Looking for advice

[Caleb S]

I am looking to get set up for catfishing. I purchased a cat rod a few years ago that has just been sitting in the basement. After reading through a bunch of the posts I have an idea of what to buy but still have some questions.

I will be fishing for both Flats and channels with the same rod as I'm on a budget.

1) If I buy an Okuma Avenger series and plan to use mono line, which model reel should I get>?

2) What size mono to use?

3) I see people mentioning they purchased over 7 different size/styled hooks. I suppose it has to do with live bait vs cut bait and the actual size of the bait. If I was going to order just a few sets of hooks, what is a good "average" size to start with?

4) Does anyone have pics of their weight, swivel, hook set up they would be willing to share?

Thanks in advance!

[AceintheHole]

Go with the 50 as far as line goes I would go with a super or braided line but if your stuck mono I would go with some Berkley Big game in 20lb test. Catfish Connection is a good place to order online and look at pictures.

[DTro]

It you want learn a little bit and actually see set ups in person, stop by Moores Bait and Tackle. He’ll get you all set up and show you how to rig it up.

Okuma is a featured brand at his shop as well.

[hanson]

3) I see people mentioning they purchased over 7 different size/styled hooks. I suppose it has to do with live bait vs cut bait and the actual size of the bait. If I was going to order just a few sets of hooks, what is a good "average" size to start with?

Live Bait = 8/0 - 10/0 Gamakatsu Octopus

Cut Bait = 5/0 Gamakatsu Octopus (Circle or J-Hook, up to you)

That should get you started. You can tweak from there as you gain experience.

[Scott Stein]

4) Does anyone have pics of their weight, swivel, hook set up they would be willing to share?

This is exactly how mine looks

[ec30_06]

I would go with 30lb mono if you are going to target flats and channels. I have a 50 size spinning reel that I use for circle hooks on channels and it holds plenty of 30lb test mono on it. The mono works very well with circle hooks.

[DTro]

Speaking of 50 series spinning reels. The big C has their Salt Striker Bait feeder reels on sale for a smokin price.

39.99

Match that up with something like a Glowstick and you got a nice setup for a reasonable price.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

I would recommend some circle hooks if you are new to Catfishing. I used 8/0 Team Catfish circle hooks last year for Flatheads and was very successful with them. This year I will be using 9/0-10/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks for Flatheads and the Team Catfish circle hooks for Channels.

For the reel, I just ordered the Okuma Avenger ABF-50 bait feeder. If you want the clicker feature of the bait feeders go with that, and if not just get the regular Avenger series.

[ec30_06]

If you are going to fish flats I highly recommend a bait feeder of some sort.