Can you show me visually how to execute the following right: For targeting Wels catfish at Chigborough Lakes using the solid PVA bag method?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

To tackle the mighty **Wels catfish** at Chigborough Lakes, you'll need a robust setup using the **solid PVA bag method**. Here's a visual guide to help you rig up effectively and land those elusive giants.

### Rig Components
- **Mainline**: Opt for a 50lb-80lb braided mainline, ensuring it's sturdy enough to withstand the force of large catfish.
- **Lead Setup**: Choose a 3-5oz inline lead compatible with PVA bag fishing.
- **Leader**: Use a 50lb-80lb heavy-duty monofilament or fluorocarbon leader.
- **Hooklink**: A 30lb-50lb coated braid or Kevlar hooklink will provide the necessary abrasion resistance.
- **Hook**: A Size 1/0 to 6/0 wide gape or circle hook, specifically for catfish, is ideal.
- **Bait**: Small yellow boilie, artificial corn, or pop-up.
- **PVA Bag**: Fill with halibut pellets, fishmeal pellets, and crushed boilies.
- **Attractor**: Enhance with fish oil or krill liquid for extra scent.

### Step-by-Step Rig Setup
1. **Attach the Mainline to a Lead Clip or Inline Lead System**
   - For an inline lead, thread the lead onto your mainline and secure it with a tail rubber.
   - With a lead clip, attach your lead securely, allowing it to release under pressure if needed.

2. **Tie on a Strong Leader**
   - Use a Palomar or Albright Knot to attach a 50lb+ monofilament leader. This will withstand the abrasion from catfish teeth and snags.

3. **Create a Hair Rig for the Hook Bait**
   - Thread a small yellow boilie or pop-up onto a hair rig.
   - Secure it with a boilie stop and attach the hook using a knotless knot.

4. **Tie the Hooklink to the Leader**
   - Connect the hooklink to the leader with a strong swivel (size 4-6). Ensure it's at least 12-18 inches long for flexibility.

5. **Prepare the PVA Bag**
   - Fill a solid PVA bag with halibut pellets, fishmeal pellets, crushed boilies, and a few free offerings of your hook bait.
   - Place the hook and part of the hooklink inside the bag, then tie it securely.

6. **Final Touches**
   - Soak the PVA bag in fish oil, krill liquid, or tuna oil to create an attractive scent trail.
   - Double-check all knots for security.

### How It Works
Upon casting, the PVA bag dissolves, releasing the pellets and hook bait into a concentrated area. Your hook bait, such as a small yellow boilie or pop-up, will stand out among the pellets, tempting the Wels catfish.

### Tackle Considerations
- **Rod**: Use a 3.5lb-5lb test curve catfish rod.
- **Reel**: A big pit or baitrunner reel with at least 300m of 50lb braid.
- **Drag System**: Ensure your reel has a robust drag system to handle those thrilling catfish runs.

For a visual representation, you may want to check out this [YouTube video on catfish rigs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkOZfsGNmbk):
![Catfish Rig YouTube Video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NkOZfsGNmbk/mqdefault.jpg)

Additionally, consider these [PVA Fishing Bait Bags on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LQ7N5OI?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1):
![PVA Fishing Bait Bags](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417q81cBBYL._SL160_.jpg)

Happy fishing, and may your lines be tight as you conquer those Wels catfish! 🎣

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