Having issues with hoking catfish

[Potatoe]

we are doing some catfishing, I run the trolling motor and my son 15 is running two poles in the back. We are running drift / troll set-up with circle hooks and cut shad. We are getting some hits but when he goes to grab the pole we miss them.

Not sure If we should wait longer or if he is doing something wrong when he grabs the pole.

Normally troll or drift at about .8 mph

Running braided line with a mono leader

thank for any help

[deathb4disco]

I wouldn't use circle hooks for trolling. I think you'd do better with regular hooks.

[moecarama]

Yep! change hooks or let them hook themselves. The first time I used circle hooks drifting I couldn't catch a thing. Now I let them hook up...my rods have a softer tip though!

[Potatoe]

We are using a set-up that you purchase with float and hook. After reading replies I am wondering if the poles I am using are to stiff. I bought some ugly stick poles and reel combos. I wonder if when they strike they are feeling the pole pull back.

We have hooked a couple but missing way to many

[moecarama]

7ft MH Ugly Sticks are great that's what I use; but bobber fishing I would probably use the cat fish tru turn or as stated before regular hooks.

[funbun]

Yeah, j-hooks are all I use when trolling. Saltwater guys to the same thing.

[NIMROD]

What they said . I never set the hook just start reeling once they bend my poles .

[Potatoe]

thanks everyone for the replies and help, heading out soon when we can get time around football practice

[cwright]

Good info guys. I just started trolling for cats this year and have been using circles. Catch a bunch, but also have a bunch hit bend the pole down good and then are gone. I will try regular hooks and see if it makes a difference.

[cwright]

What size do most of you use. I have been using 8 in the circle. Thought they may be too big, but have caught 2 lb cats on them and they work great for the 20 lbers.