I live on Lake Erie , western basin. I usually fish for cat's in July and August in front of my home. There are a lot of Channel Cats around at that time of the year. Only ever used worms . On a good evening I could catch 4 or 5, 6-7 lb fish. My best night I caught 13 , largest was a 12 lb.
I have not fished for them in the last few years, but evening always seemed the best time.