2009 Catfish Tackle Discussion

[Ralph Wiggum]

Rushing, how do you like it? I was thinking about one a few months back, but the guys in the Musky forum didn't think too highly of the Tica baitcasters. I'm interested as to your thoughts. I ended up with a pair of Penns instead.

[ec30_06]

Which penn's did you go with. I picked up a penn international last year that I really like.

[rushing]

Ralph, It hasn't arrived yet. I had to order it from over seas since it was made for the Japanese market. I'll let you know when I get it and wind some line on it.

I thought about getting a Tica bait caster a few years ago back when Abu didnt have hardly any otpions for a lefty retrieve but then they came out with the 7001I and got a couple of those instead of going with Tica.

I really like Tica spinning reels so hopefully that will carry over into the baitcasters.

[Here-Kitty-Kitty]

How much does one run for

[Ralph Wiggum]

Which penn's did you go with.

310GTi. I haven't used them yet other than spooling them up and lobbing some sinkers in my backyard, but they seem nice enough. I need to replace a few Abus in my arsenal.

[Slowhand]

Rushing that is a very nice looking reel....I cant believe your gonna smudge that nice blue with river mud ....lemme know how that holds up for you considering I have the same affliction as you trying to find lefties.

[rushing]

How much does one run for

[MinnesnowtaWild]

So, my package arrived today and it felt like Christmas all over again when opening that box. I absolutely LOVE the Okuma ABF-50 and I thank you guys for the suggestions. I may use this reel more than my Abu 6600C4/Ugly Stick combo.

And it was nice to complete my nice collection of hooks. I have everything I need now except for a chair and am geared up for the long haul. Now I just have to decide which of my lines I want to put on the Okuma. I'm thinking 30 lb. Big Game on one spool and 20 Big Game on the other.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Oh and I definitely recommend Catfish Connection. I placed this order on Friday and was here Tuesday so I am very impressed and the price is right on most things.

[AceintheHole]

I would put some PP or Sufix on one spool and some big game on the other. Just an idea for ya

[ec30_06]

Originally Posted By: ec30_06

Which penn's did you go with.

310GTi. I haven't used them yet other than spooling them up and lobbing some sinkers in my backyard, but they seem nice enough. I need to replace a few Abus in my arsenal.

I have a penn 320 gt2. I caught a 49x31 on that reel last year so your 310 should be a solid reel. The only thing I didn't like with the 310 was the very light clicker. My penn international 975 has yet to see a fish over 20, but I hope to change that soon.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Originally Posted By: Ralph Wiggum

The only thing I didn't like with the 310 was the very light clicker.

LOL, I thought the clicker felt pretty heavy compared to the Abus that the Penns are replacing

[Ralph Wiggum]

My penn international 975 has yet to see a fish over 20, but I hope to change that soon.

That's a lot of ching to drop on a cat reel!

[Farmboy1]

Ryan,

Are you bringing those to the Sturgeon Excursion? I would like to check them out if you don't mind. I need another, and like to get my hands on them a little bit before I buy one.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Ryan,

Are you bringing those to the Sturgeon Excursion? I would like to check them out if you don't mind. I need another, and like to get my hands on them a little bit before I buy one.

Yes, I will have them with.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I would put some PP or Sufix on one spool and some big game on the other. Just an idea for ya

That sir is a good idea, I may do that.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Now I just have to decide which of my lines I want to put on the Okuma. I'm thinking 30 lb. Big Game on one spool and 20 Big Game on the other.

I really think mono that heavy on a spinning reel causes a lot of headaches. When I use mono, I like it on my casting reels. If you're set on mono, I would use 15lb or 20lb max on one spool and braid on the other spool. Heavy mono coils up so bad and just doesn't come off the spool of a spinning reel nicely.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

It has worked well for me on my spinning reels but I may use something a little bit smaller like 20 or 25.

[Ralph Wiggum]

It has worked well for me on my spinning reels but I may use something a little bit smaller like 20 or 25.

By all means, go for it. Just one guy's opinion. I avoid using spinning reels as much as I can, anyways.

[rushing]

I agree with Ralph. Spinning reels just do not work as well with a heavier mono than with a thinner more limp super braid. Since spinning reels are fixed spools you rely on the line flowing off the reel for distance in casting. With a heavier mono there tends to be greater line memory and it doesn't flow off the reel or through the guides as smoothly.

If were to use mono on my cat spinning reels I wouldn't go any higher than maybe 20 lbs.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Will 20 lb Big Game be able to handle a potentially large Flathead if I decide to use this setup instead of my Abu 6600?

[Scott K]

You wont be able to force him at all. I have caught 30#ers off of 20 lb test, but I have also lost fish with 80 lb on. If it gets in current, or is heading to a snag, you wont be able to stop it. I fish with 50lb on my lighter rod, then 80 lb on my main rod.

[rushing]

You can land some nice fish on lighter line if you have the right rod and your drag is set properly but you will be left with the feeling of "I wonder how big that was" more often then if you used something heavier.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I'll probably just throw my 30 lb on the first spool and see how it works. It casted great on my older Quantum Snapshot that is a lot smaller. If it doesn't work out I'll swap to braid or some smaller mono.

This rod and reel combo WAS going to be for Carp and Channels only but I am really diggin' this combo and may be using it for Flatheads nightly.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I'm glad this thread got some attention. Anyone else got some new stuff or even any input on certain tackle?

I have learned so much through this forum in the last 7 months just reading through different topics and I hope maybe somebody new will get some decent info from here.