Catfish set up
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- Eel
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Catfish set up
Looking for some advice from anyone into catfishing.
I’m am joining a new syndicate next year and one of the lakes has a few cats present, unusually you can target them with traditional predator methods ie lives and dead’s, which really appeals to me.
The fish themselves aren’t record breakers but go to about 60lb (the majority are between 20-40 though)
I would like some proper kit ready set up to target cats so will be looking at a pair of rods and reels which will be up to the job.
Happy to spend £400-&500.
I’m am joining a new syndicate next year and one of the lakes has a few cats present, unusually you can target them with traditional predator methods ie lives and dead’s, which really appeals to me.
The fish themselves aren’t record breakers but go to about 60lb (the majority are between 20-40 though)
I would like some proper kit ready set up to target cats so will be looking at a pair of rods and reels which will be up to the job.
Happy to spend £400-&500.
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- Ferox Trout
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Re: Catfish set up
You won't need anything too fancy. In fact, a pike rod rated to 3.5tc works well for cats that don't run too big. I use DLST BB350s and have had cats up to 60lb using those. If you want something more specialised that'll cover off bigger fish or you just want to have more control of the fish, then shorter rods are better (more leverage). I have Daiwa Powermesh catfish rods that are ten foot something and 4lbtc, awesome rods for UK fishing, but hard to find these days. Carp rods and spod rods, as some seem to think are OK, are not good choices. The reel is probably more important, as you want a good clutch and baitrunner. I used Shimano 4500Bs for years and they served me well. Then switched over to the Shimano D series, the 8000D is the size I use. The clutch and baitrunner on them is very good, probably not as good as the B reel, but close enough; much better line lay though and smoother to use IMO. 15lb mono or 50lb braid for mainline if no snags, if snags, 20lb mono - not braid. I use Korda Subline and PowerPro Braid. Oh, don't forget a decent sized net - minimum of 50" arms and shorten the front cord a bit, making the net more suited for landing cats. Get an old waterproof jacket to wear when handling them if you don't want sh1t all over you... hope this helps.
Piking Plonker
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- Zander
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Re: Catfish set up
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Tue Jul 23 2024 19:37 -Have u any experience of the Korda kaizens mark? They come in some powerful test curves?You won't need anything too fancy. In fact, a pike rod rated to 3.5tc works well for cats that don't run too big. I use DLST BB350s and have had cats up to 60lb using those. If you want something more specialised that'll cover off bigger fish or you just want to have more control of the fish, then shorter rods are better (more leverage). I have Daiwa Powermesh catfish rods that are ten foot something and 4lbtc, awesome rods for UK fishing, but hard to find these days. Carp rods and spod rods, as some seem to think are OK, are not good choices. The reel is probably more important, as you want a good clutch and baitrunner. I used Shimano 4500Bs for years and they served me well. Then switched over to the Shimano D series, the 8000D is the size I use. The clutch and baitrunner on them is very good, probably not as good as the B reel, but close enough; much better line lay though and smoother to use IMO. 15lb mono or 50lb braid for mainline if no snags, if snags, 20lb mono - not braid. I use Korda Subline and PowerPro Braid. Oh, don't forget a decent sized net - minimum of 50" arms and shorten the front cord a bit, making the net more suited for landing cats. Get an old waterproof jacket to wear when handling them if you don't want sh1t all over you... hope this helps.
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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Tue Jul 23 2024 19:37 -Thanks for the reply Mark. I don’t currently have any rod as beefy as as the BB350 (although a pair is on my wish list)You won't need anything too fancy. In fact, a pike rod rated to 3.5tc works well for cats that don't run too big. I use DLST BB350s and have had cats up to 60lb using those. If you want something more specialised that'll cover off bigger fish or you just want to have more control of the fish, then shorter rods are better (more leverage). I have Daiwa Powermesh catfish rods that are ten foot something and 4lbtc, awesome rods for UK fishing, but hard to find these days. Carp rods and spod rods, as some seem to think are OK, are not good choices. The reel is probably more important, as you want a good clutch and baitrunner. I used Shimano 4500Bs for years and they served me well. Then switched over to the Shimano D series, the 8000D is the size I use. The clutch and baitrunner on them is very good, probably not as good as the B reel, but close enough; much better line lay though and smoother to use IMO. 15lb mono or 50lb braid for mainline if no snags, if snags, 20lb mono - not braid. I use Korda Subline and PowerPro Braid. Oh, don't forget a decent sized net - minimum of 50" arms and shorten the front cord a bit, making the net more suited for landing cats. Get an old waterproof jacket to wear when handling them if you don't want sh1t all over you... hope this helps.
Kicking myself as a pair of the powermesh cat rods came up on Facebook a couple of months ago for a good price but I dragged my heels and they went to someone else.
I have a couple of 8000ocs with upgraded drag washers if you think that they are big enough, I was looking at 12000s but I could leave that purchase for the time being.
