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.

Some Golf Equipment Every Beginner Will Need

Some Golf Equipment Every Beginner Will Need

Article by Laura Diamond







Especially when you first start golfing, it is very easy to become overwhelmed by the number of options available in golf equipment. You will find many pieces of equipment advertised as perfect for new golfers but many fall short of actually being ideal for golfers. Picking the right pieces of equipment that will help you build a solid foundation for your golf game will leave you better off than spending money on equipment that won’t help you much with your game.

The first piece of equipment you should buy is a nice driver. The first thing you need to know is that there are some “specialty” drivers out there that aren’t exactly PGA sanctioned. Depending on where you are and what your goals as a golfer may be this might not be a problem for you. Everyone has his or her own needs when it comes to driver. Normally, drivers that have flexible shafts grant greater distance yet a lower amount of control. If you have problems with hooks, slices, or rogue balls you might prefer sacrificing distance for added control by using a steel shafted driver. You should also take a bit of time to investigate the most comfortable shaft length for you to use prior to making your purchase too. This will take some trying out to discover the greatest length, although it will be time spent well when it comes to not having as much back pain after 18-holes.

Another important thing to have is ball markers. This equipment is especially important to have when playing in a group. These markers help you identify the place where your ball landed and came to a stop on the green without interfering with the play of the other people playing the hole with you. Golf etiquette dictates that the person farthest from the hole plays first. The play of the people before you could be disrupted by your ball if a marker is not used. These inexpensive markers are necessary for a good game when playing with a group.

Protective eyewear is the final investment beginners need to make. This often gets overlooked as being unimportant when beginners start purchasing golf equipment. Golf is primarily played outside in the elements, however. Not protecting your eyes from the sun can result in serious damage. Additionally, it will be much easier to see where your ball is going as well as where you want it to go if you aren’t constantly shielding your eyes from the sun.

You’ll notice a plethora of golf equipment items which declare themselves as the most excellent for beginners. But, when you get these pieces of equipment to begin with you’ll find that there really is little else you need in order to learn the basics of the game. As your skills progress, you can begin adding new pieces to your inventory for greater diversity and potential in your golf game.



About the Author

Laura’s website: Picasso Painting, Rayban Glasses, Retro Glasses and Silhouette Glasses.