May be a long shot.... but, when I was a kid there was a small pond that held a decent # of catfish, and we had the same delima. I knew they would bite, just how?? Downsize your gear to a spinning outfit, and only tie a hook to your line. Make some doughballs out of a loaf of bread, season them if you want. They will float on top of the water, and will give you enough weight with the lighter outfit that you should be able to get plenty of casting distance. Its actually a very fun way to fish, if they will take your offering.