Catfishing Newbie Tackle Questions

[The Bill TM]

I have just started getting into freshwater fishing again and was looking for some advice on a setup. I will probably mostly be fishing from a shore on the Raritan River or Millstone River by me for Channel Cats. When casting I normally gravitate towards a spinning setup just because of my uneducated thumb.

I picked up two Aurora Pro Cat II rods, both are 6'6 eglass/graphite rods while one is Med and the other is med/heavy.

My questions are in regards to the rest of my gear, reel selection and rigging etc. I am currently using an okuma avenger reel with 30LB high vis yellow braid. I have a 2/0 circle hook with bait holders with a 1/2 oz egg sinker 2 feet above it and a small slipshot below it to hold it in place. For bait I am using chicken liver.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Normally when starting out a new type of fishing I will just sit back and watch someone more experienced than me (while trying my hardest to not get in their way) and try to learn. Unfortunately where/when I fish it seems to not be a popular spot.

[NorthJerzyG]

Sounds about right to me. Only thing is, depending on current, I would use as little weight as possible. Strong current, heavier weight, etc.

Also, once you get a few under your belt, try using a lighter line. Lighter line - More Fun!!! Unless of course your landing 10-15# cats regularly. Then I'd stick with 30#.

Last, livers def work well, but sometimes you just can't beat fresh cut bait. Good luck out there..........

[goodfishin]

I'm pretty new to the catfishing thing too but from my limited experience, your setup is just fine to catch plenty of cats.

I would echo the prior comment though. Could probably use a lighter line. I have a bunch of different spinning rod/reels that I use for catfishing and the heaviest line I have spooled on any of them is 16#. Caught the five 20-22" channel cats I mentioned in my other post on a rod with 12# test. Only time I thought they might break of was when I had to lift them a few feet out of the water... The lighter setup definitely makes the battle a bit more fun. Also makes the line harder to see if you're fishing when there's some visibility. Then again, I'd suggest giving the night fishing thing a try. Couldn't believe how hard they were biting from 9-10 pm the other night...

Keep us posted!

[jimmythegreek]

The only thing I would do different is run a floro leader and use a swivel w a bead above to stop ur egg sinker if using heavier weight lead, otherwise thats a standard bottom rig. I prefer to use the sinkers that have the plastic snap up top, lets u change weights without havin to re-tie. Another way Ive seen is to use the plastic clevis sliders, often used for bottom fishing in salt water, easy weight change and they usually break first if snagged

[acabtp]

Originally Posted by jimmythegreek

Another way Ive seen is to use the plastic clevis sliders, often used for bottom fishing in salt water, easy weight change and they usually break first if snagged

i used to like those back in the day fluking when i ran mono, but haven't found any that can stand up to braid without getting sawn apart... anybody else find ones that work with that?

[Jigman13]

If you're talking about fishfinder slides then yes... They do make them out of higher density materials nowadays to prevent braid from cutting into them. Most tackle shops and marine stores carry them. Been using them for years chunking bunker and clams for bass off the beaches.

[jimmythegreek]

yep thats them, work great. I used to fish alot from my pops house right on the water in bradley beach. I would bring 2 rods and live line bunker w those. U tie a heavy sinker like 4oz for example, and chuck it as far as u possibly can. They make the sliders that twist on the line afterwards, dont need to thread it thru beforehand. Make a leader like 5-6ft and tie the hook and a swivel on both ends and clip it on w a fresh bunker. Lift ur rod as high as u can and it slides the bunker down like a zip line. The sucker can swim up and down on his own and on a bait runner reel u know when u got one on, it would prob work just the same in the river w some live bait or a small sunny

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by jimmythegreek

They make the sliders that twist on the line afterwards, dont need to thread it thru beforehand.

These? If so, I've used them in the surf, too. Stronger ocean tides often caused them to turn and either open up completely shedding your sinker or "catch" the braid on its edges causing a jam which eliminated the purpose of the fishfinder. If fishing in a river, you may be susceptible to comparable issues.

The ones I was using could've just as easily been pieces of crap or it could've been user error on my part.

[SkillfulAngler908]

I usually keep it simple for catfishing. A bass hook and a chunk of hotdog caught me plenty of nice sized cats from a small lake I used to fish years ago. In the rivers use just enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Livers or hotdogs usually work best for me. Cut bait and live bait work for many people, but I personally have never done well with it except for cut eels. Big cats seem to have a thing for eel heads. Good luck and post some pics!

[The Bill TM]

Thanks everyone, I have a lot of different techniques to try now. I will be sure and share any really good results in this board.