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Table of Contents
What weights should I use for catfish?
Catfish aren’t line-shy, so you can use light or heavy fishing line as situations dictate. High-strength, small-diameter monofilaments testing 15 to 25 pounds are good inexpensive choices for all-round use, but when hunting the big boys, you may have to upgrade to 30-, 40-, even 80-pound-test.
What sinker is best for catfish?
The bell or bass-casting sinker sporting a swivel top has become one of the most popular sinkers among catfish anglers. It’s a good multipurpose sinker to keep in the catbag for anchoring set rigs and for drifting. Bell sinkers anchor rigs better than egg sinkers do, but not quite as well as flat sinker designs.
What is the pound leader for catfish?
Leader Line: 40 to 50 Lb clear monofilament leader or fluorocarbon leader. The heavier weight leader line helps serve as a shock absorber during aggressive strikes as well as additional abrasion resistance for the rough mouth of a catfish.
A flexible drift weight that holds memory to allow the weight to drag through logs and rocks
Bass fishermen use a similar setup, commonly referred to as the “Carolina rig”. The slip sinker rig is the same setup, but the tackle used when fishing for catfish is very different. Catfish anglers commonly refer to this as a slip sinker rig and it is rare for a catfish angler to hear the term ‘Carolina Rig’.
The slip sinker rig is one of the most popular catfish rigs and is the go-to setup for catfish fishing for many anglers in the United States.
It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but it’s versatile and…
It can be used for anchor fishing, drift fishing, vertical fishing, with techniques such as controlled drifting or bottom fishing with a “fixed line”.
It can be used on all three main types of Catfish, Blues, Channels and Flatheads.
It can also be used in any body of water, from lakes and reservoirs to large rivers or ponds and everything in between.
The Popularity of the Slip Sinker Rig
The slip sinker rig is popular for several reasons:
It allows the catfish to pull the line without encountering significant resistance from the lead.
from the sinker. It allows functional use of the bait clicker (line alarm) allowing fish to “walk” with the catfish bait
It is also suitable for smaller fish and large trophy-class cats.
Adding a small float will help lift the lure off the bottom of the lake or river, turning it into a Santee rig
It is versatile for fishing with a range of different types of catfish baits.
Items needed for the Slip Sinker Catfish Rig
Trace line: 40 to 50 lb clear monofilament trace or fluorocarbon trace. The heavier leader acts as a shock absorber for aggressive strikes as well as added abrasion resistance for a catfish’s rough mouth.
Hook: Any hook will work for the most part, so your preferred option is fine. For channel catfish fishing with prepared baits we prefer a #4 or #6 4X strength treble. Circle hooks are our favorites for blue catfish, flatheads and larger channel cats. Popular circle hook options include the Team Catfish Double Action Circle Hook in sizes 5/0 or 8/0. If you prefer an octopus-style circle hook, check out the Whisker Seeker Octo-Circle.
Swivels: There are many sizes and styles of running swivels that work. You can use the plain brass swivel or try something like a ball bearing swivel or crane swivel for extra power. Popular sizes are size 1/0 and size three. Simply adjust the swivel size to the size of the catfish you are targeting.
Sinker/Weight: Egg-sinkers or no-roll sinkers are preferred by most catfish anglers when fishing at anchor or hanging cats with the slip-sinker rig. For drift fishing, consider using a Snagless drift fishing sinker like the Team Catfish Smooth Operator Sinker.
For more detailed information on the catfishing gear required for this rig and more, visit the Ultimate Guide To Catfishing Gear.
How to tie the Slip Sinker Rig
Determine the length of the hooklink and cut it to the appropriate length (allow a few extra inches for knots etc. to give you some room to work). Twelve to eighteen inches is a good general length and is preferred by most anglers.
and trim to the appropriate length (leave a few extra inches to tie for knots, etc. so you have some room to work). Twelve to eighteen inches is a good general length and is preferred by most anglers. The longer the leader, the more a fish can move with your bait without you feeling it, and the more the bait moves in the water.
Longer hooklengths also tend to hang up more. So if you’re fishing in water where there are a lot of obstacles or if you’re having trouble getting caught, try cutting your hooklink to length.
A longer hooklength can be used for aggressive fish, but when the fish are less aggressive a shorter hooklength length will give you a better feel and you will know sooner when a fish is “playing” with your bait.
Tie the hook to the leader line with a Palomar knot or the simple Snell knot. The lightweight Snell is preferred for circles as it affects hook direction and can affect hook set. Learn more about these knots in The Four Fishing Knots Every Catfish Angler Should Know.
with a Palomar knot or the simple Snell knot. The lightweight Snell is preferred for circles as it affects hook direction and can affect hook set. Learn more about these knots in The Four Fishing Knots Every Catfish Angler Should Know. Tie the swivel to the leader with a Palomar knot.
with a Palomar knot. Slide an Egg Sinker, No Roll Sinker or other Sliding Sinker onto the main line (fishing line leading to your reel).
