Brian Klawitter wrote:

Why be so complicated? Three ways just tangle for me and that means I’m not fishing.

I use 80 pound hi vis braid to the hook. A no roll or bank sinker above the swivel with the leader (80 pound braid) of about 18″.

Hook the bullies or gills behind the dorsal fin but ahead of the tail.

Size 8/0 Super J Team Catfish hook or a 10/0 Gami J hook. I like the Super J a bit better as it has a dip in the bend that holds the bait on a bit better.

Cut bait? A good size Circle would be my choice but I don’t fish for flat much with cut.

There will be more opinions coming I’m sure. Use the one you have the most confidence in.

Let us know how you do….and photos!

I was thinking the three way because it will allow me to break off the sinker if I end up stuck rather then having to move the boat around to get loose and then having to motor back up and anchor again or cut my braid at the boat. Perhaps I am over thinking.

As far as the cut bait, there are more channel cats around my area then flatheads so I am hoping the cut bait just keeps us entertained on channels if the flatheads don’t show up.

Thanks for the tip on hook size and where to hook them. I have heard of some people using 2 hooks on bullies but I wasn’t sure if that is the “go to” or even necessary.

Pat McSharry wrote:

+1 on the Okuma Citrix for a reel. Way more comfortable to fish with all day. It has 25lb max drag vs 15lbs. 31″ line retrieve per crank vs 26″ on the 6500 C3. It’s available with a power handle for musky sized baits. Pair that with an EVX-B Musky rod and you have yourself a really nice setup for around $250

Are you fishing the Okuma CI-364 with the power handle? Someone else mentioned the Citrix 354 but what I can find does not offer the power handle

catmando wrote:

Heres my 2 cents, Abu Garcia 6500 and an 8 ft med heavy or heavy rod 80-pound braid, this is if your not throwing the real big baits. You can spend way more,if you like, the rod should have some tip action. DK.

I was looking at the Garcia 6500 but I have only ever used low profile bait casters in the past. How different is using a round reel over a low profile?

Yeah I’m not even sure how long of a rod would fit in my truck / boat. I’d have to check on that