Few fish can match catfish for their sheer strength and size. In most venues catfish will be by far the largest species present and will give us a brilliant chance of catching a true monster. What’s more, only simple baits and rigs are needed to catch them, making them a viable proposition for anyone to target.
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Catfish love pellets, making this the number one bait for the budding ‘cat’ angler. A simple leger rig is all that’s needed, and while night fishing is often thought to be the best time to catch these fish, on many venues they are just as likely to be caught in the middle of a warm summer’s day. Big 21mm pellets are ideal for catfish, which have huge mouths that can easily scoop up a handful of these baits in one go. Don’t be afraid to use two or three of these big pellets on a hair rig when catfish are the target.
Because of their sheer power, really strong tackle is needed to land catfish, which in some venues could top 60lb.
Use size 1 forged hooks tied to a minimum of 45lb hooklengths and 20lb mainline. A simple running leger rig is all that is required. Despite their size, catfish do not like resistance, so point the rod directly at the rig and use a run ring to minimise friction. By using a lead of at least 2oz the line will pull freely through the ring, rather than dislodging the lead, ultimately creating less resistance.
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Catfish are certainly not the prettiest fish swimming in UK waters, but they are magnificent beasts and a worthy target that are at their most catchable right through the summer months.
HOW TO TIE A CATFISH PELLET RIG
You will need...
-45lb Kryston Quicksilver
-Size 1 Pallatrax Eagle Wave hook
-Rig swivel
-Pellet stops
-PikePro XL run ring
-PikePro XL buffer bead
-Rig sleeve
-2oz-3oz flat pear lead
Follow these steps
1. Cut off a 100cm length of 45lb Quicksilver. This braided material is very abrasion-resistant.
2. Tie a 2cm overhand loop in the end of the Quicksilver hooklength.
3.Attach a hook with a knotless knot. Ensure the hair is longenough to hold three large pellets.
4. Thread a rig sleeve on to the end of the hook length. This will help prevent tangles.
5. Tie a rig swivel on to the end of the hook length using a four turn blood knot.
6. Thread an XL run ring and XL buffer bead on to the end of the 20lb nylon mainline.
7. Tie the end of the mainline to the rig swivel using a four turn grinner knot.
8. Attach the flat pear lead to the clip on the XL run ring to complete the rig.
GET OUT AND TRY IT ON ONE OF THESE FANTASTIC CARP AND CATFISH RUNSWATERS NEAR YOU.