Leash for catching catfish

Such a large fish as catfish has always been a desirable catch for any fisherman. But this river inhabitant is quite cunning and has phenomenal strength, so catching it is not easy. Catfish are capable of spitting out hooks while swallowing bait, and are also quite capable of tearing the tackle and escaping. Experienced fishermen prefer more durable and proven equipment, for this reason they use a catfish leash. It is this device that will eliminate the possibility of the above situations occurring. Thanks to the structure of the tackle, it is easy to notice the moment of biting in order to hook the prey in time. Using tackle made from fluorocarbonate, you can be sure that the fish will not bite or tear it.

What kind of leash should be used for catching catfish?

Expert opinions on this issue are mixed. Some fishermen argue that one leash will not be enough to catch a large freshwater predator. Others consider this tackle to be the most effective, since it prevents the catfish from cutting through the main line.

A leash is most often used when fishing with a spinning rod. It is also possible to use a metal leash. But in this case, it is necessary to comply with the requirement regarding its size; its length must be maximum. If the device is too short, when the catfish swallows the bait deeply, the main line may fray.

To catch catfish from the shore, bottom gear is used. This type of tackle is a fishing rod, three to four meters long, quite powerful and durable, on which a power reel is placed. Additionally, simple equipment and a sliding sinker are used. A swivel and a leash with a hook are attached to the end of the rod. Leashes 1–1.5 meters long are used. If you plan to hunt large individuals, it is also recommended to use wire or small steel cables.

Article on the topic: Catching catfish with a line

Feeder tackle for catching catfish

A feeder is the same bottom tackle, but its equipment includes a feeder, and the fishing process itself begins with feeding the fish. The “paternoster” is selected as equipment. It is knitted very simply and consists of two loops formed at the end of the main fishing line. The feeder is first put on the first loop, and the leash with a hook is put on the second, which is located at a distance of about 20 cm. As a rule, large specimens are not caught on a feeder, but what the hell is it? It’s better to use nylon as a leash.

Line requirements

Choosing a fishing line is the most important stage in preparing for fishing. After all, the effectiveness of the entire process directly depends on its quality. To catch catfish, you need to choose fishing lines that have the following properties:

• high strength;
• low degree of elongation during landing;
• wear resistance.

You need to choose between braided cord and monofilament lines. At the same breaking load level, the diameter of a monofilament line is smaller than that of a braided cord. Accordingly, a larger piece of braid can fit on the spool.

The length of the fishing line plays an important role in the process of fishing for catfish. It is recommended to use sections of at least three hundred meters in length, since this large fish unwinds a significant amount of line during jerks. At the same time, monofilament is better able to “pacify” the jerks of large fish, and it also has fewer slippages during the final fishing.

It is recommended to choose a line with the maximum allowable diameter and breaking load, because you cannot predict what size prey will bite the bait. If these points are not foreseen in advance, the tackle that is not strong enough will break under the weight of large prey.

What to catch catfish with

The main thing when catching catfish on a donk from the shore is to choose the right place. Usually this fish lies in holes from which several individuals can be caught at once. To find such a place, you need to consider:

1. Often such pits are located on sharp bends of reservoirs;
2. The video “Catching catfish from the shore to the bottom” shows that you can use an echo sounder;
3. A sinker, the weight of which does not matter, will come in handy;
4. During a thunderstorm, the fish rises to the surface and begins to beat its tail, giving away its location.

It is better that fishing is carried out using several rods at once. Experienced fishermen recommend giving preference to night time with calm weather.

Fishing with a spinning rod on duty, so beloved by many fishermen, is not a good idea. When choosing a fishing tool, you should prefer a regular donka or something similar. In this case, self-catching fishing rods are suitable, which are convenient to hold while waiting for a bite.

If you prefer active hunting, then give preference to the quok. Despite its little popularity in our area, this principle of fishing has become widespread in the central and southern rivers of Europe. Kwok is perfect for catching catfish in the deep southern rivers of our country.

Fishing with kwok is suitable for companies and less successful for lone fishermen. By simultaneously organizing catfish fishing from two or more boats, you can guarantee a greater number of bites than a single fisherman.

