How to Rig a Fishing Pole for Catfish

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

Catfish normally inhabit the lower third of the water column. Consequently, many anglers will use a weighted bottom rig when catfishing with a fishing pole. Catfish can reach 100 pounds or more, so an angler may want to choose larger tackle if targeting these larger fish. Assess the water conditions where you want to fish and choose an appropriate rig for your situation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

How to Rig a Fishing Pole for Catfish

Things You’ll Need:

Leader material, Hooks, Barrel swivel, 3-way swivel, Egg sinker, Pyramid sinker, Rubbercore sinker, Split-shot, Nail clippers, Live or cut bait
Leader material,
Hooks,
Barrel swivel,
3-way swivel,
Egg sinker,
Pyramid sinker,
Rubbercore sinker,
Split-shot,
Nail clippers,
Live or cut bait

Step 1

Use the sliding egg sinker for normal fishing conditions when the water is not flowing rapidly. Tie a 2/0 to 4/0 hook to a 3- to 4-foot section of leader. Thread the fishing line through the egg sinker and tie the line to the swivel. Bait the hook with live or cut bait.

Step 2

Pyramid sinker rig

Rig a pyramid sinker when fishing swift currents. Tie your hook to a 3-foot section of leader and to one eyelet of a 3-way swivel. Attach the pyramid sinker to a 1-foot section of leader and tie to the swivel. Tie the fishing line to the last eyelet on the swivel. Attach the bait of your choice to the hook.

Step 3

Rubbercor sinker rig

Use a split-shot or Rubbercor rig if pond fishing for smaller fish. Attach your hook to the swivel with a 2-foot section of leader. After tying on the fishing line, put a split-shot or Rubbercor sinker halfway down the leader. Use a small piece of cut bait.

Step 4

Try freelining live bait without weights. Attach a 2/0 to 4/0 hook to a 3 to 4-foot leader. Attach the leader and the fishing line to a barrel swivel. Cast out the bait fish and let it swim on it's own until a catfish strikes.

Step 5

Use an Improved Clinch Knot for all the knots mentioned above. Run 6 to 8-inches of line through the eyelet and make five twists around the standing line. Insert the tag end through the small loop that was formed just above the eyelet.

Step 6

Improved clinch knot

Reverse direction with the tag end and pass it through the large loop. Pull tightly on the tag end and the standing line until the knot is snug. Trim the tag end 1/8-inch from the knot.

Tips & Warnings

Moisten your knots with water or saliva to help them tighten down snugly.

Use caution when working with hooks.

Resources

Catfish rigs

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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