what rod?

[HandGunner]

Just bought my first level wind reel its a Penn Peer 209, bait clicker and all my very first ready for cats and carp. What would be a good inexpensive rod to get? Ugly stick usualy feels like a nicer quality build over the other stuff. Something cheap not so spendy whats a good size length action? And mostly in the end what should I spool up with? Im thinking 50lb mono?

[BezD40]

I just bought the 7 foot ugly stick cat road. It works really well with circle hooks

[Brad B]

for channel cats I like the Ugly Stick cat fish rod. I have 7 footers but they do make it in 8 foot too. another good inexpensive rod that is nice is the Eagle Claw Water Eagle in the 8 foot casting model. I have used the water eagles when I was out with my friend who is a professional cat fish guide on the red river. if the water eagles can handle what he put them through I know they are good rods. the ugly stick cat fish rod can be found for around $ 39.95 and the water eagle for around $15.30 through catfish connection. as for line if you are just fishing carp and channel cats I would use 25 LB Berkley big game mono. if you go with a braid then go with a 40 or 50 lb braid (same diameter as 10 to 12 lb mono). 7 or 8 foot rods is the standard for catfish for most.

[aanderud]

For channel cats, I'd say the ugly stick or the berkley glow stick in medium action would be good. I'd also probably recommend a 2-piece rod versus 1-piece for shore fishing. Easier to carry through the woods without worrying about breaking it off on a bush or tree, and easier to transport in a vehicle. Also, for bombing it way out there, you might consider the additional length from a 9 footer to be worthwhile.

I also have a couple of medium-heavy rods that I use for flatheads from American Spirit. It's their night stick pro series, with the cork handle and stainless guides. Pretty nice rod for 40 bucks. I bet if you downsized to medium on that, it would be a good channel rod.

As for line, no need to go to the 50 lb mono, that stuff is like a rope. I'd say 25 to 30 lb mono is sufficient, big game works well as was mentioned above. Or Suffix or Power Pro braid in 50 to 65 lb will work well but is more susceptible to break-offs if you're fishing in or near rocks (braid is not as resistant to abrasion).

[Mr Special]

Thats a very good reel, nice solid clicker when running live bait and will wrk for any species north america has to throw at ya.

i personally would opt for an uglystik tiger series in the MH they run about $50 range, pair with that reel and pack on 80Powerpro or suffix and you'll have a setup that will wrk for channels, flats, sturgeons or anything else that swims in MN

the cabelas whoopinstiks are good rods as well very economical $35 . i have an 8' in MH that i like alot. just wish it had more eyelets

berkly Big Game rods are very good for the money also $35

[HandGunner]

I went wih a 7ft zebco catfish fighter 2 pc for now wish the ugly catfish rod 7ft came in a 2pc and for line chose 20lb mono stren high impact. Next year ill probobly upgrade. For now lets see how this goes.

[Brad B]

I went wih a 7ft zebco catfish fighter 2 pc for now wish the ugly catfish rod 7ft came in a 2pc and for line chose 20lb mono stren high impact. Next year ill probobly upgrade. For now lets see how this goes.

sounds like a nice channel cat and carp set up. keep us updated as how it works out for you. I would like to hear a review on that rod after you had a chance to use it.

[Mr Special]

I went wih a 7ft zebco catfish fighter 2 pc for now wish the ugly catfish rod 7ft came in a 2pc and for line chose 20lb mono stren high impact. Next year ill probobly upgrade. For now lets see how this goes.

sounds like a good Circle hook set up. the softer rod tip and mono will help with rotating the hook for better hook ups.

just make sure you have good rod holders if you're tight lining.

[FshBloodRiverMud]

just make sure you have good rod holders if you're tight lining.

Good advice. I about lost a $400 combo earlier this year with the rod holder tearing out of the boat LOL.

Got a new boat last weekend, so that problem is resolved.

[sanka]

Gander Mountain Guide Series rods are great for this. Nice 7ft Med-Heavy/Heavy action rods for $40.

[HandGunner]

Got the rod today feels like the rest of them. Time will tell its quality but for $15 im satisfied for now. Now I need to practice casting these big casting reels.

[HandGunner]

Fished under hwy 694 and east river rd first time. Rod feels good heavy stuff so use to regular bass gear. Whats in that part of the river caught nothing usin corn one guy dosnt speak english was catching craws for bait said here use good, said he fishes catfish and either he said carp or perch their. Wish I had cutbait fishing from 2pm until 5pm any tips for the area? My sis and brother inlaw lives in the apartments I can find more fishing time their although their is alot of snags.

brother inlaw also mentioned fishing at manomin county park on rice creek that leaks into the sippi what about that area?

[HandGunner]

Correction fridley park rice creek

[Mike_Bennewitz]

That rod is very good for the money. I bought the longest (I think its 9' or 10') spinning model they carry at Fleet Farm and paired it with a large spinning reel for big Catfish and my trips to the Florida beaches to catch smaller Sharks. I can lob a 5oz weight and a large fish head with it not problem.

I don't know that particular section of river, but if you are able to make the drive, the St.Croix around Stillwater has some good spots, as does the Mississippi around the Monticello area. I have caught Channel Catfish in both spots, though I find bigger fish in the St.Croix. Good luck!