Having decided on the choice of fishing rod and fishing method, you should prepare the bait. Catfish have a very developed sense of smell, so you need to try to ensure that the bait does not absorb foreign odors, as happens with vibrotails and twisters, but smells like fish.

Kwok and trolling are the most effective ways to catch catfish. But, unfortunately, not all fishermen have a boat, so many are forced to catch the owner of the river from the shore, using bottom gear. Well, with the right approach, coastal fishing can be very productive - you can catch a decent catch.

Catfish are caught mainly in rivers using donkeys. The most promising places for fishing are holes and exits from them. Catfish loves depth, so it is simply pointless to look for it in any other places.

Throughout the day, river monsters rest calmly at the bottom, buried in the silt, or hiding under some snags. But with the onset of dusk, catfish become more active and go hunting. Therefore, you need to catch catfish at night.

Tackle

Catching catfish with a donk has been practiced since time immemorial. Our grandfathers caught the mustachioed one with donkeys, and I must say, they caught it well! They made the snacks with their own hands, using improvised materials.

Wooden pegs with two wire hooks were used as a reel; an ordinary metal bell or a simple plumb line made of clay or lead acted as a signaling device.

I won’t talk about how to make a donkey for catfish in the form of a hook, because I don’t think such tackle is relevant in our time. Low cost is the only advantage of such gear over a donkey assembled on the basis of a rod and reel.

There are simply a lot of disadvantages. To learn how to cast a rig from your hand far and accurately, you need a lot of practice; there is always a risk of tangling the line while casting. It got caught on some twig, and that’s all - a beard.

At night, in conditions of poor visibility, the likelihood of a failed cast increases many times over. To ensure that the fishing line does not cling to anything, you need to pre-clean the area, which is not always possible due to some time constraints.

When fishing for large fish, there is a risk of not calculating the maximum load on the fishing line, and the catfish will tear the equipment.

The best option is to use carp gear for catching catfish.

They have all the necessary qualities, allowing you to make long casts and confidently fight large catfish.

If your budget is limited and you can’t afford to buy carp rods and reels, you can use cheap fiberglass two-piece spinning rods with a large cast for catching catfish from the shore.

I recommend paying attention to KAIDA CROCODILE spinning rods with a length of 2.4-3.0 m. At a cheap price, these sticks have a colossal reserve of power and strength

They can easily cast heavy equipment and forcefully pull large fish.

As for the choice of reel, the most budget-friendly, and by no means the worst option, is the good old inertia-free “Nevskaya”. Donka for catfish with such a reel will be a little more reliable than with any inertia-free reel.

TOP 5 forests

When choosing a suitable fishing line, also consider the strength of the fittings. It makes no sense to buy a fishing line stronger than the fittings themselves.

Let's look at the rating of the most popular lines for catching catfish, which are popular among professional fishermen.

It is recommended to choose from the following models:

• “ CatFish Mono Line ” - manufactured using European technologies using high-quality raw materials from Japan, is UV resistant;
• “ Black Cat Mon ” – material for making leashes;
• “ Black Cat Mono Leader ” – fishing lines of bright colors (yellow, orange);
• " Jaxson Crocodile " - high-strength fishing line, coated with fluorocarbon;
• “ Special + Com ” – the material is abrasion resistant, high strength, minimal elongation.

Article on topic: Channel catfish

It is worth remembering the balance of the gear. It is necessary to choose a fishing line depending on the characteristics of the fishing rod - the softer the blank, the stiffer the fishing line will be required, and vice versa.

Tackle and technique for catching catfish

Experienced fishermen claim that the most worthy and powerful opponent, catching whom means establishing yourself in professional growth, acquiring a good trophy and getting unforgettable emotions, is this mustachioed giant. Pulling it out of the water is not as easy as roach or crucian carp. Even experienced trophy hunters are not always sure of the result if they do not know how to select the necessary gear for catfish and or make it themselves. What is the technique for successful fishing?