The net cost is something I will have to invest in I don’t want my freespirit carp net slimed and shat on, I will have to find some overalls to put on for the photos……..providing I’m lucky enough to catch one.
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- Ferox Trout
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Re: Catfish set up
piker al wrote: ↑Wed Jul 24 2024 10:10 -Nope, but they're carp rods, so IMO would be unsuitable for cats if you're wanting a dedicated set-up. I have several Free Spirit Hi-S carp rods and would never use them for cats, even the most powerful distance rods I have. Rod action is much more important than the test curve when looking at dedicated cat rods. Of course if you're only going to fish for them now and again, I suppose it doesn't matter too much what you useMark Phillips wrote: ↑Tue Jul 23 2024 19:37 -Have u any experience of the Korda kaizens mark? They come in some powerful test curves?You won't need anything too fancy. In fact, a pike rod rated to 3.5tc works well for cats that don't run too big. I use DLST BB350s and have had cats up to 60lb using those. If you want something more specialised that'll cover off bigger fish or you just want to have more control of the fish, then shorter rods are better (more leverage). I have Daiwa Powermesh catfish rods that are ten foot something and 4lbtc, awesome rods for UK fishing, but hard to find these days. Carp rods and spod rods, as some seem to think are OK, are not good choices. The reel is probably more important, as you want a good clutch and baitrunner. I used Shimano 4500Bs for years and they served me well. Then switched over to the Shimano D series, the 8000D is the size I use. The clutch and baitrunner on them is very good, probably not as good as the B reel, but close enough; much better line lay though and smoother to use IMO. 15lb mono or 50lb braid for mainline if no snags, if snags, 20lb mono - not braid. I use Korda Subline and PowerPro Braid. Oh, don't forget a decent sized net - minimum of 50" arms and shorten the front cord a bit, making the net more suited for landing cats. Get an old waterproof jacket to wear when handling them if you don't want sh1t all over you... hope this helps.

Piking Plonker
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- Ferox Trout
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Re: Catfish set up
Pikerd74 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 24 2024 10:28 -Yeah, the Powermesh cat rods are brilliant. I have four of them, but most places I've fished it's only two rods. Often tempted to sell a couple, as they are very sought after, but nah, I'll keep them. Handy rods to use when dead baiting from the boat for pike as well.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Tue Jul 23 2024 19:37 -Thanks for the reply Mark. I don’t currently have any rod as beefy as as the BB350 (although a pair is on my wish list)You won't need anything too fancy. In fact, a pike rod rated to 3.5tc works well for cats that don't run too big. I use DLST BB350s and have had cats up to 60lb using those. If you want something more specialised that'll cover off bigger fish or you just want to have more control of the fish, then shorter rods are better (more leverage). I have Daiwa Powermesh catfish rods that are ten foot something and 4lbtc, awesome rods for UK fishing, but hard to find these days. Carp rods and spod rods, as some seem to think are OK, are not good choices. The reel is probably more important, as you want a good clutch and baitrunner. I used Shimano 4500Bs for years and they served me well. Then switched over to the Shimano D series, the 8000D is the size I use. The clutch and baitrunner on them is very good, probably not as good as the B reel, but close enough; much better line lay though and smoother to use IMO. 15lb mono or 50lb braid for mainline if no snags, if snags, 20lb mono - not braid. I use Korda Subline and PowerPro Braid. Oh, don't forget a decent sized net - minimum of 50" arms and shorten the front cord a bit, making the net more suited for landing cats. Get an old waterproof jacket to wear when handling them if you don't want sh1t all over you... hope this helps.
Kicking myself as a pair of the powermesh cat rods came up on Facebook a couple of months ago for a good price but I dragged my heels and they went to someone else.
I have a couple of 8000ocs with upgraded drag washers if you think that they are big enough, I was looking at 12000s but I could leave that purchase for the time being.
The net cost is something I will have to invest in I don’t want my freespirit carp net slimed and shat on, I will have to find some overalls to put on for the photos……..providing I’m lucky enough to catch one.
I found the 8000D just fine. Line capacity is decent, so unless you're fishing over say well over 100 yards, they're more than adequate. I use mine for pike as well, match them up to BB350s. Clutches on them are fine, I've not found a need to change the drag washers. The 12000D size only come with the silly knob handle, something that would put me off. I'd go for a 12000 OC or a Big Baitrunner LC over a 12000D if a bigger reel was needed for distance. Hope you get a few, they're super easy to catch when they active. Absolute buggers when they're not!
Piking Plonker
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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
Thanks for the advice Mark, I’ve got my eye on the new Wychwood cat rods just trying to find somewhere local with them in stock to have a feel of them, mind you now that I don’t need reels I might be able to stretch to the free spirit tamer s banks although they have no stated TC (why do FS do that with their predator rods)
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- Perch
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Re: Catfish set up
I would agree that 3.5lb pike rods should be fine unless the water has a lot of weed or snags. I have had UK cats to 70lb on Greys 3.25lb rods without any problems. Robust reels are far more important, I tried and broke a selection on relatively small cats before settling on 10000 sized Shimano baitrunners.
