How to Make Homemade Rigs for Big Catfish

Mention the word "catfish," and some people will raise their eyebrows while others will frown. Catfish, until recently, have had a bad rap in the game fish world. However, this bottom-feeder is widely regarded as one of the more popular game fish species, drawing thousands of anglers to rivers, streams, ponds and lakes each year. Catfish anglers say a fish in the 3- to 15-pound range is a good-sized fish. Rigging for these larger catfish is easy, requiring minimal terminal tackle and knowledge of a few simple knots.

Things You'll Need

  • 7-foot medium/heavy spinning rod with matching reel
  • 20- to 30-pound test monofilament fishing line
  • 1/4-ounce sliding egg weight
  • No. 6 treble hook
  • Barrel swivel
  • Swivel snap
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 2-foot length of monofilament line from a filler spool. Two feet should give you enough line to work with when tying knots. You want a leader that is 15 to 18 inches long when finished.

    • 2

      Attach a barrel swivel to one end of the length of line with a Trilene knot. Form the knot by feeding 5 to 6 inches of line through the eye of the swivel. Wrap the free end around and through the eye one more time. This will form a loop around the eye of the swivel. Wrap the rest of the free end around the main line three times, beginning near the eye and moving up the line. Turn the end down and feed it through the loop formed around the swivel eye. Moisten the knot, pull tight and trim excess line with sharp scissors.

    • 3

      Attach a swivel snap to the opposite end of the same leader line. Tie another Trilene knot to attach the line to the swivel. Adjust the line while tying the knot so that the result is a rig that is 15 to 18 inches long.

    • 4

      Feed your main fishing line through the center hole of a sliding egg weight. Tie the end of the main fishing line to the barrel swivel with a Trilene knot. The barrel swivel acts as stop so the egg weight does not slide all the way down the leader.

    • 5

      Open the swivel snap and attach a No. 6 treble hook. Close the snap securely and attach your bait of choice to the hook.