Cord Requirements

When fishing for kwok, cords are used. A high-quality catfish cord has almost zero elongation and high strength under dynamic loads. A sufficiently slippery surface of the tackle will ensure the ability to throw the hook at the maximum distance.

Since catfish is a predatory fish, you will need a cord with increased abrasion resistance and durability. Bait plays an important role in fishing. Therefore, it is recommended to choose softer cords that will ensure a subtle play of the bait, which will attract prey.

Homemade tackle for catfish

Experienced fishermen catch large catfish with homemade gear. Fishing rods and equipment purchased at the store do not always withstand the test of huge fish. Therefore, each part must be carefully selected and manufactured.

Making tackle for catfish with your own hands is not that difficult; you will need a cord, a large hook and a sinker, which you don’t have to cast yourself, but can simply be bought in a store.

Photo of bottom gear for catfish

The focus is on line, sinker and hook.

The role of fishing line when installing homemade gear is played by twisted or braided twine. It should be thinner than the hook wire. The tensile strength of such a cord is at least 30 kg, its length is 50-100 m. The cord is stored on a large-diameter reel, which can be made of wood or foam plastic.

Lead is used to make the sinker. It is cast in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and when equipped, it is located at a distance of 70-100 cm from the hook.

Single hooks are best, but very large. They are made of thick wire 5-6 mm. There is a hole with notches on the hook for tying the cord.

How to properly make a donk for catfish and catch it with it is described in the article. Tackle option using a large float for fishing with live bait.

Making a kwok and catching catfish using a kwok from a boat in a plumb line - about the fishing process and much more.

A short video showing the design of a tackle that is attractive to catfish. The rig uses a float and an explosive element that attracts catfish.

TOP 5 cords

To simplify the task of choosing a quality cord, use the recommendations of experienced fishermen. The ranking of the most popular devices is as follows:

1. The “Makeev Cord”, proven for centuries. This rope is made from natural hemp fibers, similar to the technologies of the 50s of the last century. This cord does not stretch, it is twisted quite firmly. Disadvantage: natural fiber rots.
2. The nylon cord “stocking” has a diameter of about 3 millimeters and is empty inside. Such devices are very light and do not get tangled, so it can be placed in sufficient quantities on the bottom of the boat.
3. A homemade cord twisted from several lines. This type of tackle is convenient to use, but it stretches a lot.
4. “Stocking” with a fishing line base. This nylon tackle has a diameter of 2 millimeters, and a strong fishing line is stretched in the internal void. It has sufficient strength and elasticity and does not stretch.
5. Triple fishing braid, does not stretch, is comfortable and durable when pulling out prey. The disadvantage is that it wears out quickly.

If you wish, you can make such cords yourself from existing materials.

Article on topic: Hooks for catfish

Choosing equipment for catfish hunting

Many years of observation of the behavior of the predator and its habitats have suggested that the best means for hunting it are the following.

Bottom gear

Depending on the region and habitat of this fish (in the Kuban there are some conditions, on the Kama and Oka - others), hunters for the king of the underwater world use their own modifications of equipment, but, as a rule, the operating principle is the same, the difference is only in the nuances. You can construct catfish donks with your own hands.

To learn more:

Float - what is it and what is it for?

Sometimes they use gear with fishing rods. For installation, take strong and reliable sticks (aluminum spinning rods, models for catching carp and large sea creatures). Such a fishing rod should withstand powerful jerks of large fish. The selection of the coil is approached in the same way - it is no less durable.

The choice of fishing line depends on the size of the fish living in the fishing area. Sometimes it is preferable to wind monofilament with a diameter of 0.5-1 mm onto the spool. For a leash, take a vein 0.1 mm thinner than the main one. The load can be made stationary or sliding. At shallow depths and minor currents, its weight can be 100-15 g, and in order to hold the bait away from the shore in a deep hole, weights of up to 1 kg are used.

Catfish hooks are large and with increased strength, usually numbers from 10 to 40 from different companies. Some fishermen place live bait on several stings at once, piercing it in different places. The risk of loss of expected production is significantly reduced.

