What about for catfishing

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Hey there, catfish aficionado—let’s get you dialed in for some mid-fall action. Here’s a practical, no-fluff max-out plan for bank or boat catfishing.

- Gear & rigs
  - *Rods/reels*: Stout medium-heavy rod with a solid reel and 15-25 lb test line. If you’re chasing big blues, bump up to 20-40 lb leader for abrasion resistance.
  - *Hooks & leaders*: Circle hooks in the 3/0–5/0 range work great for most catfish rigs; use a strong, snag-free leader (12-24 inches) when you’re bouncing near structure.
  - *Popular rigs*: 
    - **Santee Cooper Rig**: Slip sinker on the main line, bead, swivel, leader to a hook. Great for bank fishing and lets the bait sit naturally on the bottom.
    - **Sliding sinker rig**: Sinker on the main line with a leader and hook so you can feel subtle taps and keep bait near the bottom in current.

- Baiting the bank this time of year
  - *Live and cut bait* rule: fresh cut shad or bluegill, drifting live bait when allowed, and hearty stink baits or chicken liver can coax shy fall catfish. 
  - *Seasonal tip*: fall mornings can be cool; as the sun climbs, fish often move to deeper holes and channel edges where the bottom is warmer and food pockets hold steady.

- Where and how to fish
  - Target: channel edges, holes, undercut banks, and places where depth changes quickly. Catfish hold in structure and slow current, especially as water cools.
  - Timing: mid-fall, daylight warmth helps; evenings and after-dark often pick up bites, especially in lakes and slow rivers. Use headlamps and be ready to adjust when fronts move through.
  - Presentation: keep your line taut but let a healthy drift settle; don’t over-twitch—catfish prefer a natural feel.

- Quick-technique cheatsheet
  - Cast near structure, let bait settle, then sit tight. If you see a strong bite or line jump, give a solid boat-dock reel set and a steady retrieve/hold.
  - If bites are light, try upping the bait size a bit and allowing more line to slacken before a set.
  - Use multiple rods if legal; more lines = more chances, especially in windier fall days.

- Learn from the pros (handy video & gear resources)
  - [Five CATFISH Tips I Wish I’d Known](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeyzNJJybxI)
  - [6 Tips to Catch More Catfish - How to Catch Catfish Tips & Tricks.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVbjz1BiOA4)
  - [Top 7 BEST Catfish Baits GUARANTEED To Catch MORE And BIGGER Catfish](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atTBI5drMHI)
  - [Best Bank Fishing Rigs for Catfish](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLhnv5pB8t0)
  - [BEST 5 TIPS FOR CATFISHING FROM THE BANK](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BzPO5OBwZk)

- Gear you can start with (handy kits)
  - [SILANON Catfish Rig Tackle Making Kit, 135pcs Catfishing Tackle Accessories](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFHGF4QB?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [XFISHMAN Catfish-Rig-for-Bank-Fishing-Catfishing-Tackle](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBKNCV45?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [DAMIDEL 6Pcs Catfish Fishing Rigs Ready Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D71BS4TB?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [kaleodam Catfishing Tackle Making Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZPG38ZY?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [4 Pack Catfish Rigs for Bottom Fishing, EVA Santee Rig](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSBLQV28?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Alwonder 20-Pack Fishing Double Rattle Beads](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQYMB2G?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [AGOOL Catfish Rig Making Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNXDFDMM?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Helonge Fishing Bell & Night Light Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S6LNH9N?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

- Weather note (mid fall): cool mornings, warm afternoons. Bites can surge with sun and settle with fronts. Stay flexible: deeper water, slower presentation, and a bit more bait can keep the action going when water temps dip.

If you want, tell me your water body (lake, river, or reservoir) and I’ll tailor a rig setup, bait plan, and exact depth targets for that spot. Tight lines and good luck—you’ve got this! 🎣💥

General Questions

More Questions

What are the best saltwater lures for pier fishing?

Best spot for bass at Guadalupe Reservoir in San Jose?

What type of lure should I use for bass fishing?

Is now a good time for perch fishing on Västerdalälven?

Where is the best place to fish in Redondo Beach?

If you had $36 on a gift card for entry-level fly fishing gear, how would you spend it?

What is the best drop shot hook size for smallmouth bass?

What's the best shore fishing rig to use at Panama City Beach?