Decent mainline (18-20lb tough mono or heavier braid if no snags). Rig tube or a leader if using braid to protect the fish.
A massive landing net and unhooking mat. A glove is also useful for unhooking or in certain circumstances chin landing fish without a net, particularly in weedy venues, if there is a sloped bank and unhooking mat into water, grab chin and slide fish and matt up bank.
Decent mainline (18-20lb tough mono or heavier braid if no snags). Rig tube or a leader if using braid to protect the fish.
A massive landing net and unhooking mat. A glove is also useful for unhooking or in certain circumstances chin landing fish without a net, particularly in weedy venues, if there is a sloped bank and unhooking mat into water, grab chin and slide fish and matt up bank.
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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
fenland piker wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 14:35 -Thanks for the advice, I am happy my OC reels are up to the job they are very well built. The rig tube on the braid is one of the lakes rules, which I have to say are very sensible. They also stipulate a minimum hook size and state that specialist cat hooks only. I like a water where common sense rules are in place.I would agree that 3.5lb pike rods should be fine unless the water has a lot of weed or snags. I have had UK cats to 70lb on Greys 3.25lb rods without any problems. Robust reels are far more important, I tried and broke a selection on relatively small cats before settling on 10000 sized Shimano baitrunners.
Decent mainline (18-20lb tough mono or heavier braid if no snags). Rig tube or a leader if using braid to protect the fish.
A massive landing net and unhooking mat. A glove is also useful for unhooking or in certain circumstances chin landing fish without a net, particularly in weedy venues, if there is a sloped bank and unhooking mat into water, grab chin and slide fish and matt up bank.
I’m looking forward to doing something different with my spring/summer fishing, it’s been getting rather stale of late.
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- Perch
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Re: Catfish set up
4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
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Re: Catfish set up
--Ped-- wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:09 -No 4.5 tc is not a minimum and test curve is only a guide to its function and shorter rods, around 10ft are actually better suited to catfishing. You CAN use pike gear, a decent dead bait rod makes a good cat rod for fish up to around 50lb fishing open water. I've used DLST BB350's for cats and they've been very good. 15 to 20lb mono is more than sufficient and 50lb braid. This is the UK FFS. The only thing you have got right is about using carp rods, most typically designed for casting, but some can be used for smaller cats. I've had a few fish to mid 40s on my Free Spirit ES rods, 12ft 2.75tc. They're not distance rods and are very good for absorbing lunges at close range. As to reels, again, depends mainly on how far out you're fishing. You do not need big reels if most of your catfishing is under 100 yards. I get the impression you'd use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Just saying, as people look to this Forum for solid advice from people who have the experience. You don't need to go ultra heavy for most UK catfishing situations, you just don't, especially when they run smaller, as the OP was indicating for their water.4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
Piking Plonker
- Dave Horton
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Re: Catfish set up
When I had my little flirt with Catting a few years back I foolishly bought some ridiculously stiff and heavy (5lbs test and CHEAP) Cat rods that I soon learned were entirely unnecessary?!
In the end I opted for some 10ft Nash Scope's in 3.5lbs test for my standard bait fishing and a 13ft (CHEAP again) Spod rod for my beach caster style livebait fishing!
(All subdued BIG cats easily face)
In the end I opted for some 10ft Nash Scope's in 3.5lbs test for my standard bait fishing and a 13ft (CHEAP again) Spod rod for my beach caster style livebait fishing!
(All subdued BIG cats easily face)
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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
I’ve had a look at some of the NGT cat rods and they are like broom sticks Dave. I’m looking at the new wychwoods which come in at £80 apiece, so won’t break the bank, just can’t find any tackle shop in Cambs with them in stock.
If they are no good a call to Mr Lumb maybe required, the Bb350s (or his new P6)keep cropping up and as the cats in these lakes aren’t massive the 3.5 might be enough.
If they are no good a call to Mr Lumb maybe required, the Bb350s (or his new P6)keep cropping up and as the cats in these lakes aren’t massive the 3.5 might be enough.
