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RIGGING GUIDE

Catfish slip-sinker rig

Keep channel-catfish bait near bottom while the main line slides through a sinker.

FishingCritic is research-led, using maker data and published sources. We have no hands-on test results for this edition.

What parts do you need?

  • 1/2 oz egg sinker starting example
  • Bead and barrel swivel
  • 12–18 in of 20 lb mono leader
  • 2/0 inline circle hook; small legal cut bait or worm

Sizes are our starting examples, informed by the source below. Adjust to current, bait and the rod’s total lure rating.

Connecticut DEEP: Channel catfish

Standing / main line

Tag end / leader

Grey shapes are tackle; panels show assembly, not product dimensions.

How do you assemble it?

  1. Step 1: Thread the egg sinker and bead onto the main line, in that order.
    01 Thread the egg sinker and bead onto the main line, in that order.
  2. Step 2: Tie the main line to the swivel, then the leader to its other eye, using uni knots.
    02 Tie the main line to the swivel, then the leader to its other eye, using uni knots.
  3. Step 3: Tie the circle hook to the leader. Keep the point clear of bait and wind into pressure rather than striking.
    03 Tie the circle hook to the leader. Keep the point clear of bait and wind into pressure rather than striking.

What can go wrong?

The swivel stops the sinker reaching the hook. Do not bury a circle-hook point or exceed the rod rating with bait plus sinker.

Which knots do you need?

Uni knot

Where do these facts come from?

The links identify source URLs and check dates. The source data records access limits.