Tackle for catfish can be designed without the use of a fishing rod. Such equipment is used in places where fishing is done at short distances from the shore or from a boat. Donks of this type are called “zakidushki”. There is little sporting interest in their use, but the performance is good. In such gear, instead of the main fishing line, a nylon cord is used, to which leashes with a diameter of 0.5-0.8 mm are attached, but otherwise its design is no different from that described above.

When fishing from the shore, such equipment is tightly tied to stakes, bushes, trees, and while in a boat, it is held by hand (but in no case is it wrapped around the palm!). Donks, as a rule, are used at night, throwing them in the evening and checking them in the morning.

To learn more:

How to make a girder for pike

Spinning

Using such equipment, catfish are caught in those reservoirs where the holes are located close to the coastline. Having discovered a depression, the angler can successfully lure out the target of the hunt. But in order to pull it out, you need to properly design the tackle. Spinning for catfish must have a strong rod up to 3 m long. Power reels can be inertia-free or multiplier. The fishing line has the necessary strength margin.

When fishing for catfish with a spinning rod, jig baits and large spoons work well. But some fishermen prefer silicone products (twisters and vibrotails) of large sizes with heavy weight heads. The insertion of artificial nozzles should be done smoothly and slowly, avoiding sudden jerks and long stops.

Catching catfish by trolling using boats has also proven successful. By attaching to the stern or holding in your hands a powerful spinning rod with a baitcasting reel and placing a deep-sea wobbler on a braided cord, you can achieve the desired result.

Transmissions

The tackle is not similar to a standard donka except for the number of hooks attached to it. Accordingly, its use in different regions may be limited by time of year or prohibited altogether. Before you go to a reservoir with such equipment, you must take into account all legal requirements so as not to find yourself in an unpleasant situation when meeting with representatives of the fisheries inspection.

The design of the saddle is quite simple: a weight is attached to the main core, 0.6-0.8 mm thick and 25 to 40 m long (a nylon cord is also suitable). At a distance of about a meter from the weights, tie a leash 40 to 50 cm long with a hook. The amount of undergrowth can be varied. Then one end of the tackle is tied to a tree or peg on the shore, and the second (with a sinker) is thrown into the water so that the vein is stretched.

Kwok

Use of this device requires a boat. At half-water, an appetizing bait is lowered under it on a fishing line. Some fishermen hold the string in their hands, others use rods to which a reliable catfish reel is attached. From time to time, the hunter strikes the water with a kwok (a structure made of a handle, a cutwater and a hoof). The vibration arising from its use forces predatory giants to leave their secluded places and go hunting. With this method of fishing, it is important to practice the nodding technique.

To learn more:

The nuances of catching bream in September on a donka

Zherlitsy

In terms of their design, the devices resemble donks, but they are equipped with a smaller number of veins. Traditionally, such gear is tied to coastal bushes and trees, using large baitfish or a frog as bait.

TOP 5 braids

Experts recommend choosing from the following braid models:

• Black Brilliant 0.6 – intended for heavy loads, slippery, soft;
• Catfish X-cast – developed specifically for catching catfish, withstands strong jerks, has high strength;
• Berkley Ultra Cat – resistant to mechanical loads, resists dynamic jerks;
• Fins Holow Core Braid – designed for catfish fishing, made of eight strong threads;
• Catline XH-O is a strong orange line that is clearly visible at night and in cloudy weather.

All proposed models are well suited for catching large species of fish.

Tackle for catfish

Remember the most important thing is that the tackle for catfish must be proven, very powerful and durable. At the moment when the monster sticks to the bottom, it can only be moved from its place with a powerful rod, and of course a power reel of size 4000 according to the Dive classification. As the main fishing line, I use a cord with a diameter of 0.2 according to the Japanese classification. This is quite enough to pull a large river inhabitant weighing 8-10 kilograms ashore. Now let's talk in more detail about the gear. How to choose the right gear and not make a mistake? Let's talk about this now.

