[Cathunter Pete]

I've been thinking about using some carp or channel cats in the 2 to 3lb range live or dead to target large cats in the river and I was wondering what type of hooks, and advice anybody could give? I was thinking about using the Gama Big River Hooks 12/0. Anybody use these hooks and what's your opinion on them? Do you set the hook with these like you would a j-hook? I was thinking of hooking these baits thin through the back? Any opinion/advice would be great! Thanks!

 

[Asartin]

When we fished for yellowfin tuna and blue marlin in Puerto Vallarta we used 10 bonita for bait and we attached them to the hook using a method called bridaling. What you do is use a rigging needle and rigging floss to sew the circle hook to the top of the bait fished head, running the floss through the baits nose. This leaves the all the hook exposed for the best hook up chance. I might think that if you target baits in the 1lb range you would have a better chance. A 2 to 3 lb fish is pretty big even for a huge flattie. Just my 2 cents worth, take what you want from it. I am sure you can do some searches on google or something to find out some illustrations on bridaling live baits.

Hope this helps out.

 

[WylieCat]

You need to bridle anything that large.

Do some internet searching and you can see how to rig them.

 

[thunderchicken]

That does seem like a really big bait. Would use some a little smaller and hook them through the lips, bottom to the top. I have some of the big river hooks you mentioned although I haven't had a chance to use them yet. I would definitely set the hook with them. Tight lines.

:glasses-cool:

 

[JimmyJonny]

I use a stinger rig.........two hooks are snelled on your leader, spread apart.

Hook one hook in the nose or mouth, then the last hook goes back by the dorsal fin.

We drag foot long or better live trout and gizzards for Stripers a lot doing this.

-Jim-

 

[WylieCat]

Stingers are designed for short strikes, a.k.a., fish that can not /do not consumer all of the bait.

If you are not getting good hook exposure on a larger bait, it does not matter how many "extra" hooks you have.

Rig the hook for maximum exposure and you will catch more fish / strike.

 

[bw69r]

i have used 3 pound bass and a 4 1/2 pound trout for bait. i like the big river hook you mentioned for the big baits i like to throw. if in current you are better off hooking through the lips or towards the front of the dorsal fin. and for sure set the hook on them. in my opinion if you are looking for a big flathead the bigger the bait the better. also remember to give the fish some time to get the bigger bait in its mouth to insure a good hookset and avoid the dreaded swing and a miss and get nothing but huge lip prints on your bait.

 

[JimmyJonny]

Stingers are designed for short strikes, a.k.a., fish that can not /do not consumer all of the bait.

If you are not getting good hook exposure on a larger bait, it does not matter how many "extra" hooks you have.

Rig the hook for maximum exposure and you will catch more fish / strike.

Ignore this guy and use your own judgment.

I've used stinger rigs for all kinds of stuff. Nobody made a law that they are only used for drift fishing, short strikes , or anything else.......I use them for anchored up catfishing when I use big baits.

I don't know why he assumes that the second hook is little...cause it aint, it's big, and it works. In fact, the stinger hook has MORE exposure than the front hook does....why, because that's how I make it.

Oh, and I use my slinky drift rigs while anchored up a lot of times too ( and yea, dug, I peg it with a split shot ). I know they aren't designed to do that, and hopefully the slinky rig police wont come get me.

-Jim-

 

[Mac-b]

Originally Posted by WylieCat
Stingers are designed for short strikes, a.k.a., fish that can not /do not consumer all of the bait.

If you are not getting good hook exposure on a larger bait, it does not matter how many "extra" hooks you have.

Rig the hook for maximum exposure and you will catch more fish / strike.



Ignore this guy and use your own judgment. quote by JimmyJonny

JJ, we all have different opinions on how to do things. Your response about WylieCat sounds more personal than differences of opinion. Is he a burr under your saddle ?

 

[JimmyJonny]

Mac, that could be so.

He decided to pick out my post and voice his opinion didn't he ?.............. Why is that ok with you ? Oh, that's right, I'm not in ya'lls cat fish club. Maybe you should explain a few things to him before you decide jump on in.

Instead of asking me what size hooks and exactly how I rig it, he decides to shoot my post down with his smart ass remarks......

