If it were that simple
There is only one way to ensure or guarantee the best time and place to get a prize or monster fish...At the local fish market and as for time...when they are open for business
What is your location? Someone might have some local knowledge about fishing spots.
Some fish do have "best baits". But quite often it depends on what the fish are eating at that time. I call it match the hatch. Match your bait or lure to what the fish are eating, which in some cases can vary from one day to the next.
If you use the above search box and search the word "catfish", you will find more than 250 topics talking about catfishing.
Good luck. Let us know how you go
itsaboat mate...Life is just a boat and then ya marry one !