Flathead Catfish Fishing Gear Checklist
“Tight Lines and Squealin’ Reels put a Smile on my face every time!” – Gary Turner
🎣 Rods & Reels
- Heavy/Medium-Heavy Catfish Rod (7–9 ft)
- Backup Rods
- Baitcasting or Spinning Reels
- Extra Reel
🧵 Line & Leaders
- 30–80 lb Braided Main Line I use PowerPro
- 30–80 lb Mono or Fluorocarbon Leader I like Berkley Big Game
- Spare Spool of Line
- Leader Material (Extra)
🪝 Hooks & Terminal Tackle
- 3/0 Circle Hooks
- 4/0–6/0 Circle Hooks Love BKK and Mustad
- 7/0-10/0 Circle Hooks for Big Baits
- Barrel Swivels (30–80 lb)
- Beads (for Carolina Rigs)
- Snap Swivels
⚖️ Weights & Sinkers
- Egg Sinkers (3–8 oz)
- Bank Sinkers (4–8 oz)
- No-Roll Sinkers (3-8 oz) River Current
- Pyramid Sinkers for Heavy Current (3-10 oz)
🐟 Bait
- Live Bluegill / Sunfish / Bream – check local Regulations
- Live Shad
- Live Carp or Chubs
- Fresh Cut Shad or Skipjack
- Chicken Liver – gives off scent trail
- Bait Bucket with Aerator or Bait Tank I use X-Treme Tanks
- Cast Net (for catching more bait)
🛠️ Tools & Accessories
- Pliers – Love My Danco pliers
- Line Cutters
- Hook Remover
- Knife for Cutting Bait
- Landing Net (Large)
- Scale & Measuring Tape
- Extra Hooks and Weights
🦺 Safety & Essentials
- Life Jackets
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight / Headlamp
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Rain Jacket
- Phone Charger / Power Bank
- Fishing License
🚤 Boat / Bank Essentials
- Anchor
- Rope
- Rod Holders
- Fish Grips
🧊 Comfort & Misc.
- Cooler with Ice
- Drinks and Snacks
- Towels
- Chair – if bank fishing
- Camera
✅ Pre-Trip Check
- Check Weather Forecast
- Check River Levels
- Fuel Up Boat / Charge Batteries
- Retie Knots and all Hooks are Sharp
- Check Local Fishing Regulations
➕ Extras You Might Want
- Extra 6-10 oz sinkers
- Drift Socks if Lake Fishing
- Spotlight – charged for Night Fishing
- Retie Knots and all Hooks are Sharp
- Check Local Fishing Regulations
🏆 Final Check
- Have Your Patience Hat On!
- Good Company for the Day!
- Be Ready For a TROPHY!
YouTube @TakeMeFishingGary
You can reach me at TakeMeFishingGary.com
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Please Remember, If You Are Not Going To Eat It, Don’t Kill It!
“Tight Lines and Squealin’ Reels Put A SMILE On My Face Every Time!”
Gary Turner
