Good Flattie Baitcaster? (And other questions)

[Spazzums08]

Title's self explanatory, lol. I'm thinking of going with a 5500 or a 6500 C3, which would you guys reccomend? Other than that, what other baitcasters are a good/better choice?

And I decided just to ask a few more in here instead of wasting the forum's space with individual threads, lol.

Hooks- What's the minimum size for circle, octopus, and normal long shank (does anyone even use these?)? What's the normal, what's the max? Does it differ for bullheads vs for suckers?

Sinkers- I know all the guys on here reccomend no-roll sinkers, but I was thinking if I used a sinker clip/swivel to hook a couple bell/bank sinkers together, that would work the same/better? Also, what size sinker do you use for what situations?

Leaders/snells- How do you guys set that up, a hook with a snell and a ball bearing swivel, then a snap swivel with a sinker above it, like a monster lindy rig? How short of a snell do you give the hook? I know it differs for different situations, and please ellaborate on that.

Any other tips/advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys, FMers are always great for this kind of stuff!

[hanson]

Garcia 5500 vs 6500 C3?

The only difference between these 2 reels is line capacity. The 6500 holds a bit more line. Is there a big difference between the 2? Probably not. The 'C3' designation on those reels denotes a 5.3:1 gear ratio which is just fine for cattin, both channel cats and big flathead cats as well.

Hooks?

Here's when I use what I use. When I fish cutbait/deadbait, I fish circle hooks and I have my reels locked down (no clicker) with the rod in a rod holder. Let the fish bang the bait, pick up the rod, crank him in. When I fish live bait (bullheads, suckers, creek chubs) I'll fish regular Gamakatsu Octopus hooks. They are what we'd consider a j-hook or a "normal" style hook. I fish ALL my livebait with a clicker setting on my reel and let the fish run aways before setting the hook.

Cutbait typically equals channel catfishing and livebait typically equals flathead catfishing. While this simple rule has blurred boundaries at times, its a pretty basic rule to live by. Because of that, I fish smaller circle hooks (for channel cats) and larger j-hooks (for flathead cats). Bigger fish = bigger hook!

I prefer Gamakatsu brand.

Sinkers

As far as sinkers are preferred, use what you like but in most rivers, you will need 3-4 oz sinkers to fish properly. If fishing from shore, you might need more weight. I use No-Roll sinkers and Bank sinkers for 100% of my catfishing. Thats it, nothing else. I will use a No-Roll everywhere that the river isn't deep (over 20') and where I know there isn't rock. No-Rolls love to snag in the rock. If I'm fishing deep water or rock, I'll tie on a Bank sinker.

Leaders/snells

Basically a "monster" Lindy rig. I don't like my leaders much longer than 12-18". So the rigging is hook, 12" leader, barrel swivel, sinker, mainline. Thats its.

Any other tips/advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys, FMers are always great for this kind of stuff!

Have a strong wooden dowel or strong wood stick with to wrap your line around and tug when you get snagged up. Thats the only way to snap heavy superlines without leaving a bunch of it in the river.

[Ralph Wiggum]

 Originally Posted By: hanson

Garcia 5500 vs 6500 C3?

The only difference between these 2 reels is line capacity. The 6500 holds a bit more line. Is there a big difference between the 2? Probably not. The 'C3' designation on those reels denotes a 5.3:1 gear ratio which is just fine for cattin, both channel cats and big flathead cats as well.

6500 has a clicker and a 5500 doesn't, as well. Go with the 6500.

[hanso612]

Reels: I have an abu C4 and a Record both with too high a ratio for horseing big cats, but both work great when you let the rods do the work. I also use my non- line counter trolling reels to fill in a spread if I have lots of people with me. I have Shimano TR 200s that have lasted 20 years. I gave everyone in my weeding one as a grooms gift, out of the hole bunch only one drag has gone bad. They don't cast light baits but you can still lob a decoy sucker a mile. Once again I preach double duty for my cat stuff.