Slide a bead or sinker bumper onto the main line after the sinker. This helps absorb the impact of the plumb line sliding into the swivel and protects the knot.
after the sinker. This helps absorb the impact of the plumb line sliding into the swivel and protects the knot. Tie the main line (from your reel) to the end of the swivel not connected to the hooklink with a trilene knot.
Cut the excess cord from all knots.
When you’re done, the slip sinker rig should look like the image above
Here is the video walkthrough
Beads and bumpers, are they necessary?
Most instructions you will find on the slip sinker rig will tell you that the weight constantly banging against the swivel will cause the knot to weaken or the line to break and you will need a sinker bumper or bead have to use.
I have been a catfish guide for over 20 years and before that I had countless years of experience fishing for catfish. In that time I have never had a broken line or knot due to not having a bead or bumper on a slip sinker rig.
If you are fishing rivers with strong currents or using larger heavy leads it is a good idea to use a bumper or bead. If you’re fishing in still waters and using smaller sinkers, these really aren’t necessary in many applications.
They’re an inexpensive and simple device, so I recommend their use, but nowhere near as important as many would lead you to believe they are.
The must-know catfishing rig
The slip sinker rig is one of the most popular ways to rig catfish due to its versatility and effectiveness and is definitely a catfish rig to try if you have never used one before.
Experiment with the length of the hooklink and try using this catfish rig with different catfish techniques and you will find that this is an effective and versatile style of setup that works very well for catching all species of catfish.
When fishing circle hooks as we recommend, make sure you use a catfish rod that is built for use with circle hooks and is rated for catching catfish of all sizes like my Chad Ferguson Signature Series catfish rod.
To get on the fast track to catching more catfish, check out the Catfish Edge products. These in-depth guides are designed to help you provide all the details you need for catching catfish using different techniques or at different times of the year. You’ll be out on the water like a guided fishing trip at a fraction of the cost.
Want more about catfish rigs?
Check out all of our catfish rig tutorials which cover everything you need to know and more. Here on the Welsrigs page you will learn the basics of rigging for different catfish species and different catfish techniques.
How fast does a 1 oz weight sink?
| Ceramic Sinker / Jig Weight | Time To Sink 100 feet in Freshwater | Time To Sink 100 feet in Saltwater |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | 20 seconds | 21 seconds |
| 2 oz | 18 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 3 oz | 17 seconds | 17 seconds |
| 4 oz | 16 seconds | 16 seconds |
A flexible drift weight that holds memory to allow the weight to drag through logs and rocks
That’s exactly what I’ve been wondering for a while!
So I spent my weekend working out the numbers to determine how fast a lead based fishing weight or jig would sink in freshwater and saltwater.
Lead Sinker / Jig Weight Sinking time 100 feet in fresh water Sinking time 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 27 seconds 27 seconds 1/32 oz 24 seconds 24 seconds 1/16 oz 21 seconds 22 seconds 1/8 oz 19 seconds 19 seconds 3/16 oz 18 seconds 18 seconds 1/4 oz 17 seconds 17 seconds 3/8 oz 16 seconds 16 seconds 1/2 oz 15 seconds 15 seconds 3/4 oz 14 seconds 14 seconds 1 oz 13 seconds 14 seconds 2 oz 12 seconds 12 seconds 3 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 4 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 5 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 6 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 7 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 8 ounces 9 seconds 10 seconds 10 ounces 9 seconds 9 seconds 12 ounces 9 seconds 9 seconds
There is not much difference between fresh and salt water for the time it takes to sink 100 feet. The slight time difference is due to the fact that salt water is about 2.5% denser than fresh water due to its salinity. This higher density slows down the sinking speed of a fishing weight or jig, which is the main reason for the slight time difference.
The cost of shoeing a horse Please enable JavaScript The cost of shoeing a horse
What if you fish at 100 feet?
If you’re fishing at depths other than 100 feet, then you’re in luck. The sink times listed above may scale linearly. Let’s quickly go through some examples to give you a quick idea of what I mean.
Example 1: Let’s say you’re fishing in saltwater and using a 6oz to get to a depth of 250 feet. You want to know how long it will take to reach that depth.
First, take your desired depth and divide it by 100 feet. 250 feet divided by 100 feet equals 2.5. Then take 2.5 and multiply it by 10 seconds listed in the table above for salt water and 6 ounce weight. This gives you 25 seconds for the weight to drop to 250 feet.
Example 2: Let’s say you’re fishing freshwater and using a 1/4 oz jig to reach a depth of 30 feet.
First, take your desired depth and divide it by 100 feet. 30 feet divided by 100 feet is 0.3. Then take 0.3 and multiply it by 17 seconds listed in the chart above for freshwater and 1/4 oz jig. This gives you 5 seconds for the weight to drop to 30 feet.
How are these times determined?
Whenever I get the opportunity to dabble with numbers, I absolutely love it.
I determined these numbers using physics, which takes into account the sinker’s buoyancy and drag forces slowing the sinker as it falls.
What are the sink times of alternative fishing weight materials?
The majority of fishing weights on the market today are made from lead, which has been shown to have a negative impact on the environment. I actually wrote an article on how lead weights have impacted the environment if you’re interested in learning more.
