Hi everyone , my name is Rick . I recently got stung by the Catfish bug , bought a 18 ft pontoon boat and am in search of good safe launches to Catfish at night . I hear the biggest are in the Ohio , but I'm sure there are many more in any of the 3 rivers willing to test the heaviest of tackle . I've got the boat and the gear , just need a destination . Any suggestions are greatly appreciated . 
Tight lines to you ,
Rick

Cats are pretty big in the Elizabeth area of the Mon. go between Elizabeth an Charleroi locks. should find some nice ones.

Thanks Timachro . Can you recommend a safe launch for night fishing ? I'm not to familiar with Pittsburgh  neighborhoods and don't want to leave my truck at night in a rough area while fishing . Thanks .

Elizabeth is safe. There is a launch below the lock. A bait shop right off of 51 that caters to catfishermen. Has some suckers and other big baits for flatheads. Where are you located? I personally wouldn’t drive to Elizabeth, if it is a haul for you, and just as good spots closer. Also, post this in the SW PA forum. I think more guys frequent there, and can give you some more refined info.

Thanks Porktown . Bait shop information is always appreciated . I haven't found a good BIG bait , bait shop near the northern locks on the Allegheny yet .  I didn't realize I posted in the general catfishing forum . Thanks and tight lines to you sir .

I couldn't see you are located in Butler on my phone yesterday.  I am not going to say that Elizabeth isn't worth your commute, but as you noted, fishing the northern locks, it is likely 30 minutes for you to fish there.  As opposed to 1:30 or more to Elizabeth (much more if not timing traffic correct).
 
If you head out there, here is the website of the bait shop.  He said they have internet deals on bait at times.  They had some 8" suckers there, when I was there.
https://mutt-jrs-bait-shops.myshopify.com/
 
Here is the boat access launch.  Elizabeth isn't a major crime area.  Old river town that saw its glory when the mills were in their hey day.  But by no means a gang ridden dump like some the other mill towns closer to downtown.  I'd say similar make up as Butler.
 
https://www.google.com/ma...!4d-79.8911029!9m1!1b1

oops...wrong thread.
 

Wow ! Thanks Porktown . It's funny you showed me the first bridge down from McKeesport . I was looking at McKeesport where the other river feeds in thinking it would be a prime area . I think if I try that area , I'll have to make a dry run before hitching up the pontoon . It's 8 ft wide and doesn't like heavy traffic . Or maybe it's the driver that's nervous in heavy traffic ? LOL ! Thanks buddy . I really appreciate your help . Tight lines to you sir .

Don't give up on the Ohio. There are several good, safe launches. I personally like the launches at East Rochester and Monaca. As for bait, I use Reddi bait in Bridgewater. The owner, Tim Reddinger is a weath of catfishing knowledge. If you google the baitshop he even has a few videos on fishing the area. He is usually in the baitshop on weekends. Good luck.

Monaca good way to.ruin a trailer