Catfishin’ rod

OK, so maybe this has been asked a couple of million times already. What is the common opinion on the best length, action, handle size for a Cattin’ rod? Do You like long handles like Muskie rods? What about number of eyes? Does it matter? I know on my casting rods I like lots of eyes on a 7 foot rod. Cork handles? Do you guys spool braids or using mostly mono?

I have never fished Catfish before but just might give it a try someday.

Thank you.

I just fish for eater channels, something to do when its too hot to bass or walleye fish. I use simple 7′ to 7’6 rods, MH mostly. 50lb braid or 17lb mono. Softer tip is the key, too stiff and they semi- hook themselves on the hit and are gone before you get there.

Brian,

Catfishing rods are species specific. You want a solid Heavy action rod (My musky rods work just fine) for flathead fishing. For channels it is hard to beat a medium heavy ugly stick for larger channels (Mendota) or a medium weight for the river.

I mostly fish for eater size catfish so ranging from 16-24 inches in length. A standard large spinning reel (Shiman 4000 or Pflueger 40 size) and heavy action rod would do the job.

I think for channels you can get by with a cheaper rod like Kev said. Shakespeare makes a couple Ugly Stiks and their Wildcat line can’t be beat for bang for your buck. Just make sure it has reinforced eyelet seats, none of those single jobbers (Walmart).

I use all kinds of different rods for channels from the Uglies to my Tiger and even a Gander Gold heavy walleye rod!

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Brian,

Catfishing rods are species specific. You want a solid Heavy action rod (My musky rods work just fine) for flathead fishing. For channels it is hard to beat a medium heavy ugly stick for larger channels (Mendota) or a medium weight for the river.

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So, I’m always trying to catch bigger fish, I’m not a consumer no matter what the species. So then a 7′ medium heavy is good enough? Fast tip? Does the length of handle matter for leverage? How about number of eyes, does that make a difference? What would a good line be? Do I need or should I have a line counter reel?

Brian, I think a good all around both species rod for you would be an Ugly Stik Tiger MH 7′. Plentyof softness in the tip and tons of backbone for big flats. Team it up with an Abu 6500 and some 65lb Power Pro or Team Catfish braid and you have a pretty unbeatable all around cat rig.

Of course that puts you at about 170 bucks to start. 50 for the rod, 100 for the reel, and 15-20 for the line. Thats the more expensive route but you will be really happy with it.

I’ll post this before BK does

http://www.teamcatfish.com/store/index.php?cPath=35_51

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I’ll post this before BK does

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That’s hard to do. And you did it!

Thanks B BK!

Been a busy day with a nap and all.

I’ve always used a lighter rod with a sensitive tip for channels and sturgeon, then a heavier rod for flatheads. I’ve tried many rods trying to find one rod that works for all three…not just good, but great. Couldn’t find it.

Now I’ll admit, I’m partial to graphite for it’s sensitivity especially when using a no stretch braid..but that’s another debate right there.

Last year, Jeff Williams at Team Catfish came out with a new Carbon Fiber rod that I said I would try thinking flatheads only by the description. Once I had one in my hand, (the only way for me to tell) I was impressed.

It’s a rod made for cat guys by cat guys.

From the length of the handle for pulling on a big fish to the hook keeper that Easily takes (and releases) a 9/0 Supper J hook.

So I went channel fishing with it and my other rods. If a person is expecting to catch 3 pound fish or smaller, I would just use pretty much any old rod. For three pounds and up, these are a hoot to fish with. This surprised me.

For flatheads it has the backbone to lean on them to get the big one out of the wood. Where I fish, this is important.

For Lake Sturgeon they have a sensitive enough tip to detect the smallest of tip taps a sturgeon can make.

I use the bait caster model with 8 stainless steel guides and all my rods this year will be the I-Cats for guiding.

To start in 2013 we will have 2 iCat models available exclusively through Team Catfish. They are a 7-6 Heavy action casting and spinning. These rods afe ultra sensitive. They will detect strikes from small fish under 1 lb but give you the piwer to handle big fish up and over 50 lbs. Truly a remarkable piece of fishing equipment.

Some of the key features of these HIGH STANDARD Carbon Rods include:1) The durability of our carbon blanks is unrivaled. HIGH STANDARD blanks are far superior to any graphite or boron rod that we tested against.

2) The sensitivity of the HIGH STANDARD carbon blank is unbelievable. Its superior to any of the top brands of high end graphite blanks we tested against regardless of the price. These carbon blanks are perfect for hand fishing, bump fishing (drift fishing) down rivers or on lite biting catfish.

3) All models have stainless steel eyes.

4) Has an exposed graphite blank touch reel seat.

5) Super heavy duty stainless hook keepers.

6) Actions designed by professionals for catfishing situations.

6) Extremely durable/no maintenance high density eva foam handles will out last and and out perform cork handles. Cork does not telegraph vibrations nearly as well as the high density eva.

8) Proudly made in America.

9) HIGH STANDARD 3 year warranty and the lifetime half price replacement warranties are unrivaled in the catfishing world.

10) Stainless hood over graphite reel seat band.

As more and more of these rods get out into the field we’ll be hearing more and more about their strength, design, versatility and being light weight.

7’8″ High Standard I-Cat <

Try before you buy this summer by contacting me.

Thanks guys……thats a bunch of info to digest.

You have a little time B.

PS they make a decent Muskie rod as well, but you didn’t hear that from me.