| There are no set specifications on what tackle you | | | | reel or a open face reel spooled with 30 to 50 lbs fire |
| should use for big catfish in the over 20 lbs range, | | | | line. Make sure which ever reel you chose it matches |
| but if you have been a catfish angler for any length | | | | your rod selection and is designed to use large pond |
| of time you understand that big fish like a 30 lbs blue | | | | test lines. The reason I suggest you get fire line is |
| catfish or a 25 lbs channel catfish will need some | | | | because the large test lines such as 30 to 50 lbs test |
| very powerful tackle. Our article today will focus on | | | | have a diameter size about ½ of what |
| some suggested tackle. | | | | monofilament line is. For you catfish bait fishing rig I |
| When you are fishing big rivers and there is a strong | | | | suggest you use a what is called a three way swivel |
| current you need to go big on your tackle. A good | | | | rig. |
| surfcasting rod and reel combo spooled with 30 to 50 | | | | To Make a three way swivel fishing rig tie the three |
| lb fire wire fishing line is a good start. The surf rod | | | | way swivel onto your line first. Next tie a 8 to 12 |
| will get your catfish bait where it needs to be, and | | | | inch dropper leader with a 3 oz to 5 oz pyramid |
| will help you when your fighting your big catfish. You | | | | sinker. Next tie your 50lb test fire line leader 16 to 28 |
| will be able to cast your large baits into current areas | | | | inches in length with a 5/0 to 7/0 hook. Just a note if |
| and with the proper catfish fishing rig you will be able | | | | the current is extremely strong you will need to go |
| to keep you catfish bait on the bottom. When you | | | | with a larger pyramid sinker, because you need to |
| fish strong current areas you will need a good supply | | | | hold on the bottom to be successful. |
| of 4 to 5 oz pyramid sinks the are the best bet to | | | | For fishing large reservoirs a pontoon boat works |
| keep your bait from rolling. You will also need hook | | | | great for fishing for large catfish such as blue catfish |
| sizes from a 5/0 to 7/0 size range. A simple fishing | | | | and channel catfish. But if you are fishing rivers they |
| rig would include the pyramid sinker tied on the end | | | | are not a good idea. If you plan on fishing large rivers |
| of the line and your 5/0 to 7/0 hook tied on about | | | | with strong currents a good suggestion would be a |
| 3ft up the line with a loop knot. You could use | | | | 16 to 20 ft aluminum deep v designed hull boat. You |
| gizzard shad or skipjack herring cut bait cut in large | | | | want to have a larger boat so you have the room to |
| chunks. | | | | maneuver when you are trying to land a large trophy |
| If you are drift fishing for big catfish such as blue | | | | blue catfish or channel catfish. |
| catfish and channel catfish you may want to use a 7 | | | | Well folks that concludes my article today about |
| to 8 ft medium power bating casting rod, or medium | | | | catfish fishing rigs and tackle. Have a great day and |
| action open face reel rod with either a bait casting | | | | we wish the best of luck on your next fishing trip. |