How to Tie Your Line for Trout & Cat Fishing

On the surface, there is not much similar about catfish and trout. While people often think of trout living in pristine, clear-water streams, many think of catfish as bottom feeders that live on the bottom in murky rivers. But one thing is true about both species -- they are heavily pursued by fishermen. When fishing for trout and catfish, anglers must use different rigs.

Things You'll Need

  • Medium-heavy action fishing rod and reel
  • 15- to 20-lb. monofilament line
  • Sinker
  • Barrel swivel
  • Size 3/0 hook
  • Light or ultralight rod and reel
  • 4-lb. test fishing line
  • Size 12 hook
  • Split-shot weight
  • Artificial lures
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Instructions

  1. Catfish

    • 1

      Load 15- to 20-lb. test monofilament fishing line onto a medium-heavy action rod and reel. Cut 30 inches from the end of the line and set the section of line aside for use as a leader.

    • 2

      Slide an egg sinker on the end of the main fishing line. The sinker you choose should be heavy enough to keep the rig in constant contact with the bottom.

    • 3

      Tie a Palomar knot to connect the leader to one end of the barrel swivel and the main fishing line to the other end.

    • 4

      Attach a size 3/0 fishing hook to the leader.

    • 5

      Hook a night crawler, live minnow or cut minnow onto the hook.

    Trout

    • 6

      Fill a light or ultralight, 4- to 6-foot spinning rod and reel with 4-lb. test monofilament fishing line.

    • 7

      Tie a size 12 hook to the line.

    • 8

      Slice a 1-inch piece of night crawler and hook it. Other good trout baits include corn and small minnows.

    • 9

      Clamp a split-shot weight 8 inches above the hook if you need extra weight to cast the rig into the water.

    • 10

      Tie artificial baits to the end of the line if you would rather fish with them. Some good artificial trout baits include 1/16- and 1/32-oz. lead-head jigs and 1- to 2-inch grubs, inline spinners and small floating crank baits.