First of all, when using circle hooks, do not use the clicker. You want the catfish hook himself, therefore the line must not pull off the reel, the hook does not have a chance to do it's job as it is designed to do. That is to hook the fish in the mouth, not the gut. You are fishing like needed for a J hook not a circle hook. Also, the circle hook, you let them load the rod, do 2-3 turns on your reel in the holder and then p/u the rod and enjoy. With the J hook you have to set the hook and that is why you let them swallow it and jerk. Go the catfish1.com, lot's of info on catfishing. What river are you fishing?
From Steve Wunderele - 10-2-84 --"A fishing trip maybe brief, but it's memories are endless."