"I look at the mouth of the river where it hits the big water," Benteman said of his preference. "Those fish in the main body of water will move up and congregate at that opening where the water is coming in. I like to fish where the water just slows a bit in an eddy."

There's no special equipment required necessarily for this type of fishing, but like many anglers, Benteman has his favorite gear.

"No matter what I'm using I always use some kind of slip-sinker in my weighted system," Benteman said. "So when you've got that bait sitting on the bottom a channel cat can take the bait without feeling resistance."

As far as the amount of weight, it all depends on the current. "When it's running in hard, I've got to use a half-ounce egg sinker to get it out there and hold it where I want it," Benteman said. "My recommendation is to use just enough weight to hold in either the current or the backwater where you're fishing."

Benteman's standard rod-and-reel system for this type of fishing is a medium-action spinning combo. This he chooses mostly for improved casting qualities and ease of handling. "I like the fight," he said, "and I use 14-pound test. That's what I've grown up with over the years for channel cat, and I know I've lost some fish over the years that were up to about 20 pounds because of the lighter equipment."

As far as preferred baits go, Benteman has a couple that he relishes for run-off fishing. The others run the gamut; many hardcore catfishermen might not think to include a couple of them.

"If I've got any crappie guts left, I'll use those," Benteman said of the by-products from his earlier spring fishing excursions. "And I'm a waterfowler, so I've always got duck entrails -- and duck guts can't be beat. If you've ever cleaned one you know how much duck guts stink."

Other baits Benteman likes at this time of year include shad from the previous summer, or after spring's ice-out, held frozen in plastic bags. And during warmer water inflows, Benteman likes his own homemade sponge bait to tempt hungry channels.

While Benteman likes channel catfish to eat occasionally, he doesn't keep many of the fish he catches.

But there is one exception. "If I've got a landowner that's given me permission to fish that wants some fish, I'll give him a mess of catfish I've already cleaned," Benteman said. "Otherwise, I'll kick most of them back because I generally catch more than I can possibly eat myself."

And no matter what, any fish over 8 pounds is gently released back into the water.

"If I catch one or two fish to eat for a meal, I'm going to keep those 1 1/2- to 3-pound channels," Benteman said.

Benteman's advice to those that have never tried this type of fishing is simple. "Get out and go that first time," he said. "Watch the weather and go because you can't catch fish sitting in an easy chair."

THINGS TO REMEMBER
Most small streams can best be fished on foot. Waist or hip waders work but they tend to get extremely hot. The perfect attire is an old pair of jeans (no shorts, even though it's hot, due to lush growth of stinging nettles and poison ivy) and tennis shoes.

From small streams to large rivers, it's best to target certain areas. Remember where you've had success in the past as fish can often be caught from the same spot year after year. Logjams, brushpiles and deep outside bends of streams hold plenty of catfish.

Always remember to fish as you go, walking upstream; by so doing, you don't muddy the water you plan to fish. Pitch your slip-sinkered rig upstream of where you anticipate catfish will be hiding. The current will take the scent down into brushpiles or holes.

Don't spend a lot of time in unproductive areas. If there are hungry catfish nearby, it won't take them long to find your offerings. After 10 or 15 minutes of no activity, move to the next spot.

Don't forget bug spray: Plenty of biting insects are out in July.

Bring a large cooler packed with ice and drinks. Cold drinks are refreshing during an outing, and the fish you've caught can be iced down immediately, thus keeping them fresh for the ride home.