Catfish Hook

What type/size hooks do you use for catfish? In the past I have used a baitholder hook, but have heard of people using circle hooks. What is the hookup rate with a circle hook?

I only use a kahle style hook. I stock several different sizes. You will catch more fish with this style hook.

learntocatchcatfish.com/kahle-hook/

I have always had good luck with circle hooks. They don't hangup as much and you seldom get a gut hooked fish. When you get a bite the hook will set itself just start reeling and lean back slowly.

I usually use 5/0 on most stuff but I use a 10/0 or bigger when fishing the river for big blues and flatheads.

I try to remember to bend the hook a little so it doesn't lay flat anymore, I think it helps the hook-up ratio.

Ditto what RayP said. I've been using circle hooks for a long time. The secret is to let the catfish take the bait and not to jerk your line too soon. They'll hook themselves.

I prefer Gamakatsu in 6/0 or larger.

[QUOTE=JimDi;515314]What type/size hooks do you use for catfish? In the past I have used a baitholder hook, but have heard of people using circle hooks. What is the hookup rate with a circle hook?[/QUOTE]
personaly I prefer gamakatsu oktopus circle hooks can't remember the last time I gut hooked a fish

I use Eagle Claw King Kahle 10/0 when I fish the Ohio river. I use big baits and I prefer to set the hook.

I will have to make visit to BPS. I use 4/0 or 5/0 Kahle for Striper fishing at Cumberland. Remember fishing there back in the late 80's when the Striper was still not well known and wow... when the rod would go down you were like "IT IS ON". We have been going since then hope it gets going close to what it was with the lake coming up.

Looking getting on the Ohio River for Catfish(live in Louisville) and getting into some of the big ones... all catch and release.

Thank you for the responses.....

I love the Gamakatsu Natilus circle for cats and stripers on Cumberland. I have had better luck with these than with octopus circle hooks. The only thing is Bass Pro in Clarksville don't carry them so I have to order them from Bass Pro or Cabela's.

[QUOTE=Tyme2fish;515319]Ditto what RayP said. I've been using circle hooks for a long time. The secret is to let the catfish take the bait and not to jerk your line too soon. They'll hook themselves.

I prefer Gamakatsu in 6/0 or larger.[/QUOTE]Gama's are great circle hooks. I don't catfish but they are the best for snapper fishing. Tyme is right, all you gotta do it start reeling. Teaching yourself not to set the hook is the hardest part about using them.