"If you are not getting good hook exposure on a larger bait, it does not matter how many "extra" hooks you have."

I think it's cute how your sticking up for your buddy ; ) But really, you should let him grow up and fend for himself.

 

[WylieCat]

JimmyJonny, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings.

I apologize for making you so upset that you had to attack Mac.

I realize some people are more sensitive and emotional than others, but I seldom think of that when making my posts. I will strive to do better. Not everyone is like myself and just takes things for what they are worth and moves on.

Your rig is a GREAT ONE and will catch a lot of fish.

Perhaps you and I should enter sensitivity training where we can better learn to deal with others emotions, needs, and feelings.

Hell, we may end up hugging before the end of the session!! :time-out:

"....Is he a burr under your saddle...."

Wyliecat = The Human Burr

:Happy:

 

[JimmyJonny]

See what I mean...your a smart A$$.

I didn't write Mac anything at first, he wrote me in public so I responded. I have nothing against Mac at all but I see your intensions at this point are self centered.

Just by writing " attacking Mac ", is your attempt at provoking things...........

 

[STLbluesNmuds]

How did this go from bridles to sadles. LOL

 

[WylieCat]

Wow...I can see that sensitivity training will be more difficult than expected.

A group hug is probably out of the question.

:Happy:

I apologize JimmyJonny for ruffling your feathers, being the burr under your saddle, and driving you to name calling.

Your stinger rig is the best rig for the aforementioned application, and mentioning my rig was a self centered attempt at making myself look knowledgeable.

"....How did this go from bridles to sadles...."

LOL!!!

Bit by bit??????

:Happy:

 

[Mac-b]

Signs That Your Employees Need Sensitivity Training

By Priscilla Kohl | HRTools.com Business Writer
In the spirit of Jeff Foxworthy’s “You Might be a ******* If” routines, your employees might be insensitive if:

1. When addressing a customer, you overhear:
   “I’m sick and tired of you calling me about this problem. Call someone who cares.”
2. When addressing a co-worker, you overhear:
   “You remind me of someone who is annoying, disorganized and late all the time.”
3. When addressing a subordinate, you overhear:
   “How can someone your age be so dumb?”

Some people are born missing a “sensitivity chip.” Others seem to be graced with a sensitive and empathetic nature. Providing customers with excellent service and treating co-workers respectfully really means being empathetic—the ability to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others and to treat them as you want to be treated

PS, JJ, WylieCat was the way he is, way before he ever joined the Carolina Catfish Club, so let's leave the Club out of it, OK.

 

[JimmyJonny]

You can call it a " sensitivity thing " if you want, but I feel it's disrespectful to come back on someone's post... If someone disrespects me, I'll man up, and I'll let you know.

Just look at his posts on this thread...nothing there constructive at all. The first post only repeats what is said in the post before him, and the second post is directed to my post.......

Never said anywhere that my rig is good, bad, or the best, I just said it's what I do.

 

[Catfishboy1995]

YouTube - Flathead Catfish Harness Rig Explained

I use this method for large live bait

 

[Mac-b]

You need to bridle anything that large.

Do some internet searching and you can see how to rig them. quote by WylieCat

Sounds reasonable to me. Later Catfishboy1995 did what WylieCat suggested.

Catfishboy1995

YouTube - Flathead Catfish Harness Rig Explained

I use this method for large live bait

Excellent find Catfishboy1995, this video does a good job showing how it is done and the results for the effort. Rep's or mojo juice already sent to CB1995
​

 

[WylieCat]

".....I feel it's disrespectful to come back on someone's post... If someone disrespects me, I'll man up, and I'll let you know...."

Disrespected. Really? Seriously?

Well, you got some issues with respect that I do not have and that I do not understand.

If you said the things I posted about bridling bait to me, I would not feel disrespected. Maybe I just have a thicker skin, or I don't read into everything someone says as being a personal attack on me.

Hey, maybe I just don't get it.

Get over it and move on. Its nothing personal JimmyJonny.

Here is a good video showing JimmyJonny's way of using a stinger on a live bait:
YouTube - Rigging Live Bait for Muskies

I think this is a bridle rig similar to what Billfish76 uses:
YouTube - Adventure Bound - Gear Guide How to Bridle Rig a Live Bait.