06-29-2011, 12:37 PM
For catfish, if you're targeting big cats with live bait, I usually use:
Hooks: 7/0 to 10/0 Gamakatsu Kahl or Circle hooks, depending on the bait size and tactics i'm using.
Leader: 50 LB Fluorocarbon
Swivel: 80 lb barrell swivel or better
Main Line: 65 lb or better braid (power pro or suffix is my favorite)
I usually make a carolina style rig beefed up with heavy leader and terminal tackle. You need to have heavy gear for two reasons: the fish get really big, and can destroy light to medium equipment. Second, the really big fish are in heavy structure, and you need equipment strong enough to drag them out of the snag.
Remember, you DON"T set the hook, when you use circle hooks. Leave the rod in the rod holder when you get a good, strong bite, and just start cranking. Once he's on, then pick up the rod and fight him to the boat.
The previously mentioned tackle was a great suggestion. For panfish, I actually like the tru turn hooks. They are not anymore expensive, and they seem to minimize the amount of swallowed hooks, and increase the amount of good hook ups. Always get the shiney hooks for panfish, regardless of which kind you get.
I always like to have a few beetle spins in my box too. I like the Berkeley Power Grubs to tip them with, so I usually just buy the Gamakatsu jig heads, the beetle spin frame, and tippet all seperately. If you haven't noticed, i'm partial to Gamakatsu equipment, and for good reason.
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Hooks: 7/0 to 10/0 Gamakatsu Kahl or Circle hooks, depending on the bait size and tactics i'm using.
Leader: 50 LB Fluorocarbon
Swivel: 80 lb barrell swivel or better
Main Line: 65 lb or better braid (power pro or suffix is my favorite)
I usually make a carolina style rig beefed up with heavy leader and terminal tackle. You need to have heavy gear for two reasons: the fish get really big, and can destroy light to medium equipment. Second, the really big fish are in heavy structure, and you need equipment strong enough to drag them out of the snag.
Remember, you DON"T set the hook, when you use circle hooks. Leave the rod in the rod holder when you get a good, strong bite, and just start cranking. Once he's on, then pick up the rod and fight him to the boat.
The previously mentioned tackle was a great suggestion. For panfish, I actually like the tru turn hooks. They are not anymore expensive, and they seem to minimize the amount of swallowed hooks, and increase the amount of good hook ups. Always get the shiney hooks for panfish, regardless of which kind you get.
I always like to have a few beetle spins in my box too. I like the Berkeley Power Grubs to tip them with, so I usually just buy the Gamakatsu jig heads, the beetle spin frame, and tippet all seperately. If you haven't noticed, i'm partial to Gamakatsu equipment, and for good reason.
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