Catfish Rods

Catfish rods need backbone to move a big fish off the bottom and a tip soft enough to show a bite and keep circle hooks from pulling. Most rods here run 7'6" to 7'10" in medium-heavy or heavy power, many on glass-and-graphite blends, and several have glow-in-the-dark tips for night fishing.

How to choose

• Channel cats and eaters: medium or medium-heavy, 7' to 7'6", 12 to 20 lb line.
• Blues and flatheads: heavy power, 7'6" or longer, 30 lb and up, cut bait and live bait.
• Spinning or casting: spinning is easier to cast for most people; casting (baitcaster or round reel) handles heavy line and long fights better.
• Night fishing: a glow tip makes rod-holder bites much easier to see.

Pair with a spinning reel or baitcast reel, or see all heavy-duty rods.

Bait: Jewel's pre-filled catfish bait pouches in shrimp, shad, chicken liver and Blood Frenzy, or a 4-flavor variety pack. Eight pouches per bag, clamp-on, no mess on your hands.

Picks are matched by each rod's length, power, action and the maker's stated use. Venator has not field-tested every rod listed.