Over the past few years of serious fishing I realized fish bite better on dead/cut baits better and live bait on other days. I usually throw out alot of poles at first with different baits to see what I should be using and then narrow it down to 2 poles in specific areas.

What type of knot do you use? I have found that a strong knot is almost as important as the line strength.

When I first started fishing for big cats alot of them would what I thought at the time snap the line, so I kept going to bigger and bigger line with no such luck.

I then put a little more care into tying my hooks on and I now consistently reel in 10-15 lbs. cats on light rods withno more than 10 lbs. test on it. Talk about a fun fight!!!

Now 10 lbs. test will not do it for bigger cats so I would definantly suggest something around 20 or bigger and braided line is great, but tie those knots tight!!!Good luckand go get that big flathead.