Catfish can be caught on a variety of tackle; from the very inexpensive, such as spin-casting gear, to the higher priced bait-casting gear. My tackle falls somewhere in between. The above pic, shows three of my catfish rigs, they consist of the following..ABU-6500 C-3, ABU-6500 TCM-C4 with power crank handle, and a Shimano 4500-baitrunner. All are mounted on Quantum medium heavy action bigcat rods.These are good outfits for both Channel Cats, and Flatheads. I would advise anyone to buy the best tackle they can afford. You will also need a varity of Sinkers, 3-oz no roll, 2 oz-bank, and 1-oz egg sinkers will fit most of your needs. For hooks I use 8/0-10/0 Gamakatsu octopus for flatheads, and 1/0 eagle claw for channels.For Line I use monofilament, Trilene Big Game, in 30-lb test for Flatheads, and 15-lb test for Channel cats. I change line often, sometimes after each trip.
The Big Cat Rod
Quantum has designed the perfect rod series for serious catfishermen. The blanks are constructed from a special woven E-glass composite material that provide incredible strength and durability. The moderately tapered blanks provide enough tip action to lob natural baits, yet plenty of strength to keep constant pressure on big fish. A super stiff butt section supplies extreme lifting power to pull large fish off the bottom, and an oversized butt cap gives you the leverage to apply maximum pressure. A special hard coated tip prevents damage from reeling terminal rigs into the tip. It's everything you expect from a serious catfish rod and more.
ABU Garcia 6500-C3
The 6500-C3 is a workhorse of a cat reel! It holds 245 yds of 14-lb test. I have run 30-lb test on mine.
Very smooth, good drag, and loud clicker; which makes this reel a good all around catfish reel.
The Shimano Baitrunner, is the ultimate spinning reel for catfish, I just purchased one and expect many years of great service.
This is my newest toy, an ABU 6500 tcm....4 ball bearings, and power crank handle.
Shakespear's new Tidewater freeliner, is a new entry in the baitrunner class of reels.
The Shimano Calcutta 700, along with a ST Croix Classic cat rod, is in my opinion The ultimate combo for Flathead fishing.
ABU Garcia 7000 C4 lever drag, one sweet looking reel!
ABU 7000, teamed up with a Berkly E-cat, ready to tackle River Flatheads.
My newest Flathead rig consist of the above reel, an ABU 7000B, I really Like the emerald green color..I have it mounted on a new Quantum Bigcat Heavy action rod
