Know the water. Build your setup.

Catfish fishing tackle

Choose a bait rig for the current and bottom you are fishing. Match the hook, leader, and weight as a complete system.

Channel catfish swimming in the broodstock pond at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery
Channel catfish · USFWS

Choose your rig

Understand the setup before you shop.

Sliding weightBeadSwivelLeader Circle hook + bait
Component schematic · not to scale

The setup

Sliding-sinker rig

Let the main line move through a sinker above the leader.

  1. 01Sliding sinker + bead
  2. 02Barrel swivel
  3. 03Leader
  4. 04Circle hook + legal bait
Choose your components ↓

Keep the circle-hook point clear when baiting.

Start your tackle list

Select the parts you need.

Also needed: a protective bead, a leader section, and legal bait. Choose weight for the current.

Individual products at their current prices; no bundle discount. Check sizes and pack counts on each product page.

Catfish fishing, the basics

Read the full guide ↗

Read the current

Choose enough weight to keep the bait where you want it.

Match the bait

Hook size should leave the point and gap clear.

Load a circle hook

Use steady pressure rather than a sharp strike.

Fishing reference: Minnesota DNR. Check the rules for the water you fish.

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