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- Perch
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Re: Catfish set up
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:26 -there seems to be a trend for people don't fish for cats spouting that carp gear or pike gear is ok for cats -IT'S NOT just because somene who accidently catches one whilst fishing for other species land one on tackle that isn't strong enough it doesn't make it suitable--Ped-- wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:09 -No 4.5 tc is not a minimum and test curve is only a guide to its function and shorter rods, around 10ft are actually better suited to catfishing. You CAN use pike gear, a decent dead bait rod makes a good cat rod for fish up to around 50lb fishing open water. I've used DLST BB350's for cats and they've been very good. 15 to 20lb mono is more than sufficient and 50lb braid. This is the UK FFS. The only thing you have got right is about using carp rods, most typically designed for casting, but some can be used for smaller cats. I've had a few fish to mid 40s on my Free Spirit ES rods, 12ft 2.75tc. They're not distance rods and are very good for absorbing lunges at close range. As to reels, again, depends mainly on how far out you're fishing. You do not need big reels if most of your catfishing is under 100 yards. I get the impression you'd use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Just saying, as people look to this Forum for solid advice from people who have the experience. You don't need to go ultra heavy for most UK catfishing situations, you just don't, especially when they run smaller, as the OP was indicating for their water.4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
would you fish for pike without a trace with a match rod -i hope not so don't advise novices to catfish to use unsuitable equipment
- davelumb
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Re: Catfish set up
--Ped-- wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26 2024 20:06 -I can remember when 2lb test rods were recommended for UK cats.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:26 -there seems to be a trend for people don't fish for cats spouting that carp gear or pike gear is ok for cats -IT'S NOT just because somene who accidently catches one whilst fishing for other species land one on tackle that isn't strong enough it doesn't make it suitable--Ped-- wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:09 -No 4.5 tc is not a minimum and test curve is only a guide to its function and shorter rods, around 10ft are actually better suited to catfishing. You CAN use pike gear, a decent dead bait rod makes a good cat rod for fish up to around 50lb fishing open water. I've used DLST BB350's for cats and they've been very good. 15 to 20lb mono is more than sufficient and 50lb braid. This is the UK FFS. The only thing you have got right is about using carp rods, most typically designed for casting, but some can be used for smaller cats. I've had a few fish to mid 40s on my Free Spirit ES rods, 12ft 2.75tc. They're not distance rods and are very good for absorbing lunges at close range. As to reels, again, depends mainly on how far out you're fishing. You do not need big reels if most of your catfishing is under 100 yards. I get the impression you'd use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Just saying, as people look to this Forum for solid advice from people who have the experience. You don't need to go ultra heavy for most UK catfishing situations, you just don't, especially when they run smaller, as the OP was indicating for their water.4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
would you fish for pike without a trace with a match rod -i hope not so don't advise novices to catfish to use unsuitable equipment
Just sayin'.

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- Perch
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Re: Catfish set up
I can imagine some dicks recommending that
I've caught cats on carp gear in the past by accident like many others on mixed fisheries and it is a time consuming job in an open water peg and hardwork if it is snaggy
Most decent lakes will have there min tackle rules although you do get a few that don't care and those that actually make it harder to catch cats with bait restrictions and max hook sizes
Anyone who wants to know what tackle is required can just go on the Catfish Conservation Group website where anglers who know what they're doing can give you advice -I've only fished for them for 20yrs so according to the fellar who uses carp rods whose post i quoted ,I'm not qualified to give advice
One thing to remember heavy line and hooklinks is for wear resistance to the pads and fin rakers
Catfish can pink up if played for too long which isn't good and can result in a cat going belly up on you same as a pike can do if you fish for them in the middle of summer
I've caught cats on carp gear in the past by accident like many others on mixed fisheries and it is a time consuming job in an open water peg and hardwork if it is snaggy
Most decent lakes will have there min tackle rules although you do get a few that don't care and those that actually make it harder to catch cats with bait restrictions and max hook sizes
Anyone who wants to know what tackle is required can just go on the Catfish Conservation Group website where anglers who know what they're doing can give you advice -I've only fished for them for 20yrs so according to the fellar who uses carp rods whose post i quoted ,I'm not qualified to give advice
One thing to remember heavy line and hooklinks is for wear resistance to the pads and fin rakers
Catfish can pink up if played for too long which isn't good and can result in a cat going belly up on you same as a pike can do if you fish for them in the middle of summer
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Re: Catfish set up
--Ped-- wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26 2024 20:06 -But I do fish for cats, have done for many years, plenty of your CCG bum chums will know me and for years I was regular on their Forum; you may want to re-read my comments, as your little rant indicates you have misunderstood or chosen to ignore them and invent your own narrative. I am simply saying, 'horses for courses'. Your analogy of fishing for pike without a trace or with a match rod is about as compelling as a melted ice cream. You advocate targeting small to medium sized cats with gear you could literally land sharks on, OK... have fun with that. The first couple of waters I fished for them, they ran to 40lb, most were 20's. I easily managed them on my dead bait rods, no issues at all. I only bought dedicated cat rods, Daiwa Powermesh 4lb tc when I started to fish waters where 40lb fish were the norm and they ran to 100lb plus. Having caught plenty of those, again, no issues whatsoever in controlling fish and landing them quickly; I've always used 50lb braid or 20lb mono as mainline on mid-sized 4500B or now 8000D reels. Your 'advice' is telling people to spend a small fortune on gear that's way OTT for most UK waters. I don't get the mindset some have towards cats, maybe they think