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There is a vast variety of fishing tackle used for catfishing on Clear Lake, from light spin-cast rigs to high quality salmon mooching and steelhead outfits. Just about any rod and reel will work for pan-sized catfish up to 2 pounds or so as long as a good quality line of at least 8 pound test is used. When fishing for the larger channel catfish and even white cats, sturdier tackle is in order especially when fishing in heavy cover. A ten pound plus catfish can give you a devil of a time around any kind of structure. Most catmen use medium heavy spinning outfits with at least 17 pound test quality monofilament line when fishing around trees, rocks or pilings. Rod lengths vary from 7 to 10 feet in length. The longer the rod, the better the casting distance and control while fighting the fish. A high quality spinning reel with a good drag system is a must to handle the long sizzling runs of an angry channel cat. When drift fishing in open water almost any kind of tackle will do the job. The majority of anglers use light steelhead or medium salt water gear. Many anglers prefer conventional reels over spinning for this purpose. My personal choice is a 7 foot light action spinning outfit with 8 or 10 pound super braid line such as Berkely Fireline. For the biggest catfish I ever caught, a 20 pound 12 ouncer, I was using a very light spin rod with 6 pound test Fireline. I was very fortunate that I only had the one line out and no anchor to tangle up with. I don't recommend going quite that light since there are too many variables such as knot strength and crossing your partner's line etc. Since your normally fishing in totally open water when drift fishing, your best choice is simply whatever outfit you will have the most fun with. During the spring and summer months quite a few anglers fish off the bank and off docks especially at night. A lot of them prefer surf-casting outfits as long as 12 feet or more. The reason behind this is more casting distance. A good system is to cast as far as possible and move the bait a few feet every five minutes or so. This system covers a lot more water and the occasional movement stirs up the bottom and hopefully wakes up a catfish. Another plus for this method is, unlike waiting for a bell to ring, it keeps you awake.

Here is a list of Bait and Tackle shops around the lake that can give you up to the minute information on fishing at Clear Lake.   Lakeport Tackle It Sport Shop/  Ed Clark 160 N. Main Street Lakeport 95453 707-262-1233 Visit their website The Pit Stop/Dick Jones 3740 lakeshore blvd Lakeport ca 95452 707-262-0931 Visit Dick's Webpage   Clear Lake Oaks/Glenhaven area: Limit Out Bait and Tackle/Bob Higgins 12599 E Highway 20 Clear Lake Oaks 707-998-1006 Glenhaven Beach Campground and Marina / Pete 9625 E. Hwy 20 Glenhaven CA 95443 707-998-3406 Clearlake City Lakeshore Bait & Tackle / Bob Rider 14913-D Lakeshore Drive Clearlake, CA  95422 707.994.FISH 707.994.4961 fax 707.245.5321 cell