Bait Clicker for Catfish?

[TubeDude]

Thanks guys, I'm going back to Willard Monday morning, I'll leave the spool engaged. This is my rookie year with fligs and different species have their own way of biting them. Catfish and burbot simply inhale them and run, trout tap at them and require a hookset.
These are what I was using Friday, chartreuse rainbow and spotted chartreuse. The large ones are on a 1/0 Fenwick worm hook, the small one is a #4 curved nymph hook.



The first time I uploaded this photo there was a Land Rover spam link, not sure why it worked this time.

Not bad for a rookie.  But there are several colors that work especially well at Willard.  In the attached photo I will refer you to the chartreuse perch, perple purch, fire tiger and blue-back silver.  Most colors will work but those seem to be effective year round...fished with small minnows, perch meat or other fish flesh.  They work well with crawlers most of the time too.  

One other comment.  I too like using marabou.  But it doesn't hold up well when used on fligs.  I prefer a few strands of holographic Flashabou.  It adds extra sparkle and holds up through a lot of fish chomping.  But there are some patterns in which marabou or hackle feathers might improve the attraction.

There is also the matter of using very sharp hooks and making sure there is a good hook gap if you want to get more hookups on the strike.  I use Matzuo sickle hooks but there are plenty of other sharp hooks...or you can touch them up with a hook hone.  But sharper is better.

If you ever want to visit my playroom and have me show you some of my painting tricks I'd be happy to share.