the heavier the gear they use, the more it makes them feel like a big man or something like that. You only need to step it up if you're fishing for really big cats and we don't have many of them over here. The biggest irony of all, most anglers I see on the bank don't play cats very well no matter what gear they use. Anyway, I let the OP make up their own mindMark Phillips wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:26 -there seems to be a trend for people don't fish for cats spouting that carp gear or pike gear is ok for cats -IT'S NOT just because somene who accidently catches one whilst fishing for other species land one on tackle that isn't strong enough it doesn't make it suitable--Ped-- wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:09 -No 4.5 tc is not a minimum and test curve is only a guide to its function and shorter rods, around 10ft are actually better suited to catfishing. You CAN use pike gear, a decent dead bait rod makes a good cat rod for fish up to around 50lb fishing open water. I've used DLST BB350's for cats and they've been very good. 15 to 20lb mono is more than sufficient and 50lb braid. This is the UK FFS. The only thing you have got right is about using carp rods, most typically designed for casting, but some can be used for smaller cats. I've had a few fish to mid 40s on my Free Spirit ES rods, 12ft 2.75tc. They're not distance rods and are very good for absorbing lunges at close range. As to reels, again, depends mainly on how far out you're fishing. You do not need big reels if most of your catfishing is under 100 yards. I get the impression you'd use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Just saying, as people look to this Forum for solid advice from people who have the experience. You don't need to go ultra heavy for most UK catfishing situations, you just don't, especially when they run smaller, as the OP was indicating for their water.4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
would you fish for pike without a trace with a match rod -i hope not so don't advise novices to catfish to use unsuitable equipment

Piking Plonker
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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
Just read this thread through and NOT being a catfish fisherman.
If the advice is correct why not buy a pair of Dave's BB350's
And use your oc's which probably have the correct line on them if there your pike reels .
You'll pretty much be on budget and you'll have a pair of rods for the winter too.
If the advice is correct why not buy a pair of Dave's BB350's
And use your oc's which probably have the correct line on them if there your pike reels .
You'll pretty much be on budget and you'll have a pair of rods for the winter too.

- Bob Watson
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Re: Catfish set up
If you actually go with a rods capability and not the (nonsensical) TC, you'll find that there isn't a fish that swims in UK waters that the BB 3.5 couldn't subdue.
I once tied some 65lb braid around a tree stump and pulled it out with one of my BB's to save me digging it out. Just lieing saying!
I once tied some 65lb braid around a tree stump and pulled it out with one of my BB's to save me digging it out. Just lieing saying!
Last edited by Bob Watson on Sun Jul 28 2024 13:16, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Catfish set up
ken brooks wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27 2024 21:12 -I have had my eye on the bb350s for a while now and will probably end up with a pair soon anyway, they are on my Dlst wish list along with a few others.Just read this thread through and NOT being a catfish fisherman.
If the advice is correct why not buy a pair of Dave's BB350's
And use your oc's which probably have the correct line on them if there your pike reels .
You'll pretty much be on budget and you'll have a pair of rods for the winter too.![]()
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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
Bob Watson wrote: ↑Sun Jul 28 2024 08:52 -Let me guess it was a one hundred year old oak tree stump tooIf you actually go with a rods capability and not the (nonsensical) TC, you'll find that there isn't a fish that swims in UK waters that the BB 3.5 couldn't subdue.
I once tied some 65lb braid around a tree stump and pulled it out with one of my BB's to save me digging it out. Just lieng saying!

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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
WYCHWOOD CAT RODS
Well I looked at the new wychwood cat rods yesterday and apart from the garish whipping and graphics(which I’m not a fan of I prefer understated)
They look well made and they have a through action and appear to have plenty of grunt ( hard to gauge in the shop though) weighing in at £85 each they are reasonable too.
I see wychwood now sell a mat, sling retainer combo for pike which looks very tempting, I might consider retiring my 20
Year old ET sling which has severed me well.
Well I looked at the new wychwood cat rods yesterday and apart from the garish whipping and graphics(which I’m not a fan of I prefer understated)
They look well made and they have a through action and appear to have plenty of grunt ( hard to gauge in the shop though) weighing in at £85 each they are reasonable too.
I see wychwood now sell a mat, sling retainer combo for pike which looks very tempting, I might consider retiring my 20
Year old ET sling which has severed me well.
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- Eel
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Re: Catfish set up
--Ped-- wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27 2024 10:58 -Hi Ped I appreciate your and everyone else’s input in this thread, but there is no need to get uptight, I’m not a 16 year old new to fishing and I am capable of making an informed decision taking into account other peoples experience.I can imagine some dicks recommending that
I've caught cats on carp gear in the past by accident like many others on mixed fisheries and it is a time consuming job in an open water peg and hardwork if it is snaggy
Most decent lakes will have there min tackle rules although you do get a few that don't care and those that actually make it harder to catch cats with bait restrictions and max hook sizes
Anyone who wants to know what tackle is required can just go on the Catfish Conservation Group website where anglers who know what they're doing can give you advice -I've only fished for them for 20yrs so according to the fellar who uses carp rods whose post i quoted ,I'm not qualified to give advice
One thing to remember heavy line and hooklinks is for wear resistance to the pads and fin rakers
Catfish can pink up if played for too long which isn't good and can result in a cat going belly up on you same as a pike can do if you fish for them in the middle of summer
I have checked out the CCG website and their advice mirrors advice gleaned from the pit ie a proper cat rod is best however a strong pike rod will suffice if the cats are not massive ( which they are not)
Rest assured when I do tackle any cat fishing it will be with more than adequate kit.
