Drifting for catfish.
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Drifting for catfish.
weight on the bottom, weight is based how much current, 1 or 2 hooks above- I like to use at least 1 foot between the bottom to first hook. 1-1.5-1.5 being better. You can fish from bottom up. I use 3 through 5oz lead sinkers. I also like at least 30# braid with large circle hooks, unless you are fishing for small cats. I hope this helps.
In reservoirs we used to side pull for catfish just like you can do for crappie, trolling motor mounted on side in center of jon boat and turn boat sideways into wind and drag baits along bottom or just off bottom.. This a killer way for catching channel cat.
check out Chad Ferguson and his articles (and also has numerous videos) on drifting for cats. I like using a santee rig most of the time with a 2 ounce slinky sinker. Catfish Edge | How To Catch Catfish Drift Fishing For Catfish: 9 Essential Tips For Success
X2 on the santee rig
Mussel beds on Tennessee river are found fairly easy where you have ledges on large creek mouths . Side scan . Weight on bottom 2-3 oz. I like my hooks on Two leaders below a large swivel . Pick up and set down . Allow bait to (walk) by keeping thumb on a free turning spool . Allows weight to touch bottom every pick up .
I wrote a post myself - don't know if it's allowed to link to my own post? (it's on my personal fishing blog)