How to choose a spinning rod for catching catfish

As was previously said, spinning rods when fishing for catfish must withstand heavy loads

The most important thing in this situation is to choose a normal limit in the rod test and another important thing is the form of the blank

A lot depends on the structure. An overly rigid rod can lead to fish loss, but a moderately parabolic action allows us to preserve the catch and bring it to the shore or boat.

A spinning rod with a powerful butt and a flexible tip is necessary only then will we be confident that we will be able to lift the catfish from the depths. It is advisable if the stick has large access rings. The line comes off easily from large guides and they are usually strong.

How to choose a reel for catching catfish

The requirements for a reel are even more stringent than for a spinning rod:

— Firstly, you need a good smooth ride and a complete absence of backlash; — Secondly, you will need a large spool and a powerful friction brake; — Well, thirdly, a low gear ratio, say 4:2:1, only then will the tackle be balanced and reliable.

Which braid to choose for catching catfish

Braided line experiences the most stress throughout the entire fishing trip. From personal experience I will say that I have tried a lot of cords. But for the last three years I’ve been fishing exclusively with eight-strand ones.

They have zero elongation and high sensitivity, plus such cords are resistant to abrasion. And, if we take into account that the fishing will be carried out on the bottom, where there is a lot of snags, shells and other things, then the cord will gradually wear out, and at one point it can break even on a small fish.

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Over 15 years of active fishing, I have found many ways to improve the bite, and here are the most effective:

Bite activator. This pheromone additive attracts fish most strongly in cold and warm water. The Fish Hungry bite activator has proven itself to be excellent – ​​Read more…

Gear with increased sensitivity. You should first familiarize yourself with the features of using a particular type.

Pheromone lures

They attract the attention of fish, stimulate hunger and cause a schooling reflex, which allows you to collect a lot of fish in one place

You can get the rest of the secrets of successful fishing for free by reading my other materials on the site.

Catfish do not have such large teeth as pike, but with normal effort they can grind the braid, so you should not give up the leash. An ordinary string would be out of place here, but a titanium leash with a reliable swivel and clasp is just right!

What is lipgrip for?

And finally, the last question, which is technically related, is lipgrip. If you can call it a device, then consider it that way. In short, this device is designed to grab large-sized fish by the mouth.

It is difficult to lift a catfish with your bare hands and no landing nets will work here, but the lipgrip can withstand heavy loads. Take note of this, and if you don’t have it, I strongly recommend that you buy it, and life will become easier!

Sinker for cutting edge for catfish

When catching catfish from the shore, they mainly use a coastal bottom. It consists of a three-meter rod with a power reel. A mandatory element of such tackle is a sliding sinker, which is threaded into the main fishing line.

The main task of the sinker is to hold the leash with the hook attached to it at the optimal depth. Spinning rods also require sinkers to be attached. In this case, the wire is threaded into the weighting material, and rings are formed along the edges. You need to thread a fishing line into the first ring, and a hook with a leash into the second.

Thanks to high-quality fishing accessories, selected taking into account the characteristics of catfishing, the process will give you incomparable pleasure, and the obtained trophies will become a source of pride for you.

Making donka with your own hands

Having secured the necessary materials and allocated a little time, you can make a donk with your own hands:

1. First of all, the rod is equipped with a good quality reel.
2. A fishing line is wound onto the spool and passed through the rings of the gear. We attach a sinker to the tip of the fishing line.
3. Stepping back 15 centimeters from the tip of the fishing line, tie a hook (double). After 3-4 cm, a treble hook is tied.
4. Now you should release 9-11 centimeters of fishing line and tie it to the end of the carabiner (choose a fairly powerful option).
5. We attach a carabiner to the main fishing line. The process can be considered complete and you can go in search of a fishing spot!

It’s also quite easy to make a leash with your own hands:

1. A double line is threaded through the load. There is no need to secure anything yet.
2. A small bead (sliding) is installed under the weight.
3. We tie the end of the fishing line with a fisherman's knot onto the carabiner.
4. We attach the hooks to the fishing line, and, stepping back 15-18 cm from the located hook, we construct a loop and, with its help, we attach it to the opposite side of the carabiner.

The ideal donka - equipment for catching catfish from the shore