Thanks again for your input.
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- Perch
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Re: Catfish set up
Pikerd74 wrote: ↑Sun Jul 28 2024 10:12 -no probs--Ped-- wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27 2024 10:58 -Hi Ped I appreciate your and everyone else’s input in this thread, but there is no need to get uptight, I’m not a 16 year old new to fishing and I am capable of making an informed decision taking into account other peoples experience.I can imagine some dicks recommending that
I've caught cats on carp gear in the past by accident like many others on mixed fisheries and it is a time consuming job in an open water peg and hardwork if it is snaggy
Most decent lakes will have there min tackle rules although you do get a few that don't care and those that actually make it harder to catch cats with bait restrictions and max hook sizes
Anyone who wants to know what tackle is required can just go on the Catfish Conservation Group website where anglers who know what they're doing can give you advice -I've only fished for them for 20yrs so according to the fellar who uses carp rods whose post i quoted ,I'm not qualified to give advice
One thing to remember heavy line and hooklinks is for wear resistance to the pads and fin rakers
Catfish can pink up if played for too long which isn't good and can result in a cat going belly up on you same as a pike can do if you fish for them in the middle of summer
I have checked out the CCG website and their advice mirrors advice gleaned from the pit ie a proper cat rod is best however a strong pike rod will suffice if the cats are not massive ( which they are not)
Rest assured when I do tackle any cat fishing it will be with more than adequate kit.
Thanks again for your input.
not getting uptight but the amount of knobs who advocate carp gear for cats is growing propper gear isn't silly money these days and whilst top quality gear is dear as in all things getting set up doesn't cost the earth these days
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- Perch
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Re: Catfish set up
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27 2024 20:05 -has some one on the CCG touched you in an impropper way as you don't seem to like them--Ped-- wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26 2024 20:06 -But I do fish for cats, have done for many years, plenty of your CCG bum chums will know me and for years I was regular on their Forum; you may want to re-read my comments, as your little rant indicates you have misunderstood or chosen to ignore them and invent your own narrative. I am simply saying, 'horses for courses'. Your analogy of fishing for pike without a trace or with a match rod is about as compelling as a melted ice cream. You advocate targeting small to medium sized cats with gear you could literally land sharks on, OK... have fun with that. The first couple of waters I fished for them, they ran to 40lb, most were 20's. I easily managed them on my dead bait rods, no issues at all. I only bought dedicated cat rods, Daiwa Powermesh 4lb tc when I started to fish waters where 40lb fish were the norm and they ran to 100lb plus. Having caught plenty of those, again, no issues whatsoever in controlling fish and landing them quickly; I've always used 50lb braid or 20lb mono as mainline on mid-sized 4500B or now 8000D reels. Your 'advice' is telling people to spend a small fortune on gear that's way OTT for most UK waters. I don't get the mindset some have towards cats, maybe they think the heavier the gear they use, the more it makes them feel like a big man or something like that. You only need to step it up if you're fishing for really big cats and we don't have many of them over here. The biggest irony of all, most anglers I see on the bank don't play cats very well no matter what gear they use. Anyway, I let the OP make up their own mindMark Phillips wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:26 -there seems to be a trend for people don't fish for cats spouting that carp gear or pike gear is ok for cats -IT'S NOT just because somene who accidently catches one whilst fishing for other species land one on tackle that isn't strong enough it doesn't make it suitable--Ped-- wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:09 -No 4.5 tc is not a minimum and test curve is only a guide to its function and shorter rods, around 10ft are actually better suited to catfishing. You CAN use pike gear, a decent dead bait rod makes a good cat rod for fish up to around 50lb fishing open water. I've used DLST BB350's for cats and they've been very good. 15 to 20lb mono is more than sufficient and 50lb braid. This is the UK FFS. The only thing you have got right is about using carp rods, most typically designed for casting, but some can be used for smaller cats. I've had a few fish to mid 40s on my Free Spirit ES rods, 12ft 2.75tc. They're not distance rods and are very good for absorbing lunges at close range. As to reels, again, depends mainly on how far out you're fishing. You do not need big reels if most of your catfishing is under 100 yards. I get the impression you'd use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Just saying, as people look to this Forum for solid advice from people who have the experience. You don't need to go ultra heavy for most UK catfishing situations, you just don't, especially when they run smaller, as the OP was indicating for their water.4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
would you fish for pike without a trace with a match rod -i hope not so don't advise novices to catfish to use unsuitable equipment![]()
did they tell you you were a knob for using carp gear for cats
have you got a small man complex as you seem to want to bring manliness into the gear you use
does it make you feel good to use the lightest tackle to land a fish even if it is to a detriment to the fish
all i can say is your a dick if you purposely target catys on carp gear
- davelumb
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Re: Catfish set up
From the CCG site:

Perhaps the best advice for beginners dipping a toe into catting for the first time is to target small to medium sized cats on a heavily stocked water and use the heaviest pike dead baiting style rod you have until you can progress to purpose made catfish rods.

