CATFISH TACKLE

Tackle That Helps You Land Them

High Quality *** Low Prices

Catfish tackle is definitely different than other fishing tackle. Not that you cannot catch catfish with most other types of fishing tackle, but like most other activities, the right tool makes the job so much easier and gives better results. The right catfish tackle can make the difference between none or a few and bag limits and records. The proper catfish tackle works best for all catfish, but, If you fish only for fish of 8 pounds or less, a typical bass rig or general fishing rig will do. But why not rig appropriately for catfishing and be prepared for that monster when he comes along, or when you decide to go after the big ones. As with the rest of this site, our goal is to make you a master at catfishing and help you fully enjoy each catfishing trip and the times between.

RODS:
We recommend a 7 foot or slightly longer, composite (graphite/fiberglass) rod, preferably with high graphite content. It should be medium to stiff flex. Such a rod makes a good all around catfish tackle base. If you are rigging for the real monsters and fishing mainly for trophy size catfish, use a longer rod (up to 10 foot) and choose one with a long butt and preferably a butt pad to set against your stomach.

REELS:
The best reel for catfish tackle is a bait casting reel. It should handle 150 yards of minimum 20-pound mono. A good quality reel will have a free spool setting with a "clicker" for audible alert and a smooth reliable drag. I believe it is worth the difference in cost to get a good reliable reel that works smoothly and dependably. The enhancements are important in catfish tackle.

LINE:
A high quality, 20 pound test, mono line is the most commonly used catfish tackle line. My personal preference for catfishing line is 30 pound test, braided Dacron. If you are fishing strictly for the trophy size catfish, increase the line strength accordingly. Use 20 to 30 pound test for routine catfishing up to about 35 pound fish. Use 30 to 40 pound test for catfish up to about 90 pounds. For the 100 pound plus catfish, use 40 to 60 pound test. In all strength lines, select the ones with the least stretch. Less stretch equals better hook set.

TERMINAL CATFISH TACKLE:
Discussing terminal catfish tackle can lead to many different rigging set ups. All are good and have their own special niche for use. We will leave the various rigging set ups for a different page. There are, however, a couple of common characteristics that will apply to all rigs. Catfish tackle requires a terminal rig that starts with a leader. The leader can be a 40 to 60 pound test, abrasion resistant, mono or braided line, or a similar strength stainless steel. I personally like the stainless steel. The second common characteristic is a sharp, heavy duty hook. Styles of hooks will be left to the rigging discussions, but whatever the style, the hook must be sharp and heavy duty. Catfish, especially the larger ones, have tougher mouths than bass and other types of fish, making sharp hooks even more important for catfishing. Because of the tough mouth and heavy bone in the roof of a catfish mouth, hooks will frequently not set all the way, putting a lot of torque on the curvature of the hook. I have seen many catfish lost because the hook straightened. The heavy duty hook improves your chances in these cases.