‘Big Catfish’ Articles at Golf Product Review by Experienced Golf Balls

The Importance of Catfishing Rigs

The Importance of Catfishing Rigs

Rigging in catfishing terms means to take into consideration how heavy the bait will be especially when you are after large fish. However, the good news here is that setting up catfishing rigs to catch big catfish does not necessarily have to be a difficult task. Luckily, there are various catfishing rigs that you can make use of. At the same time, it is important that you make use of easy rigs -one with weight and a strong hook should do.

One type of catfishing rig is known as the deep catfish rig. You need to get reliable weight instead of just a hook at the line’s end if you want to make use of it correctly. This is noteworthy because using weights will let you do away with snags. Ideally, the weight used should just be around an ounce and make sure a Palomar knot is suitable with it. This type of knot is one that can also be used for clipping hooks and weight to the line. Tying this knot is also straightforward and stays nicely in place. Snapping the line has to be done before the knot is loosened when using it.

The next step is to tie the hook from the end of the line. This has to be done from a distance of about twelve inches with eighteen being the maximum. You can also make use of a wired leader as this will prevent twisting of the line around the hook but this is optional. One factor that must always be considered when making optimal use of catfishing rigs is the size of the fish. In a situation whereby your intention is to catch small catfish then it is better for you to use corresponding hooks like a number 2 and inch up to a 2/0. If you are making use of bait made of perch or shad, an 8/0 circle hook will be better because it increases your chances of getting the larger ones. This will prove to be more difficult to catch. Hook setting is a better alternative because it reduces the chance of escape once the fish is caught.

It is appropriate to use a shallow catfishing rig if you happen to be fishing in waters that are not too deep. You need excellent catfish bobbers to make these types of catfishing rigs. The distance to be maintained when placing the bobber on the hook will depend on the depth of the waters but two feet is usually okay. Then you introduce a split shot in the space between the hook and bobber. The same thing goes for other types of hooks to be used.

Irrespective of your purpose and intention, there is always a type of catfishing rig that fits you. Temperature, season and weather must be put into consideration. Catching hefty catfish will become as easy as anything once you perfect the setting of the rig. Always remember that you need the correct catfishing rigs to make your fishing interesting and easy.

Jeremy Jefferson is a catfishing expert. For more great tips on catfishing rigs, visit http://www.catfishinggenius.com.

The Right Catfish Hooks to Increase Your Success

The Right Catfish Hooks to Increase Your Success

Knowing how to select the right catfish hooks for the type of catfish you want to catch is very important. Fishing for a 2lb channel is vastly different than fishing for a 50lb blue or flathead catfish. The sizes I use range from 2 to 2/0 in most waters but there are times when you can use larger hooks up to 6/0 effectively.

I usually fish with a 2/0 baitholder hook as I can get both table fare and some good sized cats without having to worry about the hook failing. When I am at a location, such as below a dam, that has proven to produce monster cats consistently I will use a 4/0 hook.

The way I select the right catfish hook is easy. In waters where I am unsure of what to use I always start with a 1/0 baitholder hook. If your drag is set properly this hook is sturdy enough to bring in the big catfish and small enough to provide good table fare.

When I am trying to make sure I have a decent catch to take home for dinner I often switch to a smaller hook. Not many catfish anglers recommend this but I have had great success doing so. For instance, if I am having a problem with the catfish taking my bait, running with it for a short distance and then just simply dropping the bait I will switch to a #2 baitholder. Of course it is not as effective for big fish but it does put food on the table.

When it comes to winter fishing for catfish, you really can get better results using smaller hooks too. Even when you are trying to catch big fish. Especially in the winter, when the water is cold and calm, the catfish tend to be finicky, and you have to try to get them out of the water without spooking them.

In the springtime, when the fish are not so finicky, you can move up to some bigger hooks like a 4/0 baitholder hook. These are particularly good when there are flood water kinds of conditions present. During flood conditions, the fish tend to get very aggressive, and they really grab on to basically whatever is out there. You will miss some fish you could catch if you use the smaller hooks in flood conditions.

No matter what size or type hook you prefer to use you should always have an assortment on hand so that you can adapt to the waters or conditions you are fishing in. Go often enough and you will work out your own system and preferences for choosing the right catfish hooks.

Doug Burns is an avid fishing enthusiast who is committed to providing the best Catfish Fishing information possible. Get more information on the right catfish hooks.

What Catfish Fishing Hook Do You Choose?

What Catfish Fishing Hook Do You Choose?

Fishing for catfish can be one of the most exciting types of fishing you can do, but there really are some monster cats out there, so knowing how to select the right catfish hooks for the job is of major importance.

Depending on where you plan to fish, and whether you are out to catch basic table cats or huge monster cat, you will want to adjust the type of hook you plan to use. The good news is that there are some outstanding quality products available to help you nail the catfish you are after.

Keep an assortment with you while fishing, so you can change out the hooks to better fit the size of fish you are getting.

If you are fishing for table fish, and having a problem with the catfish taking your bait, running with it for a short distance before just simply dropping the bait, you might want to switch to a smaller hook like a 1/0 baitholder. This usually hangs in there a bit better, and will help you bring some table fare to the table for dinner. Of course, it is not as effective when you want to catch really big catfish.

If you are in a position where you need to cast out a long distance, you can always use a 2/0 octopus. This hook will work very well with a balsa wood and lead float called a Livingston Float. When you cast with this rig, it will really get out there! So, for casting long distances, try the 2/0 octopus.

If you use anything bigger than a 2/0 hook, you will probably get bites, but the tendency is for the cat to spook and drop your hook like it was hot! This is particularly true in heavily fished waters, so no matter where you are fishing…lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. when getting bites is not the problem, just remember that you can always substitute a smaller, strong hook, and probably solve the problem.

In the springtime, when the fish are not so finicky, you can move up to some bigger hooks like a 6/0 baitholder hook. These are particularly good when there are flood water kinds of conditions present. During flood conditions, the fish tend to get very aggressive, and they really grab on to basically whatever is out there. You will miss some fish you could catch if you use the smaller hooks in flood conditions.

Another consideration is using the right size hook for whatever bait you are using. Generally speaking, bigger bait catches bigger fish; smaller bait catches smaller fish. The best hook, in my opinion, for catching catfish using shad head for bait is a 1/0 or 2/0 L042. For general use, you will most likely be satisfied with a 3/0 baitholder. While others will work well, it is best to consider this first.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing hooks here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/