The expression cross the fishes eyesare fishermen who set the hook like thier trying to set it though a cinder block. That is not necessary. I see it more like setting a hook into a cloth sofa couch. If you rear back too much the rod will break or you will pull it out of the fishes mouth. The sofa is made of cloth. The material in a catfish's mouth is very soft. A good upward tug and steady pressure on Mr. Cat should do the trick. Don't get me wrong. My tug goes from the 10:00 position to the 2:00 position but I'm not going through a cinder block.
c7