- Cyprio
- Zander
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Re: Catfish set up
Umm
three rods on the rack in the shop
1. Has Carp rod label on it £250
2. Has Pike rod label on it £140
3. Has Catfish rod label on it £80
4. Has Dogs Danglies on it £350
Looking at them there all the same, the Chinese factory assembling them can’t read English and don’t care what they are, funny how some get their knickers twisted over designer labels
Ffs don’t go to the “T” they have the 4th version Carpbarbel

P.s No4 not available of the shelf Special order only
1. Has Carp rod label on it £250
2. Has Pike rod label on it £140
3. Has Catfish rod label on it £80
4. Has Dogs Danglies on it £350
Looking at them there all the same, the Chinese factory assembling them can’t read English and don’t care what they are, funny how some get their knickers twisted over designer labels

Ffs don’t go to the “T” they have the 4th version Carpbarbel


P.s No4 not available of the shelf Special order only
Andy Carpenter
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Re: Catfish set up
--Ped-- wrote: ↑Sun Jul 28 2024 11:34 -Oh dear, what ever you do, don't become a contestant on Countdown. You'll record the lowest score ever.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27 2024 20:05 -has some one on the CCG touched you in an impropper way as you don't seem to like them--Ped-- wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26 2024 20:06 -But I do fish for cats, have done for many years, plenty of your CCG bum chums will know me and for years I was regular on their Forum; you may want to re-read my comments, as your little rant indicates you have misunderstood or chosen to ignore them and invent your own narrative. I am simply saying, 'horses for courses'. Your analogy of fishing for pike without a trace or with a match rod is about as compelling as a melted ice cream. You advocate targeting small to medium sized cats with gear you could literally land sharks on, OK... have fun with that. The first couple of waters I fished for them, they ran to 40lb, most were 20's. I easily managed them on my dead bait rods, no issues at all. I only bought dedicated cat rods, Daiwa Powermesh 4lb tc when I started to fish waters where 40lb fish were the norm and they ran to 100lb plus. Having caught plenty of those, again, no issues whatsoever in controlling fish and landing them quickly; I've always used 50lb braid or 20lb mono as mainline on mid-sized 4500B or now 8000D reels. Your 'advice' is telling people to spend a small fortune on gear that's way OTT for most UK waters. I don't get the mindset some have towards cats, maybe they think the heavier the gear they use, the more it makes them feel like a big man or something like that. You only need to step it up if you're fishing for really big cats and we don't have many of them over here. The biggest irony of all, most anglers I see on the bank don't play cats very well no matter what gear they use. Anyway, I let the OP make up their own mindMark Phillips wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:26 -there seems to be a trend for people don't fish for cats spouting that carp gear or pike gear is ok for cats -IT'S NOT just because somene who accidently catches one whilst fishing for other species land one on tackle that isn't strong enough it doesn't make it suitable--Ped-- wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:09 -No 4.5 tc is not a minimum and test curve is only a guide to its function and shorter rods, around 10ft are actually better suited to catfishing. You CAN use pike gear, a decent dead bait rod makes a good cat rod for fish up to around 50lb fishing open water. I've used DLST BB350's for cats and they've been very good. 15 to 20lb mono is more than sufficient and 50lb braid. This is the UK FFS. The only thing you have got right is about using carp rods, most typically designed for casting, but some can be used for smaller cats. I've had a few fish to mid 40s on my Free Spirit ES rods, 12ft 2.75tc. They're not distance rods and are very good for absorbing lunges at close range. As to reels, again, depends mainly on how far out you're fishing. You do not need big reels if most of your catfishing is under 100 yards. I get the impression you'd use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Just saying, as people look to this Forum for solid advice from people who have the experience. You don't need to go ultra heavy for most UK catfishing situations, you just don't, especially when they run smaller, as the OP was indicating for their water.4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
would you fish for pike without a trace with a match rod -i hope not so don't advise novices to catfish to use unsuitable equipment![]()
did they tell you you were a knob for using carp gear for cats
have you got a small man complex as you seem to want to bring manliness into the gear you use
does it make you feel good to use the lightest tackle to land a fish even if it is to a detriment to the fish
all i can say is your a dick if you purposely target catys on carp gear
Piking Plonker
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- Ferox Trout
- Posts: 5450
- Joined: Tue Aug 30 2011 05:00
- Location: East Anglia
Re: Catfish set up
