RE: catching bait and then CATFISHIN'
Nope I use a light action rod with a slip bobber, #8 hook with a small pc of worm on it.
Cast into current seams and voila. You really have to play w/depth. I used to start at 5' andf then work my way up but L8ly they've been at about 18" off the top. They run in the Red River for a few weeks and then it slows down, but when they are running you can catch one just about every cast. You can use them whole for cats, but why my limit on Goldeye is 10. You would be fishing more for bait than you would for cats. Its cut-bait, lay the fish down on a board and cut it in strips and heave it out. I was out last night and caught 21 cats in 3hrs from shore b/w 2 guys....... we had a blast. Do you have catfish in the river you fish???