So if you are interested in using circuit boards or jigs made from other commonly used materials then I have worked the time it takes to sink 100 feet in fresh and salt water.
Time for ceramic boards to sink 100 feet
Ceramic lead / jig weight Time to sink 100 feet in fresh water Time to sink 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 41 seconds 41 seconds 1/32 oz 36 seconds 37 seconds 1/16 oz 32 seconds 33 seconds 1/8 oz 29 seconds 29 seconds 3 /16 oz 27 seconds 27 seconds 1/4 oz 26 seconds 26 seconds 3/8 oz 24 seconds 24 seconds 1/2 oz 23 seconds 23 seconds 3/4 oz 21 seconds 22 seconds 1 oz 20 seconds 21 seconds 2 oz 18 seconds 18 Seconds 3 ounces 17 seconds 17 seconds 4 ounces 16 seconds 16 seconds 5 ounces 16 seconds 16 seconds 6 ounces 15 seconds 15 seconds 7 ounces 15 seconds 15 seconds 8 ounces 14 seconds 15 seconds 10 ounces 14 seconds 14 seconds 12 ounces 13 seconds 14 seconds
Time for bismuth sinkers to sink 100 feet
Bismuth Sinker / Jig Weight Sinking time 100 feet in fresh water Sinking time 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 28 seconds 29 seconds 1/32 oz 25 seconds 26 seconds 1/16 oz 23 seconds 23 seconds 1/8 oz 20 seconds 20 seconds 3/16 oz 19 seconds 19 seconds 1/4 oz 18 seconds 18 seconds 3/8 oz 17 seconds 17 seconds 1/2 oz 16 seconds 16 seconds 3/4 oz 15 seconds 15 seconds 1 oz 14 seconds 14 seconds 2 oz 13 seconds 13 seconds 3 ounces 12 seconds 12 seconds 4 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 5 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 6 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 7 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 8 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 10 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 12 ounces 9 seconds 10 seconds
Time for Brass to sink 100 feet
Brass lead/jig weight Time to sink 100 feet in fresh water Time to sink 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 30 seconds 30 seconds 1/32 oz 27 seconds 27 seconds 1/16 oz 24 seconds 24 seconds 1/8 oz 21 seconds 22 seconds 3 /16 oz 20 seconds 20 seconds 1/4 oz 19 seconds 19 seconds 3/8 oz 18 seconds 18 seconds 1/2 oz 17 seconds 17 seconds 3/4 oz 16 seconds 16 seconds 1 oz 15 seconds 15 seconds 2 oz 13 seconds 14 Seconds 3 ounces 12 seconds 13 seconds 4 ounces 12 seconds 12 seconds 5 ounces 11 seconds 12 seconds 6 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 7 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 8 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 10 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 12 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds
Time for Wolfram to drop 100 feet
Tungsten Sinker / Jig Weight Sinking time 100 feet in fresh water Sinking time 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 22 seconds 22 seconds 1/32 oz 20 seconds 20 seconds 1/16 oz 17 seconds 18 seconds 1/8 oz 16 seconds 16 seconds 3/16 oz 15 seconds 15 seconds 1/4 oz 14 seconds 14 seconds 3/8 oz 13 seconds 13 seconds 1/2 oz 12 seconds 13 seconds 3/4 oz 12 seconds 12 seconds 1 oz 11 seconds 11 seconds 2 oz 10 seconds 10 seconds 3 ounces 9 seconds 9 seconds 4 ounces 9 seconds 9 seconds 5 ounces 8 seconds 9 seconds 6 ounces 8 seconds 8 seconds 7 ounces 8 seconds 8 seconds 8 ounces 8 seconds 8 seconds 10 ounces 7 seconds 8 seconds 12 ounces 7 seconds 7 seconds
Time for tin to sink 100 feet
Tin Sinker / Jig Weight Time to sink 100 feet in fresh water Time to sink 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 23 seconds 23 seconds 1/32 oz 21 seconds 21 seconds 1/16 oz 18 seconds 19 seconds 1/8 oz 16 seconds 17 Seconds 3/16 oz 15 seconds 15 seconds 1/4 oz 15 seconds 15 seconds 3/8 oz 14 seconds 14 seconds 1/2 oz 13 seconds 13 seconds 3/4 oz 12 seconds 12 seconds 1 oz 12 seconds 12 seconds 2 oz 10 Seconds 10 seconds 3 ounces 10 seconds 10 seconds 4 ounces 9 seconds 9 seconds 5 ounces 9 seconds 9 seconds 6 ounces 9 seconds 9 seconds 7 ounces 8 seconds 8 seconds 8 ounces 8 seconds 8 seconds 10 ounces 8 seconds 8 seconds 12 ounces 8 seconds 8 seconds
Time for steel to sink 100 feet
