CATFISH GEAR - TECHNIQUES
Power: L=Light. ML=Medium Light. M=Medium. MH=Medium Heavy. H=Heavy. Ex=Extra Heavy
Action: M=moderate. F=Fast. EF=Extra Fast
TECHNIQUES
Bottom Fishing
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How to Fish: Bottom fishing is one of the most effective methods for targeting catfish. By using weight to keep your bait near the bottom, you’ll increase your chances of attracting catfish, who tend to stay near the ground. Use heavier weights and place your bait near drop-offs, submerged structures, or areas where water flows.
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Gear Needed:
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Rod: Heavy-action rod (6-8 feet) for handling large catfish and casting heavy weights.
Reel: Baitcasting reel with a high drag system and enough line capacity to withstand long runs.
Line: 25-50 lb braided or monofilament line, which can handle the strain of larger fish.
Bait: Cut bait, chicken liver, stink baits, or live bait like minnows or shad.
Tips: -
Use heavy sinkers (3-5 oz) to keep your bait on the bottom.
Cast near drop-offs, deeper holes, and submerged structures to find catfish.
Let your bait sit for extended periods without moving, as catfish are known for being patient feeders.
Be patient—catfish can take time to find and bite your bait, especially when bottom fishing.
Shore/Bank Fishing
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How to Fish: Shore fishing for catfish is one of the most popular and effective ways to target them, especially in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Casting near drop-offs, shallow flats, and undercut banks provides excellent opportunities. Focus on fishing during low-light hours, like dawn, dusk, or even at night, when catfish are more likely to be feeding.
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Gear Needed:
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Rod: Medium-heavy to heavy rod (7-9 feet) with enough backbone to handle large catfish.
Reel: Spinning or baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system and enough line capacity.
Line: 20-50 lb braided line or monofilament for strength, along with a fluorocarbon leader.
Bait: Cut bait (shad, chicken liver), nightcrawlers, stink baits, or live bait (minnows, shad).
Tips: -
Fish around areas with good access to deep pools, drop-offs, and submerged structures such as fallen trees or rocks.
Cast your bait into the water and allow it to sit for a while, as catfish often take time to find and latch onto the bait.
A simple bottom rig (carolina rig or sliding sinker rig) works well for keeping bait on the bottom.
Be sure to fish at night or early morning for the best chance of success, as catfish are more active in low light.
Boat Fishing
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How to Fish: Boat fishing for catfish opens up more areas and gives you the ability to fish deeper waters. Focus on fishing in deeper channels, under bridges, near submerged humps, and around structure that is difficult to access from the shore. Use bottom fishing rigs, as well as live and cut bait, to maximize your chances.
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Gear Needed:
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Rod: Heavy-duty rod (7-9 feet) with a sensitive tip for detecting bites in deeper waters.
Reel: Spinning or baitcasting reel with smooth drag and high line capacity.
Line: 20-50 lb braided or monofilament line for strength.
Bait: Cut bait, chicken liver, live shad, and stink baits.
Tips: -
Focus on fishing in deeper areas such as river channels, drop-offs, and submerged structure.
Use heavier weights (3-5 oz) to keep your bait near the bottom in deeper water.
Anchor your boat in the correct spot and allow your bait to sit at the right depth.
When fishing from a boat, try drifting with the current or wind while fishing to cover more ground.
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