Catfishing Dilema

[OldTimer]

I never use trebles when bait fishing for any species............. way too much damage to the fish.

I don't seem to miss hooking many channel cats (if they bite)........... I use just a single large circle hook with a 2' line to a swivel, and then a heavy egg sinker above that.

Hooks used are usually 2/0 or 4/0 which are exposed pretty good - I hook the cut bait along its edge or on a corner making sure it's always through some of the skin......

I never open my bail, but I do have a VERY beefy rod holder I made from steel pipe and 3/8" steel round bar.

..... plus they usually hook themselves a bit as they first move away, and it's usually in the edge or corner of the mouth.

...................I always set the hook again with at least one violent "eye crossing" jerk.

So guess my advice is to try a much larger circle hook.