Steel Lead / Jig Weight Time to sink 100 feet in fresh water Time to sink 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 32 seconds 32 seconds 1/32 oz 28 seconds 29 seconds 1/16 oz 25 seconds 26 seconds 1/8 oz 22 seconds 23 seconds 3/16 oz 21 seconds 21 seconds 1/4 oz 20 seconds 20 seconds 3/8 oz 19 seconds 19 seconds 1/2 oz 18 seconds 18 seconds 3/4 oz 17 seconds 17 seconds 1 oz 16 seconds 16 Seconds 2 oz 14 seconds 14 seconds 3 ounces 13 seconds 13 seconds 4 ounces 13 seconds 13 seconds 5 ounces 12 seconds 12 seconds 6 ounces 12 seconds 12 seconds 7 ounces 11 seconds 12 seconds 8 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 10 ounces 11 seconds 11 seconds 12 ounces 10 seconds 11 seconds
Time for Stein to sink 100 feet
Stone Sinker / Jig Weight Sinking time 100 feet in fresh water Sinking time 100 feet in salt water 1/64 oz 51 seconds 52 seconds 1/32 oz 45 seconds 46 seconds 1/16 oz 40 seconds 41 seconds 1/8 oz 36 seconds 37 seconds 3/16 oz 34 seconds 34 seconds 1/4 oz 32 seconds 33 seconds 3/8 oz 30 seconds 31 seconds 1/2 oz 29 seconds 29 seconds 3/4 oz 27 seconds 27 seconds 1 oz 25 seconds 26 seconds 2 oz 23 seconds 23 seconds 3 ounces 21 seconds 22 seconds 4 ounces 20 seconds 21 seconds 5 ounces 19 seconds 20 seconds 6 ounces 19 seconds 19 seconds 7 ounces 18 seconds 19 seconds 8 ounces 18 seconds 18 seconds 10 ounces 17 seconds 18 seconds 12 ounces 17 seconds 17 seconds
Time for terpene putty to sink 100 feet
Terpene Resin Putty Sinker / Jig Weight Sink Time 100 ft in Fresh Water Sink Time 100 ft in Salt Water 1/64 oz 28 seconds 29 seconds 1/32 oz 25 seconds 25 seconds 1/16 oz 22 seconds 23 seconds 1/8 oz 20 seconds 20 seconds 3 /16 oz 19 seconds 19 seconds 1/4 oz 18 seconds 18 seconds 3/8 oz 17 seconds 17 seconds 1/2 oz 16 seconds 16 seconds 3/4 oz 15 seconds 15 seconds 1 oz 14 seconds 14 seconds 2 oz 13 seconds 13 Seconds 3 oz 12 Seconds 12 Seconds 4 oz 11 Seconds 11 Seconds 5 oz 11 Seconds 11 Seconds 6 oz 10 Seconds 11 Seconds 7 oz 10 Seconds 10 Seconds 8 oz 10 Seconds 10 Seconds 10 oz 10 Seconds 10 Seconds 12 oz 9 Seconds 9 Seconds
time to weigh in
I hope these charts will help you get a feel for how fast your sinker or jig will sink in fresh and salt water and are another resource to help you improve your fishing game.
Happy fishing and tight lines
How heavy is a size 1 sinker?
| Sinker size | Pieces supplied in 1 packet | (Approx weight per sinker) |
|---|---|---|
| Size 0 | 100pcs value pack (Or 18pcs pre pack) | 2 grams |
| Size 1 | 70pcs value pack (Or 12pcs pre pack) | 4 grams |
| Size 2 | 50pcs value pack (Or 9pcs pre pack) | 7 grams |
| Size 3 | 35pcs value pack (Or 7pcs pre pack) | 9 grams |
A flexible drift weight that holds memory to allow the weight to drag through logs and rocks
Aptly named for its shape, the ball sinker is arguably the most popular sinker used by recreational anglers.
Specifically designed to operate sinker rigs, the Ball Sinker gives you extra mobility and flexibility for a rich fishing experience.
Instead of a fixed point in the board like the normal boards, the ball sinker has a hole through the entire board. This hole can be used to put your main line through, allowing for more flexibility.
Usually the sinker is placed directly to the hook or stored over any swivel connection for passage through the main line.
The biggest benefit of using sinkers is that the bait is quite free to move in the water. This gives you the most flexible bait positions possible given any given fishing condition.
Features and Specifications
Type: Ball Point
Specially developed for the operation of sinker rigs
Less resistance for smooth pouring
Spherical design
Available in multiple sizes (prices vary based on size selected, price is for 1 pack only. Images for illustrative purposes. Select required size when ordering)
Board Size Pieces are supplied in 1 pack (weight per board approx.) Size 00 26 pieces pre pack 1 gram Size 0 100 pieces value pack (or 18 pieces pre pack) 2 grams Size 1 70 pieces value pack (or 12 pieces pre pack) 4 grams Size 2 50 Piece Value Pack (or 9 pack) 7 grams Size 3 35 piece Value Pack (or 7 pack) 9 grams Size 4 20 piece Value Pack (or 5 pack) 15 grams Size 5 15 piece Value Pack (or 4 pack) 25 grams Size 6 3 pieces pre-pack 40 grams Size 7 3 pieces pre-pack 55 grams Size 8 2 pieces pre-pack 60 grams Size 9 2 pieces pre-pack 85 grams Size 10 2 pieces pre-pack 100 grams
advantages
The most popular sinker among recreational anglers, no matter where you fish! Beach, rock, estuary, fresh water or deep sea – the ball sinker can be used in any environment
Allows the bait to move freely
Offers the most flexible bait positions
Get the ball today and add some ballsinks to your shopping cart!
