Rigging for cats ???

[bow_vol]

What is the best way to rig your bait for cats ? Hook size, weight, etc...

Earlier in the summer we were catching a few on live shiners by rigging with a three-way swivel about 8 - 12 inches above a lead sinker and a smaller hook on about a 12-inch leader.

How do you guys rig the different types of bait - cut bait, live bait, ?

Thanks

 

[EricM]

Here is a pic of the rig I came up with. I use it for all of my bait fishing, live or cut:

 

[CRAZYHORSE]

i use 20 to 50 lb big game mono. i then attach a #1 size swivel using a palomar knot to the mono. i then attach a ball sinker to the swivel using one end of a 60 or 80 lb nylon leader. on the other end of the 16 inch leader is a # 8 size circle hook. this keeps eveything in one line, and doesnt get tangled or snagged very often. however if you do get snagged on something you will most likely have to cut the line.

crazyhorse

 

[GA DAWG]

I like your Cat rig EricM ... Im going to use that rig next time we go for cats ... THANKS for the info

 

[EricM]

The hook size and weight are adjusted for species/size fish. For cats, I use 2 to 3 oz. sinkers and an 8/0 circle. Same basic rig for bluegill, lighter line and 1/4 oz with a #4 hook. Bass get a 1 or 1-1/2 oz sinker and a 2/0 or 4/0 kahle hook. This is my "deep water" rig and I use it in maybe 12 feet of water and deeper. Very few tangles and I really like the sliding sinker concept. Great for hang-ups too, since you don't lose the whole rig except with very light line. Good fishing!!!

 

[sprestwood]

A key part of Ericm's rig is that the dropper weight is on a slipping swivel. It acts like a carolina rig, allowing the bait to swim up above the bottom.

 

[bow_vol]

Thanks alot ! That will help !