07-11-2007, 01:32 AM
[black][size 3]Hey Simp,[/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]OK, so from your post, it seems like you have a spinning setup with an open face reel spooled with 20 pound line on a Shakespeare rod. Is that right ?[/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]First off, you probably would want to start out with Mono line - not a braided or superline (at least until you get some casting and fishing skills developed); that will save you some headaches. 20 pound test is a good size line for medium to larger (not giant) catfish. But, it is a little harder to cast on an open face spinning reel. It is workable, but unless you put a fair amount of weight on the line (2oz+), you might not get the casting distance you want. 10-14 pound might be a better choice to start out with.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[size 3][black]To set up the drag on your reel, try this: (Assuming you have 10-12 pound line) ... [/black][/size]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]1.Get an half gallon plastic milk jug and fill it about half way with water (or till you have about 2.5-3 pounds of water in it).[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]2.Tie the end of your fishing line on the handle of the jug.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]3.Turn the drag knob clockwise all the way untill it is completely tight.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]4.Slowly raise your rod like you are catching a fish and try to lift the jug off the floor - don't jerk it or try too hard.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]5.Lower the jug back to the floor.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]6.Turn the drag knob one time counterclockwise to loosen it up a bit, then raise the rod again.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]7.Repeat step 6 untill when you raise the rod, instead of lifting the jug off the floor, the reel releases some line. When that happens, you have set your drag to about 25-30 % of the fishing lines test strength(which is about what you would generally want). You can also use the 25-30% calculation on any size line.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]As far as the hook, line, and sinker go, here is an image of a common catfish rig: [/size][/black]
[black][size 3][inline carolina%20rigs.JPG][/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]For bait, you can use worms, cut baits, doughbaits, stink baits and a host of other things. But keep in mind that each one of these offerings has their time and place where they excel and if they are used incorrectly, the success could be minimal at best. For more specific suggestions, you would have to give more information about the body of water or environment where you are fishing[/size][/black].
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[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]OK, so from your post, it seems like you have a spinning setup with an open face reel spooled with 20 pound line on a Shakespeare rod. Is that right ?[/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]First off, you probably would want to start out with Mono line - not a braided or superline (at least until you get some casting and fishing skills developed); that will save you some headaches. 20 pound test is a good size line for medium to larger (not giant) catfish. But, it is a little harder to cast on an open face spinning reel. It is workable, but unless you put a fair amount of weight on the line (2oz+), you might not get the casting distance you want. 10-14 pound might be a better choice to start out with.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[size 3][black]To set up the drag on your reel, try this: (Assuming you have 10-12 pound line) ... [/black][/size]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]1.Get an half gallon plastic milk jug and fill it about half way with water (or till you have about 2.5-3 pounds of water in it).[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]2.Tie the end of your fishing line on the handle of the jug.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]3.Turn the drag knob clockwise all the way untill it is completely tight.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]4.Slowly raise your rod like you are catching a fish and try to lift the jug off the floor - don't jerk it or try too hard.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]5.Lower the jug back to the floor.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]6.Turn the drag knob one time counterclockwise to loosen it up a bit, then raise the rod again.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]7.Repeat step 6 untill when you raise the rod, instead of lifting the jug off the floor, the reel releases some line. When that happens, you have set your drag to about 25-30 % of the fishing lines test strength(which is about what you would generally want). You can also use the 25-30% calculation on any size line.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3] [/size][/black]
[black][size 3]As far as the hook, line, and sinker go, here is an image of a common catfish rig: [/size][/black]
[black][size 3][inline carolina%20rigs.JPG][/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]For bait, you can use worms, cut baits, doughbaits, stink baits and a host of other things. But keep in mind that each one of these offerings has their time and place where they excel and if they are used incorrectly, the success could be minimal at best. For more specific suggestions, you would have to give more information about the body of water or environment where you are fishing[/size][/black].
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