Note: Boards are normally only available for Australian shipments due to weight. Shipping abroad is not excluded for us, however, additional weight-related surcharges may apply for shipping abroad if you order more than 3 packages.
What size hooks should I use for catfish?
A number two hook is a good size treble for very large catfish and the largest you want to go with. A number 6 hook is a reliable, standard size. You might use the number 8 if you’re looking for smaller cats. Trebles are ideal for punch baits and dip baits.
A flexible drift weight that holds memory to allow the weight to drag through logs and rocks
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Catfish fishing requires special equipment. You could try using any old hook to catch catfish but it might not work. Catfish have thicker, tougher mouths than most fish. Combined with their size and strength, this means you don’t need any special hooks. There are several options to choose from. The best choice depends on the type of catfish you want to catch.
Fishing hooks are older than most people realize. The oldest fishing hooks are around 22,000 years old. Early hooks were made from materials such as shells, horns, and bone. Bronze and iron became popular materials as humans mastered the art of metallurgy. Steel hooks first appeared in the 17th century.
Forbes Magazine named the fishing hook one of the 20 most important inventions in human history. It’s something that deserves a little time and attention.
There can be some trial and error when choosing the best hook for catfish. Not all manufacturer sizes are standard. A size 6 treble can consist of hooks that are smaller than a size 6 J-hook. It’s best to compare for yourself. See what you have the best luck with and buy your catfish hooks accordingly.
height hook
Treble hooks are standard catfish hooks for any type of fishing. They work especially well when trying to hook sewer cats. You can pick a three of a kind in a crowd because it’s a three-pronged hook. They are common in many catfish fishing facilities.
Because highs are so common, you have to be careful about where you get yours from. You can find cheap treble hooks at any tackle shop or website. You can even pick them up at places like Walmart. You want to avoid a cheap hook if possible. If the metal is of poor quality, you risk both bending and rusting. Worse, unique to these catfish hooks, the three pieces could fall apart.
A cheap treble may not say what it’s made of on the box. These are best avoided. You want to stick with carbon steel or teflon-coated stainless steel catfish hooks.
You will need to adjust the size of your hook to the size of the bait you are using or the catfish you are trying to catch. A number 2 hook is a good size treble for very large catfish and is the largest you will want to go with. A number 6 hook is a reliable standard size. You can use the number 8 if you are looking for smaller cats.
Treble hooks are ideal for punchbaits and dipbaits. The additional hooks ensure a better grip. Simply push the treble hook into the bait and it will lock into place.
Bare hooks
If you’re using anything other than prepared bait to fish for catfish, you may want a Kahle hook. The shape of a Kahle hook is not quite a J hook and it is not quite a circle hook. They are perfect for holding cut bait, crayfish and even hot dogs. The large loop means you can hook a large piece of bait. When using live baits like Bluegill the Kahle hook gives it plenty of room to spool
Try a 3/0 or 4/0 bare hook when fishing for small to medium sized catfish. Anything smaller might not hold up. However, a 2/0 can work for small channel cats. Bigger hooks might work if you know you’re after much larger catfish. A 5/0 is a good size for fish over 10 pounds.
Bare hooks are best for medium to large catfish. Normally you don’t want to fish for small catfish with a bald hook. Smaller catfish such as channel catfish are better caught with smaller trebles. The largest sewer cats can be caught with Bald Hooks. Smaller blue catfish and flathead catfish also do well on the bald hook.
Staggered circle hooks
Staggered circle hooks can be one of several types of hooks. Bald hooks, for example, are a type of circle hook. What offsets it is how the hook end twists away from the eyelet where you tie your line. Staggered circle hooks bend away. If you are unsure, place the hook on a table. If it can’t lie flat, it’s an offset hook.
Staggered circle hooks are not always legal to use. They can gut the fish and cause serious damage. Most fishing competitions prohibit the use of offset circle hooks. Unfortunately, many stores still sell them more frequently than uncompensated ones.
Unstaggered circle hooks
A non-staggered circle hook forms a straight loop. It is sometimes referred to as an inline circle hook. If you put this hook on a table it will lie flat. In some areas it is required to use circle hooks to fish legally. In-line circle hooks hook the fish in the lip or in the jaw. It’s safer for the fish. It ensures that the fish will not swallow the hook if it breaks free. Likewise, it does the least damage if it pierces her mouth. It is also unlikely that the fish will be eviscerated by accident.
If you’re using circle hooks of any kind, a size 7 or 8 works great for big fish. You can go as high as 10/0 for big blue catfish. If you are targeting medium sized catfish look for a 5/0 or 6/0 hook. If you plan on catch-and-release fishing, circle hooks are your best bet.
To the naked eye, circle hooks often look too big for the fish you’re trying to catch. If you’re not used to fishing with circle hooks, you might think you made the wrong choice. Try it first and you will see that even though it looks big, it is the right size.
