Catt’in set up

What reels are you guys getting for your catting rods? Ive got a spinning reel right now but i kind of want to get a bait caster with the clicker switch on it? any advantages to one or the other or is it just personal preference

A clicker is useless unless your fishing flatheads. From your previous post, I assume you are chasing channels now?

I use both spinning and baitcasting for catfish… both species without a preference for either. Each have their advantages, and disadvantages. Its very important to match your rods/reels to the type of fishing you are doing. Your not going to be happy if you buy a garcia 6500 just to have a clicker if your fishing presentations demand casting light presentations(under an ounce).. but it would probably be the best change you made if your fishing heavy current areas and large weights are required (3-5 oz) and you need to pull heavy fish out of current.

There is no one rod/reel combo that is perfect for all presentations. I use spinning gear for finess type presentations, and use the baitcasting gear when I need power.

I asked the same questions pretty much and ended up buying a Shakespeare Ugly Stik Catfish rod 7′ Med Heavy [15-30 lb line] UCSP110170 Spinning Rod. Its white with a black handle and glow tip. Got it at Walmart South in Rochester for under 30.00 I haven’t used it yet as bought it last fall but it should be a great rod for fishing Lake Zumbro and the Zumbro River and it sounded like you get a better fight feeling with the spinning version. In fact, this rod ”doesn’t” have the trigger on the handle so could be used as both a spinning and a baitcaster. Most of my fishing will be on the Zumbro where the cats are probly 3-10 lbs and yet this rod should handle alot bigger cats too. I do plan on using circle hooks with this rod which should work well for fishing channel cats according to the cat gerus on this forum. There are some very good catin guys who come to this Catfish forum so you are in the right place to learn just like I am learning more about cats from these guys.

Thanks, Bill

Catfish Techniques/How To Catch Em

Catfishin Equipment

Until you get that new rod heres a technique you can use.

Girls Gone Grabblin Click on the view video link

I wouldn’t say clickers are useless for channels. I use them a lot when the big ones are not all that hungry.

Kind of in the same vein as what FD said but some of us think clickers are useless for either species. I use cricles exclusively for channels and flatheads now…no clicker required.

J.

I am curious as to why a lot of people seem to be using circle hooks vs a different hook set up? Personally I like the gama octopus hooks, reason is bit detection then the all important setting the hook. I will admit I do use the clicker for when I am not paying as close of attention at I should be, but more often than not the clicker isn’t needed. I like to see the bite happen then swing for the fences on the hook set. From what I heard, and please correct me if I have been misinformed. The “technique” for using circle hooks is pretty basic. Fish picks up the bait and hooks itself, and if you try and set the hook, you miss the fish because of the design of the hook will more than likely pull itself out without hooking the fish. Like I said earlier, I have not fished them and I am only going by word of mouth, if this is correct, and I stress IF, I cannot see the difference between circle hooks and trot lines, well except you get to reel them in right after they hook themselves instead of waiting a day to check your trot lines.
Any input would greatly appreciated

CA

The advantage in the circle hook is that you have a very high percentage of hooking the fish right in the corner of the mouth, so release is not a problem. A gut-hooked fish on a circle hook is a rarity.

CA,

Circle hooks seem to snag far less for me and that is a big plus where I fish. The flats rarely have time to hook themselves when I’m on watch, I have the rod in my hand on the first pop that signals a flat has grabbed the bait, then I’ll either steadily sweep the rod or begin reeling either way is quite interactive…the only fish that will hook themselves are the suicidal ones, usually channels, but they hook themselves on the ultra sharp j hooks I used to use anyway.

J.

thanks for the input on the C hooks. that makes more sense as long as there is interaction and if you get a higher hook rate on the side of the mouth I can see the pro’s of them. Last year I think I only had one gut hooked flat, but with Tims info on easy hook removal for that, the hook came out easy and no damage done which was a relief.

CA

cattin_addict,

What advice was given on the gut hooked fish. I would like to read that.

Thanks in advance

Here you go Farmboy!

GUT HOOKED Post by Mile 832

During the IDA catfish tourney last summer, CA performed this magic trick to perfection. I tried to get him to swallow a hook so I could try it on him. The sissy wouldn’t do it.

it sounded tempting, but I thought your hands were too big to get the proper angle on the shank and didnt want to see the needle nose pliers come out

Thanks Briank, That is a great technique. I will have to give it a shot next time!