How to Rig Fishing Bobbers for Catfish

Catfish are bottom feeders that often consume most of their food at night, so the devoted angler can expect to do some nocturnal fishing. In order to see what you are doing and increase your chance of catching a big channel cat, a float or bobber is essential for this type of fishing. The bobber also needs to be rigged in a way that allows your baited hook to slip to the bottom where a catfish can smell it, while keeping your bobber signal floating on the surface. Read on to learn how to rig up a bobber for catfishing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rod and reel spooled with 20 to 50-pound weight. Catfish bait, the smellier the better Hooks and tackle, including snapswivels Sinker weight (between 1 to 2 oz., depending on the strength of the current if channel fishing) Large catfish bobbers Glow sticks, preferably chartreuse (yellow green)
Rod and reel spooled with 20 to 50-pound weight.
Catfish bait, the smellier the better
Hooks and tackle, including snapswivels
Sinker weight (between 1 to 2 oz., depending on the strength of the current if channel fishing)
Large catfish bobbers
Glow sticks, preferably chartreuse (yellow green)

Step 1

Rig your hook with catfish bait and sinker weight.

Step 2

Attach a snap swivel to one end of the fishing bobber, using one of the wire loops on either side of the bobber.

Step 3

Clip the snap swivel around your fishing line so the swivel can slide freely up and down the line.

Step 4

Lower the bobber to the rigged hook to prepare for casting.

Step 5

Cast your line to the desired spot on the water. The forward momentum of your rod during the cast will carry the float with the rigged hook to your target. As the sinker weights draw your baited hook deeper into the water, your fishing line will slide along the snap swivel attached to the catfish bobber, which will float in place to mark your spot.

Step 6

Crack a glow stick to illuminate the tube for night fishing.

Step 7

Thread the glow stick through one of the wire loops on the catfish bobber to hold it securely to the bobber, taking care that your main line can still move freely through the other end of the bobber. The glow stick will help you mark your position for up to two hours in the dead of night when big catfish are on the move.

Article Written By James Clark

James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.

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