J hook
As the name suggests, J-Hooks are J-shaped. These are best when using a float. They set the fishhook much better than a circle hook. If you’re not using a float, circle hooks are more appropriate. Years ago, J-hooks were the standard for catfish hooks. Circle hooks are much more popular these days. They deal less damage and hook more easily. Bait is also less likely to come out of a circle.
Octopus hook
If you are using live bait for catfish fishing, octopus hooks are a good choice. They resemble bald hooks. The main difference is that octopus hooks are more rounded. Live bait have freedom of movement on an octopus hook. This is ideal for attracting flathead catfish and channel catfish.
Limerick hook
Limerick fish hooks have much smaller curves ending in a sharp curve to the barb. This type of hook works best for small pieces of bait like liver or cut baits. If you are fishing channel cats, this could be a good fishing hook. However, they are not particularly popular catfish hooks. Many anglers could go a lifetime without a limerick hook. If you’re someone who likes variety, it’s worth a try.
materials
You can find a variety of metals used in catfish hooks. The most popular will be stainless steel. High carbon steels and alloys are also popular. The difference is the high carbon content and the alloys are better suited for saltwater fishing. They resist corrosion, which is more of a problem for saltwater. They are also stronger, which can even benefit freshwater anglers.
Nickel – Nickel is often added to prevent corrosion in fish hooks. Outside of saltwater fishing it’s not really necessary. In fact, higher levels of nickel make a fish hook brittle.
Carbon Steel – Carbon steel fishing hooks resist corrosion. They are also very strong compared to their weight. Most hook manufacturers will list the carbon number on the packaging. You’ll see things like 60 carbon steel or 110 carbon steel. The higher the number, the stronger the hook will be. A 60 carbon steel hook should be more than strong enough for any catfish fishing.
Stainless Steel – This is the most common material for fishing hooks, including catfish hooks. It is strong and corrosion resistant enough to be useful in fresh water. High carbon steel is still superior, but these work well.
Vanadium Alloy – Vanadium alloy fishing hooks are great for catfish fishing. They resist corrosion but are also very strong. Vanadium hooks are able to retain their strength even when very thin.
Gold – You can find gold plated hooks on most fishing tackle sites. Gold is one of the few metals that does not corrode. This makes it ideal for fishing hooks. Gold is a softer metal and the plating will eventually peel off. There is no particular need to purchase golden catfish hooks.
Tin – tin plated fishing hooks are very resistant to salt water. They are also cheaper than some coatings. However, they don’t add much to your ability to catch catfish.
Teflon – Teflon is a great coating for catfish hooks. It allows for easier penetration, which is invaluable when hooking a tough catfish mouth. They may also not stick to some baits due to the coating. If you can find some for a good price they are worth trying. You can get Teflon on a carbon steel fishhook and most other catfish hooks.
Bone – You won’t find many Bone Fishing Hooks for sale. However, there are several websites that will teach you how to carve your own. If you’re the kind of person who likes a challenge, this might be a good one. If you’ve been out in the woods for any length of time and want to try primitive fishing, it’s a fun skill to learn. It might also come in handy if you somehow lose your gear. They are not too difficult to carve by hand. They are also effective in catching catfish if done correctly. If you are looking for a fancy catfish hook, Bone is worth trying on your next fishing trip.
gauge
The strength of a catfish hook refers to the gauge of the wire itself. Because catfish are so strong, you need a solid gauge to catch them. The measurement scale is measured with a number followed by the letter X. The higher the number, the thicker the caliper. A thicker hook will be stronger, but it will be more difficult to penetrate the fish’s flesh. Unless you’re fishing for large trophy fish, a higher gauge is usually not required. Materials also affect strength. Carbon steel hooks are stronger than stainless steel hooks of the same gauge.
1X gauge hooks should be more than sufficient to catch most catfish. Big blues could be caught with a 2X gauge. A 3X gauge would probably be too big for most catfish. Most catfish anglers will not need hooks this size.
Experiment with which hooks you think work best until you find the best style for you.
Fastest way to make Drifting weights ( something new )
See some more details on the topic drift weights for catfishing here:
Drifting Weights – Tackle Bandit
Huge assortment of drifting and dragging weights and sinkers commonly used for Catfish, Walleye, Bass and much more!
Source: www.tacklebandit.com
Date Published: 2/15/2022
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Drifting/Dragging Weights | Dales Tackle Website
Home · Dales Tackle · Foley Spoons · Partners in Slime · Smackdown Catfishing · Reel Em Up · Cat River Anchors · RIGRAP · Hooker’s Terminal Tackle …
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Catfish: 10 How to Basics of Fishing to Fishing Tackle
Fish, worms, crayfish, liver and stinky confections made from blood and guts are catfish specials.
Some people will tell you that fishing for largemouth bass, with its tough, tail-running fighting style, is our best game fish. Others believe it’s the colourful, acrobatic trout, good-things-come-in-small-packages bluegill, rowdy crappie, or numerous other game fish, each with a particular appeal to its own band of fanatical devotees. For seven million anglers, however, the catfish is the undisputed monarch of all polar fish.
