Tackle Selection

Tackle used to fish catfish is almost as varied as the baits. Lake anglers use relatively short rods, but stream anglers seem to have the best success when using longer rods from 6 to 8 feet in length. Many even use a fly rod. The advantage to the longer rods, when stream fishing, is the reach they afford for better placement of the bait. This allows the angler to fish many good holes without casting. Just drop the line near a likely spot with no more line out than the rod length. This provides excellent control of the bait for better placement and improves the chances of hooking a fish after a natural-like presentation. Ten-pound test line is recommended over lighter weight line because the bait is fished on the bottom and often near underwater snags. Catfish fishermen have been slow to abandon braided nylon line in favor of monofilament, but this transition is now nearly complete.

The type of reel used makes little difference, but it is essential that it be in good working condition. If you are fishing for large fish, be sure to match the reel to the fish. Light duty reels are made to catch small fish and heavy duty reels have the power to land lunkers. Light tackle will catch more smaller fish but may not handle one of record class size. The thing to remember is that catfish may be in snags or heavy cover in the river and after the strike the fish may need to be “horsed” a bit.

Terminal tackle is an important consideration when setting out after “old whiskers.” The most important part of the terminal tackle is the sinker and hook. Catfisherman need not show concern about the sizes, shapes, and color of expensive lures, but hooks and sinkers, inexpensive as they are, are important. Always use the lightest weight necessary, and always use a slip sinker (two typical catfish rigs are shown in the accompanying photographs). The slip sinker rig allows a catfish to pick up the bait without feeling the weight of the sinker. With any resistance on the line whatsoever, a respectable channel cat will leave the tasty bait morsel in search of another. Always use a sharp hook. Hooks with bait holders on the shank are preferred by most anglers. Use sponges or plastic worms when fishing with one of the soft, prepared cheese baits. No matter which hook and bait you select, present it to the fish in the most natural manner, which always requires the use of a minimum amount of sinker or weight.

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