Catfish fishing is unsurprisingly a very demanding sport. The incredible strength and monstrous size that some specimens can reach mean that you need equipment that is big enough to catch themcatfish fishing a pleasant design that can stand up to even the toughest battles.
It's perfectly normal to wonder which catfish rod you should use to go fishing in the best possible conditions. Our article will give you a clearer idea of the issue and ensure you make the right choice. Don't underestimate the rest of your equipment or you'll have a bad time at the water's edge... Your reel, as well as your rig accessories, will all be important
First you need to define your needs: what technique do I want to use? In which spots will I be looking for catfish? Do I want to use a float tube? etc. This will enable you to draw up a list of criteria that your future rod will have to satisfy. If you'd like to find out more about buying lures, our articleWhich lure is right for catfish fishing ? will help you make the right choice.
Although these criteria may modify certain characteristics of your equipment, many points will be common to all rods suitable for this type of fishing. That's what we'll be looking at in the next part of our article.
Characteristics of a good rod for catfish fishing
Depending on your choice of technique, these may be modified, but here we will deal with the general characteristics common to all rods designed for this type of fishing.
The key point to remember is that your rod must be capable of towing specimens weighing several dozen kilos.
This means that the blank is very solid and able to withstand the curvature caused by these battles.
Of course, the length of the rod and its power range will differ depending on whether you want to stalk fish with a fireball or a buoy, but its ability to handle the rushes of these powerful monsters should be a key factor in your purchase.
Casting or spinning, the choice is entirely up to you, although both are highly effective.
Your attention should also be focused on the handles. This is an essential point that can be easily overlooked by beginners.
Choose comfortable, hard-wearing models, and you'll be glad you paid attention during a long battle.
Then there's the quality of the reel seat and rings, which must be top-notch if you don't want your overall performance to suffer.
The choice of brand is entirely up to you, as many players have now entered the segment. All are efficient with their own technologies, although specialists such as Madcat, black and Spro for example, have acquired far greater expertise than the new entrants.
If you would like to find out more about the accessories you need for successful fishing, our article Top 10 accessories for catfish fishing, we'd like to introduce you to our selection.
Our selection of catfish spinning rods
La Madcat White Deluxe G2
Madcat the White Deluxe G2 spinning rod is a clear example of this. The White Deluxe G2 spinning rod is a clear example of this, with ideal performance and a contained price offering excellent value for money.
Designed for shore anglers, you'll be able to cast large lures at long distances or at short distances with great precision. This lure will stand up to the powerful currents of rivers and offers a perfect parabolic action.
The brand promises a virtually unbreakable blank thanks to nano-carbon technology, which also offers an impressive reserve of power to control your fight from start to finish.
La Madcat Green Heavy Duty
The Green Heavy Duty is the entry-level catfish rod from the German brand. With a casting power of 200 to 400g, it guarantees success and precision with a wide range of lures and rigs.
Although it comes at a fairly low price, don't be fooled - it's more than capable of standing up to the biggest specimens.
A great entry point into this world, you'll benefit from features that are ideal for both float and bottom fishing. Three lengths are available, ensuring all anglers can choose between a model suitable for boats, from shore or from a pontoon.
The reel seat is very well made, allowing you to fit your choice of spinning or casting reel.
La Black Cat Passion
Black Cat also offers us an entry-level model perfectly suited to tracking the largest specimens.
Keen to offer affordable prices without making too many concessions, the brand has used all its know-how to come up with three impeccable models for confident combat.
Available in three sizes, you can choose the length that best suits your needs.
Our selection of catfish casting rods
Tenryu Injection BC 80 XXH
The Japanese brand specialising in top-of-the-range products is offering us an ultra-powerful rod as part of its Injection BC series.
In its 80 XXH version, you'll be able to go after big pike and catfish with great efficiency. With a length of 2.40m and a power output of up to 200g, it's ideal for animation and big bait casting.
Its great power is coupled with optimum resistance ranging from 30 to 50lbs, giving you a wide choice of approaches.
Naturally, it's designed using the best components on the market. Starting with the ultra-light, high modulus carbon blank that's both resonant and robust. The EVA handle ensures an optimum grip in all situations and the ergonomic reel seat provides ideal fishing comfort.
La Westin W3 Monsterstick-T 2nd
Westin the great Scandinavian fishing brand has also had its say with the new version of its Monsterstick T, part of the W3 series.
Still more sophisticated and tactile than the previous model, it's ideal for tracking the biggest specimens.
Now fitted with a Torayca blank, you'll enjoy a totally new feel and optimum power for lure stalking.
The SKC Trikker reel seat is simply excellent, with a high-quality EVA foam handle for ideal fishing comfort in all situations.
La Dobyns Champion 908 MAG SB
The last rod we are offering you is an American made by Dobyns champion 908 MAG SB casting rod.
Quite simply, this is the brand's most powerful rod, with phenomenal power ranging from 224 to 560g, it's clearly cut out to take on monsters such as catfish.
With all the best features, you'll have a HMG blank, a reel seat, a reel seat and a reel seat Fuji and Kigan Zero Tangle rings. Ideal for 30, 40 and even 50cm lures, you'll be able to trigger attacks in any situation. It will also be perfect for stalking record pike and musky.