A catfishing rig is the term used to describe the equipment or tackle you'd buy - or build yourself in order to go catfishing. It can be as sophisticated or as simple as you wish – it's entirely up to you. However, if you want to catch the big ones, you'll probably need to adjust the weights which you attach to your line. And of course, it depends on the depth and current of the body of water you're fishing in as well. But you really don't need to engineer elaborate catfish rigging in order to bring in large catfish – generally you'll find that "less is more."
The weather, temperature and season will all play a part in deciding which of the different types of catfishing rigs you'll need because you can modify the one you already have so that it will be more effective according to those conditions. And knowing them ahead of time means that you can prepare for them and improve your chances of hauling in those bigger cats which makes for a great fishing adventure.
All you really need is a fishing pole with about a hundred yards of 15lb test line, 20lb test leader, a swivel, a bobber, some strong J-style hooks, a couple of one or two-ounce lead weights and most important - something delicious to lure the catfish to your line. Your local tackle shop or sports emporium will have a variety of super-fancy poles and other equipment designed to entice the most suspicious of catfish – but we need to remember that the fish doesn't care that you spent $600 on your catfishing rig; all he cares about is that wonderful-smelling wriggly thing in front of his eyes.
If you're planning to fish for catfish in deeper waters, you can use the same catfish rigging which you use for shallow rivers and streams – you'll just need a heavier weight and if you place it right at the end, you'll reduce your tangling problems significantly. You'll find that a one-ounce weight works just fine and you can attach it using a "palomar" knot – sometimes called a "palmer" knot. These are simple enough to tie and are best for fastening hooks and weights to the end of a line as they rarely come apart; in fact, your line would probably break before this type of knot would unravel.
Now; the next thing to do is to place your hook between twelve and eighteen inches from the end of your line – use a dropper loop to hold the hook and leader line. You might consider using a wired leader as this will avoid your hook line becoming entangled with your weight line.
The type of hook you use will depend on the size of catfish you're planning to haul in. A smaller hook, say a Number 2 or even a 2/0 would work well for the smaller channel catfish and you'd be using worms or chicken livers for bait. But if you're aiming for the bigger dudes, you'll need an 8/0 or even a 9/0 circle hook, using shad or perch as bait. This is a great hook for the big ones and will ensure that your catfish stays hooked. You already know that a twelve-pounds and up catfish can put up a serious fight when in and around rocks and brush, so you might consider a medium-heavy spinning outfit with a decent drag system; helpful when you're battling those enraged channel cats – and a longer rod to provide better control when he's not quite caught yet.
Getting back to those shallower ponds or streams – you'll need a catfishing rig with good catfish bobbers. You'll want to place it about two or three feet out from the hook, depending on how deep you're planning to fish – and just above the bobber, insert a couple of split shots between the hook and the bobber.
Most important is to enjoy it all – elaborate or not, your catfishing rigs will catch catfish for you if you use the right bait – and catfish will go for anything you offer them, so long as it has a good strong smell to it. Enjoy!
(ArticlesBase SC #4737468)
