| Now that we know a little about catfish, it's time to get some equipment to catch them. Luckily there's nothing fancy to buy. For the newbies, if you're going after the big three, Channels, Blues, or Flatheads, get ready for a fight, especially if you hook a big one.
Rods: There are a wide variety on poles to use. Bass Pro Shops have a good selection and useful tips in their fishing library. It all depends on the fish you're targeting. For smaller cats and bullheads, a light spinning combo will work well. If you're someplace where 6 - 10 pounders are common, a 6 - 7 foot, medium action bait-casting or spinning rod will do. If you're hunting 100 pounders, you'll need an 8 foot or longer bait-casting rig.
The rods should be through-action rods. They can better absorb the jerking and run of a large fish. There are several catfish poles on the market.
The Berkley Glowstick; They have a reflector on the tip that doesn't need a battery. It also has a battery-powered LED light that can be turned on and off.
Zebco makes the Night Vision Rod. They have 2 lights, one on the tip, and one in the butt. They have the patented Zebco grip and are about 6 inches longer making casting a breeze.
Ugly Sticks are known for their durability and sensitivity. The Tiger (around since the 70's) and other models are specific to catfishing. They have a graphite core surrounded by fiberglass and through the handle construction for better sensitivity.
Mitchell makes a tough, fiberglass spinning rod, guaranteed not to break.
Quantum makes the Bill Dance Catfish Trigger Rod. They are E-glass constructed, have double-footed guides, and non-slip EVA foam handles.
Bass Pro Shops offer the Power Plus. Unidirectional fiberglass construction eliminates the need for layering, ergo a thinner, lighter rod. That adds flexibility, reducing premature breakage, and reduces stress on your wrist. Its extended EVA handle provide more power and better leverage to battle big ones. It has double-footed aluminum-oxide guides, hook keeper, and graphite reel seats for improved sensitivity.
If you're casting 3+ ounce weights, you might want a longer heavy-duty saltwater rig, so you won't snap you rod casting.
Most of these rods sell for $30 - $40 at Bass Pro.
Reels: Any reel that will hold 200 yards of 15 - 25 pound test will do, but....
Bait-casting reels offer the most power for reeling in the big ones. One with a clicker mechanism will give an audible signal when line is taken and keep soft, steady pressure on your line preventing backlash if the fish lunges or runs.
Spinning reels don't have the power or line pick-up speed of a bait-caster, but will better handle line smaller than 14# test.
Spin casting reels are still a favorite, although without the winching power or line capacity of a bait-caster. They offer simple push-button casting and soft delivery for small baits.
Line: Catfish have small sandpaper-like teeth in their mouths and can get into some tight places. You'll need a good high-strength, abrasion resistant line. 15# - 25# test mono is adequate in most situations. If you're after the big ones, you may need to up it to 40#, 50#, or even 80# test. Braided line is very strong. Catfish aren't line shy, so you can use heavy or light line as conditions dictate.
Never use wire leaders even in pike water. Their mouths are very soft and can be easily cut.
Hooks: Small hooks allow for better bait presentation and penetrate quickly, so use the smallest hook possible. They should be heavy gauge suitable to the fish you're after. The hook should be well exposed after baiting. For small fish, a #2 or #1 is good. For cut bait, a hook size from 1/0 to 4/0 may be needed depending on the size of the bait. If you're using live bait, like up 6 inch bluegills or something, you'll need a 5/0 or 6/0 hook. Even bigger baits need even larger baits.
Circle hooks are popular. They quickly penetrate, usually in the corner of the mouth, allowing for a less stressful or harmful release of the fish.
Treble and double hooks should not be used. Their soft mouths can be pinned shut and if they break off the line, they will die from suffocation and starvation from being unable to open their mouths.
Weights: The most common types used are slip sinkers like eggs and bullet sinkers. Other popular kinds are bell, pyramid, and bottom-bouncers. The kind you choose will depend on water depth, bottom conditions, current flow, and the type of rig you're using. Split-shot sinkers are used for light tackle fishing.
Bobbers: They add weight and make casting small baits easier. You'll know where the bait is and what it's doing, it'll be held at the depth you want, and you'll get snagged less. If you're fishing 6 -7 feet deep, a fixed bobber will do. For long casts or deeper water, use a slip bobber.
Swivels: Catfish like to twist and turn when hooked, so make sure to use a good ball-bearing swivel. Cheap ones may cost you the fish of a lifetime.
Bait: Cats will eat almost anything. Live minnows, crawdads, night crawlers, worms, insects, shad, leeches, frogs, etc. Dead baits include shrimp, shad, chicken livers, hot dogs, cheese, decayed meat, frogs, you name it. Find something bad, and they'll probably scarf it up. During spring catfish will also go after spinners and spinnerbaits.
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