Trails » Fishing » Types of Fishing » Catfish Fishing » How to Make Homemade Rigs for Big Catfish

How to Make Homemade Rigs for Big Catfish

How to Make Homemade Rigs for Big Catfish

catfish image by pearlguy from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

The words "big catfish" to many anglers mean catfish in the 40-pound-plus range. Such large catfish are often found in deep river bends and along lake dropoffs. Catfish in this weight range require additional attention to equipment, the type of rig used and proper bait. Although each fishing situation can differ from the next, there are some basics to follow to attract and hook a big catfish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Medium heavy to heavy 8 foot saltwater rod and matched reel
  • 30-pound-test fishing line
  • 1-ounce egg weight
  • Barrel swivel
  • 40- to 50-pound test leader (3 feet)
  • 1/0 to 5/0 circle hook
  • Chicken livers
  • Scissors
Step 1
Place a 1-ounce sliding egg weight on the end of the 30-pound test line rigged on your rod. Choose a medium-heavy to heavy saltwater spinning or casting rod based on personal preference.
Step 2
Attach a barrel swivel to the end of the 30-pound-test line with a uni knot. Tie the knot by pulling several inches of line through the eye of the swivel. Pull the free end beside the main line, forming a double line.
Step 3
Hold the double line in place and turn the free end back toward the swivel, forming a loop. Wrap the free end around the double line and through the loop four times. Moisten the knot and pull down tightly.
Step 4
Connect one end of a 3-foot length of 40- or 50-pound-test line to the opposite end of the swivel with a uni knot. Tie a circle baitholder hook to the free end of the leader length with a uni knot. Trim excess line from the free ends of the uni knot with scissors or snips.
Step 5
Place cut chunks of chicken liver on the hook, covering as much of the hook as possible. Toughen the livers somewhat by leaving them in the sun or other warm location for a few hours. Toughening the livers will make baiting hooks easier.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword