Help with big cats?

[Big Fish]

I know how to drift for cats and where, but what size hook and how much weight do I use for those BIG CATS you guys catch on here all the time? I'm going to use flipping sticks with braided line because i'm not going to buy rods for one or two trips. Do I drift or tie off and can I catch bluegill and stuff like that for bait or what? I promissed my fishing buddy that I would take him and try to catch some of those big ol' catfish he saw on here the other day and I don't want to disappoint him and i want to take him before it gets to hot. He's Four and is dying to go. He caught his first catfish this spring while we were crappie fishing 9 or 10lb Any help would great.

 

[SpurHunter]

Kinda open-ended question BF. </p>

Yes to all, drift, anchor, what ever you feel like doing will work. Use an 8/0 or larger circle hook with kids for sure. Cut-bait of either bluegill, skipjack, or gizard shad. (skips my pick) Cut chicken breast or thighs work very well too! Yes even spam, but not a reliable bait for BIG fish. </p>

Use large chunks of bait. </p>

Weight all depends on the current. Use just enough to get it to the bottom. In a three-way set-up for drifting, or carolina-style for anchoring. </p>

I would be happy to show you what I do when I am available. </p>

 

[foodsaver]

I actually like that three way rig for anchoring too. Doesnt seem to get as tangled up as a carolina rig. ( I think the reason I have trouble with the carolina rig is that the sinker weighs less then the bait.) IF you are wanting to anchor I would be glad to show you what to do sometime.

 

[sprestwood]

I saw this 15/0 halibut rig in Sportsmans Warehouse here in Chattanooga and instantly thought it would be used for jigging for catfish in deep water like they do for halibut. It's difficult to find tackle that is too large for some of the big cats in these local waters. I got some 7/0 Lazer Sharp circle hooks but never used them because I down size everything to target a more harvestable size.

 

[Jerry]

For cats I really like circle hooks, and they are really easy to use for kids or friends that don't fish much. For the size of fish this child is holding I'd use one about the size of a quarter. A larger one often sticks out the fish's eye. I recently hooked a large cat with a circle hook about the size of a half dollar and a piece of fresh chicken breast about a half inch thick and four inches long by two inches wide (shaped like a pear). As an experienced cat fisherman often told me, with a circle hook don't set the hook. Just let the fish take the end of the pole down to the water and set the fish will set the hook himself.