How to set up a simple catfish rig for lakeswith Matt Collins from Beausoleil French Carp and Cats

www.frenchcarpandcats.com

A simple bottom bait rig setup

I developed this rig specifically for use

at my 4-acre lake in France, Beausoleil,

but whether you’re targeting catfish in

a lake in the UK or abroad, this rig is

suitable for catfish from 10lbs to

100lbs.

I wanted something that was very safe,

easy to tie, super strong and used as

few components as possible. Its

principles can be readily applied to any

waters.

I have been using it for over 2 years

now and recommended it to many

customers. This rig has accounted for

many captures.

Basic catfish bottom bait rig

 This may look like the most basic rig in the world. However if you take a closer look there are some details

which make it special and very effective.

Hair loop and baits

In this rig, I am using my homemade 22mm Blue Oyster baits.

Much as specialist catfish anglers might object to the concept of using boilies to catch catfish, the fact of the matter is that boilies are highly effective for catfish.

If you are at a venue with both carp and catfish, the secret of catching catfish with this rig rather than carp is the way you use it!

When the catfish are active all you need to do is to bait heavily with boilies and pellets and you’ll catch catfish and not carp and the carp will not come anywhere near feeding catfish!

Note here the length of the hair loop. If you’re using a standard hair stop then the length should be 1.5 times the diameter of the baits. This positions the hair knot in the middle of the top bait as shown and locks them together.

Hook and hook link

 Sharpness is everything! I hand sharpen every hook

when I go fishing

This is the most important part of the rig.

My hook link of choice is Kryston’s 45lb Quicksilver (it’s actually designed as a snag leader but makes a very tough hook link). This is connected to the hook with a standard knotless knot but I add a couple of extra turns beneath the hair as a kicker and then another turn to over wrap the knot to help prevent it from slipping.

I then whipped down the shank 10 times. This means that the hair exits the back of the hook perpendicular (90 °) to the point.

40mm tail

5 turn double grinner

I’ve left the tail from the mainline knot 40mm long. This tail gets

tucked into the hole inside the lead to create an indicator lead that can tell you the difference between a

dropped take and a big liner

There are only two knot options for the mainline: the Palomar knot or the 5-turn grinner. Here, I used the 5-Turn grinner. I always use a 5-Turn

grinner for the hook link.

Lead setup, knots and rig tube

Lead setup, knots and rig tube

Rig tube super glued in place

Tail rubber slides over

rig tube

Insert removed from in-line lead

To protect the mainline against the risk of failure, you should use 2 - 3ft of rig tube. The rig tube should not slide away from the swivel knot during the fight. To do this, just dab a blob of super glue on the mainline just

above the knot before sliding the rig tube down to meet the knot. Within a few minutes the rig tube will be

immoveable and prevent the catfish pectoral fins from slicing through your mainline. To dismantle, simple cut

through the bottom 5mm of rig tube and mainline.

To optimise hooking and bite indication I always use my Beausoleil carp rig lead setup. To do this, push the tail rubber over the swivel to the distance shown on slide 3. Then slide the lead over just hard enough for it to stay in place when you lift the rig by the baits. A quick shake of the baits should see the lead drop off and turn into a running rig. This will confuse the catfish and it will move off with the rig. No matter which way it swims you will get a run!

My ultimate catfish rig for lakes

This simple catfish rig has accounted for countless captures at Beausoleil and is up to the task of tackling the real monsters. My only word of caution is this: before you use it, spend some time down the gym, you’ll need to be in good shape for the battles that are to come!

About Beausoleil French Carp and Cats

Enjoy exclusive carp and catfish fishing holidays in Northern France at Beausoleil

where you can fish for big carp and monster catfish in your own private 4 acre

fishing lake. With exclusive use of the lake and accommodation, this stunning

fishing venue is perfect for couples, families and groups of anglers.

Click here to learn more:WWW.FRENCHCARPANDCATS.COM

www.frenchcarpandcats.com

BY MATT COLLINS.

@BeausoleilCarp