Catfishing is not a flashy sport. You don’t need a fancy boat or Magforce Powerbuster rods. No need for high-tech reels and Volkswagen-sized suitcases full of pretty lures.
Fish, worms, crayfish, liver and stinky confections made from blood and guts are the Blue Plate catfish specials. Inexpensive gear can replace fancy gear, and you can catch cats from the shore as easily as from a boat.
Glamorous? Hardly. But don’t be fooled. If you hook a catfish, you better hold on. This customer is tough, mean, temperamental and smart to boot. Smash ’em, bash ’em, bang ’em up: this is the catfish game.
Want to hook a real blowhole? A fish over 25 pounds, shall we say? Then catfish fishing should be on your fishing itinerary. A few other fish are caught over 20lbs but not regularly. If I were an odds maker, I would put 3 to 1 odds on big cats and 100 to 1 on all other blowholes. Catfish is perhaps the best food fish of all. More importantly, catfish are found in amazing numbers across a wide range of waters in the United States. Many blue ribbon catfish waters are almost untouched by catfish anglers and their prey.
The Catfish family of players
There are four main members of the catfish family in North America: the flathead catfish, blue cat, channel cat, and bullhead.
The Flathead frequents major rivers, bayous and reservoirs. It’s incredibly ugly, with a big belly, broad head, and button eyes, but what it lacks in good looks it makes up for in size. Most will average 3-10lbs, but 25-50lbs is not uncommon and Flatheads up to 123lbs have been caught with rod and reel.
The blue catfish rivals the flathead in size and can weigh close to 120 pounds. It also prefers the refuges of larger rivers and reservoirs and, like the canal cat, is usually caught over rocky, gravel or sandy bottoms.
The channel catfish is similar to the blue but rarely exceeds 15 pounds. The world record, a real giant, tipped the scales at 58. Canal cats love streams and rivers, but millions are produced each year on fish farms and are also kept in lakes and ponds.
Bullheads are found across much of the United States. Because of their small size (they rarely weigh two or three pounds), many anglers don’t target them. But in some Midwestern states like Iowa, they are the number one game fish. Many anglers contracted catfish fever when they were children while fishing for catfish.
rods and reels
Baitcasting reels provide plenty of power to reel in big fish.
Catfish fishermen probably use a wider range of rods and reels than any other group of sport fishermen, everything from tiny spinning outfits that fit under a car seat to super-long surfcasting rods with huge reels.
If you spend most of your time looking for bullheads, an ultralight spinning outfit works great. If channel cats are your target and you’re fishing in waters where 5- to 10-pounders sometimes appear, a medium-action 6-foot bass rod combo can be the ticket to satisfaction. If you’re hoping to snag one of those 100-pounders lurking out there somewhere, you better arm yourself with a heavy-action baitcasting rig made from the toughest materials.
This really is common sense shopping. Check out the options available and then buy the best combination you can afford for the conditions and catfish you typically encounter.
Baitcasting, spinning or spincasting reels?
Baitcasting reels provide more power to reel in big fish. The best models hold at least 200 yards of 17- to 20-pound monofilament. Good ones also have a “clicker” mechanism that will beep when the line is pulled off the reel, indicating that a catfish is taking your bait. The clicker also maintains a soft, even tension on the spool, preventing a cat from kicking back the reel when running with a bait.
Spinning reels also have a place in catfish fishing, although they don’t offer the raw power or line take-up speed that baitcasters offer. Their primary use is for light line fishing (anything under the 12-14 pound test). They handle smaller diameter lines better, and if you want to have a good time catching cats and not get too upset if a monster snaps your line, traditional bass fishing models work well.
Spincast reels are still the traditional favorites of many catfish fans. None have the winding power or line capacity of a large baitcaster, but each offers easy push-button casting control with a soft delivery suitable for small baits. This type of reel is perfect for kids learning to cast, but don’t expect them to do well in a fight against a hard-fighting trophy-class catfish.
fishing line
If you’re chasing the big boys, you may need to step up the 30, 40, or even 80 pound test.
Catfish are not line shy, so you can use light or heavy fishing line depending on the situation. Small diameter, high-tenacity monofilaments that test 15-25 pounds are a good, inexpensive choice for all-around use, but if you’re chasing the big boys you may need to upgrade to 30-, 40-, or even 80-pound tests . When you fish rocky tailraces, torn banks and heavy timber roofing you need a strong line that will resist abrasion. In these situations, braided lines may be best.
fishing hook
There are two main considerations when choosing a hook for catfish fishing – size and style.
Always use the smallest hook possible. Small hooks penetrate faster than large hooks. Smaller hooks also allow for better bait presentation.
However, small does not mean thin. The thin wire hooks often used by pan fishermen will stand up even when hooked up to a modestly sized catfish. Use heavy constructions strong enough to hold the fish you are targeting.
Match the size of the hook to the type and size of the bait. Remember that the tip of the hook should remain clearly visible after spearing the bait. A hook that is too small can fall back into the bait on the hook set and not create the desired connection.
