>>791526>What is the best way to get started catfishing? 6+ foot rod. Doesn't have to be super stiff, but nothing too light. Anything that can handle a larger bass in cover will do.
While I personally prefer rear drag or bait runner spinning reels, baitcasting reels are just as great. Again, anything that can handle larger bass.
As far as line goes, I personally use 20+ lbs braid as my main line. Catfish are strong fighters, like to stick to cover, and will pull you into it whenever possible,
A usual rig consists of 3/8 to 1oz egg sinker on the main line, followed by a good sized barrel swivel (not the ones with the clasp) followed by 6 to 24 inches of 20+ lbs mono or flouro leader, and size 2 to 2/0 or even 3/0 wide gap octopus or circle hook.
Or you can just fish bait under a float. I like free lining it, especially in running water, where I can let the current carry it along the bank.
As far as bait goes, it depends on the species...
Channel cats are good on punch bait, stink bait, shrimp, and cut up panfish. Blue cats tend to love shad. You can catch them in ponds, rivers, creeks, etc, especially around cover. They are the most aggressive feeders.
Blue cats are very similar to Channel cats, but can also be caught on shad. Alive, dead, or cut up. They like bigger bodies of water with more fresh water, but otherwise act like Channel cats.
Flatheads are different in that they overwhelmingly prefer live panfish, but will also take cut bait. They like rivers and creeks and hang out under banks, around logs, and other ambush points ready to strike out at prey passing nearby.
You'll also catch Bullhead aka pollywogs/mudcats/pouts. They never get more than 2 or 3 lbs. These are the catfish that have spines along their dorsal and pectoral fins and they'll stick you if you aren't careful. It's very painful.
