Catching catfish is a popular pastime. Beginners ask how to make catfish rigs. The rigs tend to be simple and effective. The differences in the tackle are few. There are several types of hooks, weights, and other terminal tackle you will use.
Types of Hooks for Catfish Rigs
The popular choice for catfish hooks is the circle hook. These hooks are shaped to make the fish hook themselves when taking the bait. The sizes vary for the different sizes of catfish. A hook from a size 2 to 7/0 may be used. If you are after bullhead or channel catfish a size 2 to 3/0 is likely going to work well. Fishing for flathead or blue catfish a size 4/0 to 7/0 is the better size to use.
Using circle hooks, you do not jerk to set the hook. The pointed tip is bent to catch in the side of the fish’s mouth. When the fish runs with the bait, you reel down. The hook will set itself in the corner of the fish’s mouth.
People planning to keep fish to eat can use treble hooks. The treble hook will keep a fish on the line. They hold chicken liver better on the hook also. But they can be hard to remove or injure a catfish. Use these hooks if you are keeping the fish. The sizes for treble hooks run from size 8 to 2. People releasing the fish need to use a circle hook.
Slip Rig
Slip rigs have the sinker able to slide along the line. This allows the fish to run with the bait without any tension from a sinker weighing several ounces. You can use a sinker slide or a sinker designed for a slip rig. A no-roll sinker is a must for river fishing. The current will move many sinker shapes. In lakes, most sinkers are fine to use.
Slip rig with a float added to lift bait off the bottom. This rig is good for flathead fishing
3 Way Rig
This rig uses a 3-way swivel and two leaders. A leader for the hook and one for the weight. It is good for fishing areas with some current. The hook line can move in the current easily with live bait. An active bait will attract more fish.
The 3-way rig for catfish. It works well in current.
There are downsides to this rig. The 3-way swivels are weak and may fail, although uncommon. The two leaders can tangle together preventing free movement of the bait. You need to pay attention before casting. The separate leads may twist together and tangle.
High Low Rigs for Catfish
This is the most used rig for catfish. You can place multiple baits on your rod. As the name implies one bait is low and the other is higher up on the line. The fish on the bottom find the low bait. Catfish that are feeding up will get the high bait.
The high-low rig, a popular catfish rig.
You add more scent with multiple baits. Catfish use scent for locating food. Using 2-3 baits will attract more fish. This results in catching more catfish. This is one of the catfish rigs beginners need to know.
Float Rigs for Catfish
Using floats for catfish is different from bobber fishing. You place a large float on the hook leader line. Place the float 4 inches above the hook. This lifts the bait off the bottom. The length of the leader determines how far off the bottom. This is for deep water fishing.
This technique works for stationary or drift fishing. In a boat, you can drift with the current or wind to cover more area. You will need a drifting sinker for the drift technique. You make them with coils of 1/4 inch lead wire. Cut the wire to length and smash one end. Add a hole for your line or snap. Stationary float fishing can use a no-roll or large bank sinker. An optional rattle is used to add sound to the rig.
Use a float on a rig to lift the bait up off the bottom. This works well with live baits
In some instances, a bobber on the surface works. The technique is for shallow water. It is the same rigging used for panfish. You use a bigger bobber to hold up the heavier bait.
Conclusions
Catfish rig for beginners is basic information to increase your chances. Each rig serves a purpose in different situations. You can use a slip weight to allow the fish to run. Floats lift bait up for fish to see better. Try each rig to see where it works best for you.