What is your cattin pole setup?

Last night my son and I went to a small lake close to us, Volga lake, and did some cat fishing. The first one he hooked took him inot some sunken trees and busted off, I hooked the next one and landed a 4 pounder, my next hookup took off towards the middle of the lake and never stopped, my drag was screaming and then snapped 12 pound mono. I decided I need a special cat rig.

In 1982 my father in-law gave me a surf rod and reel, the rod is a Montague 6350, and the reel is a Ryobi SX-4, do you think it’s over kill or would it work alright?

Also need to figure out what line to use, I fish only channels at this time but would like to do some flathead fishing. Trying to figure out if I should go with braided, mono, or those super lines.

After that channel that busted off got my blood pumping, I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to fight a flathead!!

Ed

I would suggest get down to Moore’s bait immediatley and pick up a boss rod number 2 and a Abu Garcia 6500 or 7000 or a shimano tekota 500. If you like spinning reels get a Okuma 65 and team that up with a Berkley Glowstick or an Ugly stick.

I have checked Bobs prices against all the local big stores as well as online and he definatley has some of the best prices. He also does not carry any junk either, all equipment he carries is top notch.

Here is the directions Moore’s Bait

Good luck!

I just realized you are in Iowa so here is another resource for you. catfish connection

You can find some of the same product I listed above.

I think I am up to 12 catfish specific rods?

It sounds like you are looking for something that would work for an all around catfish rod.

What I recommend that will work well for both channels and flatheads of all sizes is a 8′ Berkely Glow stick(around $35), and a garcia 6500c3 baitcaster, or an Okuma Epixor 50 series spinning reel(same as cabelas salt striker). Either reel will cost you around $70 unless you find a good sale.

If your fishing around snags a lot, use 65#-80# power pro, it will still cast light rigs, but lets your turn a fish if needed. If there is no snag issues, and no rocks around, #50 will work.

Either combo I suggested will hold up over time on either specie of fish, its just light enough to enjoy fishing channels, but has plenty of power for flathead fishing. Its also a great rod if you plan to do any sturgeon fishing.