Catfish Rigs

The slip sinker rig is a very common setup for blue, channel and flathead catfish and is often used in lakes and rivers for all species. It is referred to in catfishing circles as a slip sinker rig but commonly referred to as a "carolina rig" by Bass anglers. The basic concepts behind the slip sinker setup are the sliding egg sinker or no roll sinker added above a swivel and leader line. The swivel is used to stop the hook above the top of the leader line and slides up and down the line. The basic principle behind this is that the line (when the reel is fished in free spool) allows the fish to run with the bait and meet minimal resistance from the sinker.

The santee rig or santee cooper rig is another variation of the slip sinker rig. The basic concepts are the same and the rig is tied with the same tackle. The biggest difference between the santee rig and the slip sinker rig is the leader is generally made much longer on the santee and a small peg float is added to the leader a few inches above the hook.

The addition of the peg float allows the bait to suspend off the bottom at or above the line of sight for the catfish, depending on their location in the water column. The length of the leader can be adjusted longer or shorter to raise or lower the bait in the water column.

The three way rig (3 way rig) is probably the most well known setup of all and is very popular among beginning catfish anglers but most anglers grow weary of this setup when they gain experience. While it can be an effective setup at times it is generally not preferred by the masses. This is tied using a three way swivel. One part of the three way swivel is tied to the main line. The second is tied to a short piece of monofilament that then runs down to a sinker. The third eye on the swivel is tied to an additional piece of fishing line which then has a hook attached to the other end.

The absolute best rig there is for channel catfish is available in an ebook from Learn To Catch Catfish called the secret channel catfish rig. If you fish for channel catfish then you should definitely learn some more about this setup and the benefits of using it when fishing for channel catfish.

The secret channel catfish rig is more sensitive than any other catfish rig available. It eliminates missing fish and puts more channel catfish in the boat each and every time.

You can learn more about this setup and instantly increase your catch ratios when fishing for channel catfish at http://www.catfishingrig.com