For those who fish from shore, Randall says to choose a spot in one of Roosevelt's river ends with good cover and a channel nearby. He doesn't recommend propping your rod on a rock; big flatheads will swim off with it, perhaps not even noticing the extra weight. Get a rod holder that can be staked into the ground securely. Make yourself comfortable and stay ready for action.

Don't forget to bring along plenty of cold drinks and some insect repellent. If you're afraid you'll fall asleep and miss a bite, use a bell or an alarm on your rod to wake you in time to bring in your prize.

TARGETING CHANNEL CATS
Channel catfish are tasty, and a lot of fun to catch. Even kids can get in on this action. Use a strong rod and make sure your line is in good shape. A 1/0 or 2/0 sinker should be enough for an eating-size channel cat. Put a few earthworms or minnows on your hook, or even some type of stinky bait. A sliding sinker will let the fish take the bait without feeling weight, and a bobber fixed to the line will let you know when you get a bite. There are even bobbers with lights in them and glow-in-the-dark bobbers for night fishing. Take your cooler, your lantern, and your kids to the shore and swap stories while you wait for a bite.

Randall recommends that you experiment with different areas and study the locations where you have the most success. Then you can search for similar areas and give them a try. Ask around at tackle shops for good catfish spots on the lake.

Experienced catfish anglers stay for several hours in an area they have confidence in, even if the fish aren't biting right away. Sometimes the fish suddenly "turn on" and several fish will be caught in a short period. Be patient, and be prepared.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Arizona 2006 fishing license prices -- one-year license: resident $18, non-resident, $51.50; one-day: resident, $9, non-resident, $12.50; five-day non-resident, $26; two-rod stamp (residents and non-residents): $4.

Live baitfish may be taken with minnows, traps, dip nets, cast nets, line and pole, handlines, crayfish nets or seines. Waterdogs are not considered baitfish in Arizona.

The daily limit is 25 catfish, which can be any combination of channels and flatheads.

Pick up a copy of the Arizona Fishing Regulations where you buy your license and be sure to read them. There are several tackle shops near Roosevelt Lake, including Highway 188 Tackle and The Tackle Box, both on Highway 188 east of the bridge.

There are a lot of good campsites at the lake and several good motels in Tonto Basin and Roosevelt. For more, plus links to the lake, tourism tips and weather forecasts, go to http://www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm?ID=8. You can download the Arizona fishing regulations and buy licenses online at ???.

Summer is monsoon season in Arizona. Keep an eye on the weather and bring a radio. If you hear a weather alert for Gila County or see signs of an approaching storm, get to shore quickly. Summer monsoons move very quickly and can be violent, with high winds, driving rain, and lightning.