Pool Cues and Broomsticks
The sport of cat fishing is becoming more
popular year after year and many states are beginning to realize catfish as
a true game fish. Take for example, Virginia. Beginning in July, of this
year, only one catfish over thirty-two inches may be kept per day. Yet,
despite the actions of some state organizations, catfish angler’s choices
for rods designed specifically for them are quite limited. Most cat
fishermen are tired of having little selection and hand me down gear from
other species and have begun to design their own rods. Let’s go over some
serious cat rods for the three big catfish species made by pros and big
companies still in the game!
Channel Cats
For the angler out there looking to catch a few eater channel cats for the
table, rod selection is less important than for the blue or flathead
catfish. Most rod selections are based on the size of fish you are catching
and as we all know channel cats are the smallest of the big three.
If you are looking to do battle with some feisty channels it’s best to pick
up a light or medium light action rod. Because the lighter action rods are
so much smaller the battle will be intensified, but remember the chances of
landing are large catfish on a light rod are very slim, especially in a
river situation.
Stepping up to a medium action rod is probably the best choice. You’ll still
get quite a fight, yet the rod isn’t so overpowering you can drag them in
with little effort. A step above at medium heavy will give you a little
extra power needed for the larger channel cats, such as are present in the
Red River in Manitoba.
Recommendations:
Shakespeare Ugly Stick Catfish Series – These rods come in medium
light and medium heavy from seven to eight feet and the price is right.
Shakespeare Ugly Stick Tiger Series – The Tiger series are the big
brother to the catfish series. While they are a little more expensive and
not geared towards cat fishermen these are great rods with actions from
medium light to medium heavy offered.
Bass Pro Catmaxx – An excellent choice for those pursuing the larger
channel cats. While other choices are available, medium heavy is the best
choice. The Catmaxx rods vary in length from seven to eleven feet, with the
longer rods gearing towards shore fishermen.
Blue Catfish
For blue catfish rod selection becomes a very important choice because of
the size these fish can attain. If you fish in waters where you have the
potential for landing a fish over a hundred pounds, light and even medium
action rods, have the potential to be broken. In a lake situation some
catfish anglers use medium heavy rods to intensify the battle and to improve
hookup ratios using circle hooks. However, in a river situation with strong
currents I would recommend using heavy action rods when fishing for the real
brutes.
In the past, those chasing large blue catfish had been resorting to
saltwater rods. Thanks to the development by some catfish guides, pros, and
some great companies those looking for a new state record have some great
choices.
Recommendations:
Shakespeare Ugly Stick Tiger Series – When fishing in a no current
situation such as a lake, these rods in a medium heavy action are a great
choice.
Jim Moyer Boss Series – Cat fishing guide Jim Moyer designed these
rods for the hardcore fisherman. They come in a variety of choices but I
would recommend the medium heavy or heavy action rods.
Cabelas King Kat Pro Series – This series includes the Phil King
Signature rods designed by cat fishing professional Phil King. The rods are
in 7’ and 7’6” versions and both are heavy action.
Bass Pro Catmaxx – The Catmaxx rods are again a great choice. Those
fishing from a boat can choose between the 7’6” medium heavy or heavy action
rods, while the shore fisherman can choose 9, 10, or 11 foot heavy action
rods.
Flathead Catfish
Just as with rod selection for blue catfish, the choice of rods for flathead
catfish can make or break your fishing trip, literally. The size and fight
of the flathead is comparable to that of the blue catfish so rod selections
are pretty much the same. The difference is how these fish are caught.
Flathead fishermen are often fishing in big logjams and need to be able to
pull the fish out quickly. Pulling a giant flathead out quickly is no easy
task. For this I would recommend nothing less than a heavy action rod with a
thick butt section and stiff tip. In addition, a shorter rod from 6’6” to 7’
will help you gain leverage on the fish and pull them out more quickly than
a longer rod.
Unfortunately not many companies offer their shorter rods in the heavy power
rating. This alone may force you to consider using a slighter longer rod or
picking up a rod geared for other species such as a saltwater or musky rod.
Recommendations:
Cabelas King Kat Pro Series – As mentioned above these rods only come
in the heavy rating and the Phil King line does offer a 7’ model for those
tight places.
Bass Pro Catmaxx – The 7’6” heavy action Catmaxx rod is a nice
tradeoff for tight situations.
As with all other aspects of cat fishing such as bait and hooks, always
match the type of rod you choose to the species and size of catfish you are
fishing for. I’ve heard far too many stories from people fishing with rods
not right for their situation and breaking their rod after hooking the fish
of a lifetime.
Remember, the future of cat fishing depends on you. Release all trophy
catfish!