Ive found a smaller hook can be used when you use circle hooks. It probably doesnt matter much for catfish but when the fish are finicky its amazing in the difference. We usually use 1/0 and 2/0 for red snapper. For bait we usually use whole ceiro mackeral (about 10-14") that is a BIG piece of bait for small hooks. When Im fishing farm ponds and want big bass I cheat and use the smallest hook possible to go through the back of a palm sized bluegill. If I use a bigger hook, the bass dont seem to hold it as long.

Are catfish like that? Do you guys think a catfish is likely to drop the bait if they feel a big hook or not?

I'm really looking forward this year to learning how to catch those big cats you guys do! From the very breif experience I had fishing with Chuck, the technique seemed very similiar to bottom fishing in the gulf and perhaps some of the technique Ive learned out there I can apply to cat fishing.