Species guide
Catfish Fishing: Gear and Setups
Bottom-feeding fish that reach sizes nothing else in most US freshwater does. Tackle is chosen for holding power and for hooks that set themselves.
Catfish setups by technique
Generated by our recommendation engine for an average fish in water typical for the species. Adjust for your water with the Setup Builder.
| Technique | Rod | Reel | Main line | Leader | Hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinning | 7'–8' Medium Heavy power · Moderate action |
4000–6000 Spinning reel |
20–30 lb Monofilament |
30–40 lb Monofilament |
4/0–6/0 Circle hook |
| Baitcasting | 7'6"–8'6" Heavy power · Moderate action |
200–300 Baitcasting reel |
25–40 lb Monofilament |
40–60 lb Monofilament |
5/0–8/0 Circle hook |
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
Where to find catfish
Rivers, reservoirs and ponds across most of the country. Channel cats use current seams, holes and flats after dark; blues and flatheads hold in deeper river structure.
How they feed
Feed largely by smell and by the lateral line, which is why scent baits work at night and in muddy water. Bait is usually fished on bottom with the rod in a holder, which is exactly the situation circle hooks are designed for.
Typical size
Channel catfish commonly run 2 to 10 pounds. Blue and flathead catfish routinely exceed 20 pounds in large river systems and reach far beyond that.
Through the year
Most active in warm water. Summer nights are prime for channel cats in shallow flats; blues and flatheads stay catchable through cold months in deep river holes.
What to put on the end of the line
Baits and lures our engine has rules for, for the techniques catfish are most often caught on.
Nightcrawler
The default live bait for most freshwater fish in the country.
Hook size for thisLive minnow
Shiners, fatheads and chubs, fished under a float or on a bottom rig.
Hook size for thisCrawfish
A primary forage item for bass and catfish where they occur.
Hook size for thisLarge live shiner
Big baitfish for big fish, usually free-lined or under a float.
Hook size for thisCut bait
Chunks of bunker, mullet, herring, shad or other fresh baitfish.
Hook size for thisChicken liver
A cheap, effective channel catfish bait that is difficult to keep on a hook.
Hook size for thisStink bait or punch bait
Scent-heavy prepared bait for channel catfish in stained or moving water.
Hook size for thisCommon catfish mistakes
Setting the hook on a circle hook
A circle hook works because the fish turns and the hook slides to the jaw corner. Swinging on it pulls it out. Reel until the rod loads.
Line too light for the structure
Catfish take you into rock, wood and current. Break-offs are usually a structure problem, not a fish-size problem.
Burying the hook point in the bait
Leave the point exposed. A hook point buried in a chunk of cut bait cannot find purchase.
Regulations
Some states restrict trotlines, jugs and limb lines, and several set limits on trophy-sized blue and flathead catfish. Check your state agency's rules on gear and on size limits.
Build a complete catfish setup
Answer five short questions and get a complete setup: rod length, power and action, reel size, main line, leader and hook, each with the reasoning behind it.
Reference charts
- Fishing Hook Size ChartEvery size from #28 to 12/0 with what each one is used for, and why the same number differs between brands.
- Fishing Reel Size ChartSpinning, baitcasting, conventional and fly reel classes with typical line capacity and what each size is for.
- Fishing Line Size ChartPound test against typical diameter for mono, fluorocarbon and braid, and how to compare them fairly.
- Fishing Rod Size GuideWhat length, power and action each control, and how to read the specs printed on a blank.