All, I need some assistance selecting a blank to use for light river catfishing. I fish the Mississippi river for current break catfish which means anchoring or drifting with a floating style Lindy or santee cooper style rig. Very different than most folks idea of catfishing. Weights used are never over 3/4 oz and are typically 3/8-1/2oz. Bait includes crawlers, leeches or crawfish - no huge chunks of cut bait or large live baits. Most of the fish we catch are in the 3-10lb range. Mainline is usually 15-20lb braid.

My two oldest sons (9 and 10 years old) will be using these rods, they're both better at reacting to feeling the bite rather than seeing the bite, therefore a light weight and sensitive rod is a must. A 7' to 7' 6" blank would be idea. A soft tip is a must as finicky catfish will drop the bait if resistance is felt.

Is there anything that will provide the sensitivity, soft tip, and backbone needed for this application yet doesn't break the bank?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/17/2016 10:37AM by Mat Peirce.

Perhaps one of the heavier popping blanks, such as a Batson IP845 or IP965?

For lighter in the hand weight and durability, Batson SP844 RX6 7' Popping.
Link; [www.schneidersrods.com]

A little heavier weight, but even more durable, Batson Downrigger, RDR70M 7' or RDR710M 7' 10"
Link; [www.schneidersrods.com]

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Get Bit Outdoors Liberty P764 in white color would probably work very well. I was handling them at the ICRBE. I bought the P703 for light cranks and jigs but if I had more $ I would of bought the 764 for heavier inshore fishing as well for channel cats around here. The white color would be easier to see in dim light conditions.

I built three catfishing rods for my grandsons using rainshadow e-glass blanks. (spg-783). I have yet to get them out and field test though.
Steve

I don't know which pat of the river you fish but I live on the upper part and fish the Iowa/Wisconsin border. I think glass is the right way to go in either spin or baitcasting. Using the technique you describe we also pick up walleye and small mouth.