davelumb wrote: ↑Sun Jul 28 2024 12:19 -Exactly how I started out and sound advice for people new to catfishing, especially fishing waters where they average 20-30lb. Your typical 3.5tc pike rod and a mid sized baitrunner will be more than adequate, landing fish pretty quickly and if you do occasionally get a bigger one, they'll be fine. I wouldn't advocate carp rods though, as most are designed more for casting, but if you only occasionally fish for cats and again, they're not huge, you'll be OK. I fish a water at the moment where I am almost the only person who targets the cats and when one of the carp guys hooks one, they don't exactly struggle to get them in; they run to around 70lb in that water, but most fish are 30ish. Anyway, as many of you know, I don't often post pictures of what I catch, but since someone clearly wants to be my new bestie, here's me with a 61lb fish caught using a BB350 and a 4500B with 50lb Powerpro, 45lb Quicksilver hooklink. From memory, I landed it in about 5 or 6 minutes on pike gearFrom the CCG site:
Perhaps the best advice for beginners dipping a toe into catting for the first time is to target small to medium sized cats on a heavily stocked water and use the heaviest pike dead baiting style rod you have until you can progress to purpose made catfish rods.![]()


Piking Plonker
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- Perch
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Re: Catfish set up
Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Sun Jul 28 2024 14:35 -Sorry why do you feel the need to make yourself intellectual by inferring your better at making words up from random letters--Ped-- wrote: ↑Sun Jul 28 2024 11:34 -Oh dear, what ever you do, don't become a contestant on Countdown. You'll record the lowest score ever.Mark Phillips wrote: ↑Sat Jul 27 2024 20:05 -has some one on the CCG touched you in an impropper way as you don't seem to like them--Ped-- wrote: ↑Fri Jul 26 2024 20:06 -But I do fish for cats, have done for many years, plenty of your CCG bum chums will know me and for years I was regular on their Forum; you may want to re-read my comments, as your little rant indicates you have misunderstood or chosen to ignore them and invent your own narrative. I am simply saying, 'horses for courses'. Your analogy of fishing for pike without a trace or with a match rod is about as compelling as a melted ice cream. You advocate targeting small to medium sized cats with gear you could literally land sharks on, OK... have fun with that. The first couple of waters I fished for them, they ran to 40lb, most were 20's. I easily managed them on my dead bait rods, no issues at all. I only bought dedicated cat rods, Daiwa Powermesh 4lb tc when I started to fish waters where 40lb fish were the norm and they ran to 100lb plus. Having caught plenty of those, again, no issues whatsoever in controlling fish and landing them quickly; I've always used 50lb braid or 20lb mono as mainline on mid-sized 4500B or now 8000D reels. Your 'advice' is telling people to spend a small fortune on gear that's way OTT for most UK waters. I don't get the mindset some have towards cats, maybe they think the heavier the gear they use, the more it makes them feel like a big man or something like that. You only need to step it up if you're fishing for really big cats and we don't have many of them over here. The biggest irony of all, most anglers I see on the bank don't play cats very well no matter what gear they use. Anyway, I let the OP make up their own mindMark Phillips wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:26 -there seems to be a trend for people don't fish for cats spouting that carp gear or pike gear is ok for cats -IT'S NOT just because somene who accidently catches one whilst fishing for other species land one on tackle that isn't strong enough it doesn't make it suitable--Ped-- wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25 2024 19:09 -No 4.5 tc is not a minimum and test curve is only a guide to its function and shorter rods, around 10ft are actually better suited to catfishing. You CAN use pike gear, a decent dead bait rod makes a good cat rod for fish up to around 50lb fishing open water. I've used DLST BB350's for cats and they've been very good. 15 to 20lb mono is more than sufficient and 50lb braid. This is the UK FFS. The only thing you have got right is about using carp rods, most typically designed for casting, but some can be used for smaller cats. I've had a few fish to mid 40s on my Free Spirit ES rods, 12ft 2.75tc. They're not distance rods and are very good for absorbing lunges at close range. As to reels, again, depends mainly on how far out you're fishing. You do not need big reels if most of your catfishing is under 100 yards. I get the impression you'd use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Just saying, as people look to this Forum for solid advice from people who have the experience. You don't need to go ultra heavy for most UK catfishing situations, you just don't, especially when they run smaller, as the OP was indicating for their water.4.5lb tc rods really as a min and look for shimano 6500 reels
Carp rods are not suitable for cats and neither are pike gear
Line wise 30-40lb mono or 80lb braid
would you fish for pike without a trace with a match rod -i hope not so don't advise novices to catfish to use unsuitable equipment![]()
did they tell you you were a knob for using carp gear for cats
have you got a small man complex as you seem to want to bring manliness into the gear you use
does it make you feel good to use the lightest tackle to land a fish even if it is to a detriment to the fish
all i can say is your a dick if you purposely target catys on carp gear
Do you feel unloved today
Nice looking cat just a shame it's attached to a knob jockey