Equipment and Tackle
Experienced anglers tend to use long rods when fishing for large catfish because they offer so many advantages over the shorter ones. For instance, a rod ranging seven feet or longer gives you an opportunity to get your bait close to the catfish without spooking them. Normally, it is easier to control your bait and set the hook faster with a longer rod as well and when reeling in the large catfish you have more leverage. The most popular fishing rods are designed from fiberglass, graphite or a combination of the two.

The type of line you use is really not that important except you do need to make sure that you use something strong enough to reel in the big ones. Experienced anglers know that the most important item in their tackle box is the hooks. Only use hooks that are in good shape and very sharp. When fishing for catfish the hook design that is most preferred by many anglers is the circle hooks. This is especially true if you are after a trophy catfish.

When it comes to the type of reel you need you can choose either a bait-casting or a spinner reel, whichever suits you the best.

When choosing your tackle consider the type of environment you will be fishing in and this will help you make the best choice. For example, if you will be fishing around structures where your line could snag up you will get better results with heavy tackle but as a general rule you can catch more fish with light tackle. Winter fishing for catfish can be a lot of fun while providing you with an opportunity to catch that trophy fish you have been after for so long.

Always dress warm, stay safe and have fun each time you go out catfish fishing in the winter.  

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