I have found that A good set of Rod Holders, make bank fishing for cats much more enjoyable. They also keep your reels off the ground, thus protecting them from dirt, mud and sand. Forked sticks will work, but they are a pain to find at times, as well as keeping them secure in the ground can be a hassle. Here is a couple pics of Rod holders I use. The first one I would like to thank My friend Buckeye-Tom for. They are constructed of rebar, and are very heavy duty.The second type I use is just a version of a forked stick, However these keep your rods much more stable, and are easy to get in the ground...I would suggest finding someone in a shop, Or with a welder to fabricate a quality pair of bank rod holders for your fishing enjoyment.

The above rodholder is made from rebar and is very heavy duty.

Thease heavy duty rodholders keep your rods very secure, excellent for using circle hooks while bank fishing.

The above pic shows both the heavy duty rod holder, and the lighter duty forked type!