humped back. They're distinguishable from channel catfish by their tail shape and from brown bullheads by their darker coloration.
Q: What size hooks work best for Black Bullhead?
A: Medium-sized hooks in the #2 to 2/0 range work well. Circle hooks can be particularly effective as they tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making release easier if you're practicing catch-and-release.