When fishing for small catfish with small lures, you may not need anything larger than a #2 to #1 fishhook. A 1/0 or 2/0 hook is good when presenting a small strip of thin cutbait, but a 3/0 or 4/0 hook may be required when preparing cutbait in thick chunks. A 5/0 or 6/0 is required when using bluegills and other live baitfish up to 6 inches. Switch to even larger hooks when using one-pound lures to attract trophy-sized cats.
Most catfish fishermen have several different hook designs in their tackle box. Styles commonly used for live bait and cutbait fishing include Sproat, O’Shaughnessy, Round Bend or Viking, Faultless, Kirby, Kahle and Octopus. An old favorite of many catters, the O’Shaughnessy is an excellent, heavy duty, general purpose hook available in sizes up to 10/0. The bald hook is another favorite. Its wide gap design offers plenty of room for a big live or cutbait.
Circle hooks are designed to quickly enter a cat’s mouth as it struggles against the tension of the cord.
Another style, the circle hook, is popular with catfish anglers. Circle hooks are designed to quickly enter a cat’s mouth as it struggles against the tension of the cord. Most cats hook at the corner of their mouth, not deep in their esophagus where the hook may not properly engage bony structures. Because of this, cats tend to stay hooked in the heat of battle and can be released with little or no damage.
fishing sinkers
Fishing leads are primarily used to bring bait to a water table where catfish feed. The choice depends primarily on the type of rig being fished, water depth, current speed and bottom conditions. Use a size that has just enough weight to keep your lure in place at the desired height in the water column.
Slip sinkers like the Lindy No-Snagg Slip Sinkers slide freely on your line, usually over a barrel swivel or split shot used as a stop. Commonly used examples are egg drills, ball drills and barrel slip drills.
Other sinker designs commonly used by Cat Men include Bell, Bank, Pyramid, and Bottom Bouncer sinkers.
Split Shot are versatile and practical for fishing with light tackle when small amounts of weight are needed. They are also used to balance slide poses, weigh down drift rigs, and as makeshift sinker stops on bottom rigs.
Float & float for fishing
Swimmers or swimmers add weight, making it easier to cast small baits like nightcrawlers and catalpa worms. They ensure that your bait moves efficiently to areas where catfish live. And because they move in a specific path, you know exactly where your bait is and what it’s doing. With a bobber you won’t get stuck as often, you know when a fish is biting and you can hover right over the bottom where lots of catfish are feeding.
Catfish fishermen use two basic types of bobbers, fixed bobbers that are firmly attached to the line and sliding or slipping floats like the Bass Pro Shop Premium Balsa Slip Floats that move freely along the line.
Fixed bobbers are best for fishing in waters no deeper than the length of your rod or pole. This type of float allows the lure to remain at a preset depth after the cast.
In deeper water or when casting long distances, use a glide float to avoid casting problems caused by the long line between float and hook. These bobbers slide up and down the line and your entire rigging (bobber, sinker and hook) can be furled almost to the rod tip. When throwing, the float floats while the sinker pulls the line through the float. A bobber stop or stop knot on the line stops the line movement and keeps the bait at the desired depth.
Adding swivels to your fishing tackle
Because catfish have a tendency to twist and roll when hooked (like many live baits used for catfish fishing), many anglers like to add a swivel to their rigs. Swivels also serve as “stops” between slip sinkers and hooks.
When using swivels, avoid cheap brass-plated models. Use high quality ball bearing swivels instead. The extra cost could mean the difference between landing a trophy or losing a trophy.
Tip: A great way to save money while stocking up on the most popular swivel sizes. Try the Bass Pro Shops® 50 Piece Ball Bearing Swivel Assortment
fishing accessories
Additional gear that you may want to purchase for catfish fishing are:
Basic selection of fishing baits
Large flatheads prefer live fish (minnows, small sunfish, allice shad, etc.) on the hook to stay alive.
Large blue catfish are most commonly caught on oily baitfish such as shad and herring that have been cut into chunks or fillets.
Channel catfish, sculpins, small blues and small flatheads will eat almost anything. Live crayfish, minnows, night owls, allice shad, caterpillar worms, salamanders, insects (especially grasshoppers), frogs, leeches. Almost everything dead like: chicken liver, mussels, shrimp, allis shad, frogs. Weird stuff like Tender Chunks dog food, marshmallows, hot dogs, and ivory soap. Foul-smelling brew of cheese, putrid flesh, blood, and entrails; Stuff that could honestly choke a maggot, actually throw the maggots in for good measure. And sometimes jigs and crankbaits.
A flexible drift weight that holds memory to allow the weight to drag through logs and rocks
I first started drifting Stix as a product for my personal use. I’ve used them for several months with great success. After getting some feedback from people who have fished with me I decided to introduce it to some of the guys I fish against. I was really happy with the great reviews from the guys so I decided to sell it. I didn’t want to make a lot of money, I just believed in my product and wanted to share it with all the guys/gals in the industry. I was totally amazed by all the great things I heard from everyone and it convinced me that I made the right decision in launching my product. I work every day to develop new ideas for the industry. I look forward to adding new products to my driving Stix name in the future to help grow this amazing industry that we all enjoy.
Many Thanks,
Tone Henderson
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