Sinkers: I use pyramid sinkers. They have a brass eye on the flat square base that requires me to use a large swivel or a bead as a stop before my leader. They can be cast cross current and the flat edge works like a wedge into the bottom. Nothing holds in strong current on flat bottom better. I first picked mine up on the coast. Shore fisherman use them almost exclusively for fishing in heavy surf on sand.

If you don't use "no roll" type sinkers and let your boat swing in the current, a wide five rod spread soon ends up all in back of the boat. Another great trick to keep a wide spread is to tie your anchor line off, not at the center of the bow but on the side. The boat will ferry cross cureent and stay put without a back anchor that could get in the way when the big one hits. This helps if you are fishing by yourself and can't fight the fish and pull up a second anchor at the same time.

Hooks: I described my quick stike rig on another post. I have yet to gut hook a big cat on live bait with this rig, unlike single hook cut bait rigs. I leave an open bail with line clicker on, but close it and set the hook as soon as the fish runs- no waiting, but no hooksetting on little tap tap taps either.

Most good cat hooks have disappeared from store shelves. I haven't been able to find a 5/0 kahle in any of the box stores for over a year. Gami makes the best one. Size 4/0 is fine for medium and large pike suckers, but you loose the gap when you set up with decoy suckers for flatheads. Most of my fish are hooked on the front hook of the quiksrike rig so it is important to have that hook exposed. So go ahead and order 5/0 and 6/0 and you can use them for pike and musky as well. I like a circle for cut bait in a smaller size.

Hanson- I love the moster lindy rig desription, becuse that is exactly what it is. I just add a treble stinger and splash of color to make it legal. Like I said, most of the time I wouldn't need the stinger but it has saved a sucker or too from flying off if the lip gets worn through from multiple casts or a fish. With sucker prices like they are every little bit helps. Hans

[harvey lee]

I love my clickers. I purchased a couple 7000 Abu's and really like them and the power handle comes in very handy at times. The price tag also increases sadly.

[ec30_06]

Go with the 6500 you will want it for line capacity and clicker. If it is your main flat reel I would add a power handle.

[rushing]

I swear someone should make a catfish 101 sticky for the top of this forum. lol

[Spazzums08]

Thanks for the info guys! So circles generally aren't used for live-bait flattie fishing? What line do you guys use for leaders?

[crazyice]

Usually the same as your main line.

[Flaco651]

 Quote:

So circles generally aren't used for live-bait flattie fishing?

Some guys do, some don't. I typically use circles for cutbait/channel cat fishing, but have had success with them using live bait for flats.

I most often use octopus hooks for live bait flathead fishing, with hooks up to 10/0.

[Spazzums08]

where can I find some big hooks? The Gander in Lakeville only has up to 6 in circle, I checked, and I think they have 7-9 in regular silver aberdeen/long shank.

[Flaco651]

Moore's Bait and Tackle, 58th and Lyndale in S. Minneapolis. Moore's carries everything a catfisherman needs.

http://www.mooresbait.com

[harvey lee]

I would agree. If ones within driving distance to Moore's, make the trip and have Bob show you the different types of cat gear to make sure one is getting the right equipment from the get go.

It's great to have a baitshop close by that carries all ones catfishing needs. Not many shops around like that for cat gear.

[Shack]

Ya, Moore's is the place!

Click here to find out what catfish dreams are made of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will say it is much better than some big Box stores!!!

Most anything is?

Moore's will have what you need and you can B.S. with him your self!

Or (like my self) give him a call and see if he has what you need. I have called him about his tournies and other catfishing stuff at (612) 861-7412. He is cool to talk with

[ec30_06]

I like to use a strong mono(40-60lb) leader for flats. It provides better abrasion resistance and provides a little stretch when you get that big one next to the boat on a short rope. Also, you rarely lose a big chunk of main line when you snag up. There are a few times when the 80lb power pro broke before the leader last year when only the hook was hung up.