Limb Lining

[bs1827]

I've caught a bunch of catfish on a rod and reel, but I've never tried to catch them with set lines. I've been looking into setting some limb lines or ditty poles this year on some of our local rivers to catch a bunch of eating size channel cats. I realize everyone does theirs differently, but I wanted some input on your set ups. What is your favorite bait? Do you guys prefer circle hooks or treble hooks?

[fishinwrench]

Kahle style hooks are what I was taught to use on limb lines, but that was before the circle hooks had been introduced.

Our best sets were always at the woodpiles formed by eddys. We always used overhanging limbs/logs, never tried poking poles in the bank.

[Terrierman]

Circle hooks, definitely not trebles. Match the size to what you are wanting to catch. For channels probably 4-0 will be about right. Use a swivel about 18" above the hook it will save some from twisting off. I've always preferred live bait. Perch if you can catch them or goldfish if you can't. Crayfish are good too. Cut shad or skipjack if you can get it will work too. Tie to something with some spring in it or include a piece of innertube in the dropper, that will also save fish from working their way off. Don't forget to label your lines. We always also tied on some flagging tape to make them easier to find. Running lines in the dark can be a real blast. At the very least run them morning and evening. More often is better.

Good luck.

[Smallieguy87]

It's been awhile since i have set limb lines but we(me and a friend) always used circle hooks and typically we used live baits. Any bluegill, perch, even goldfish seemed to work really well. I don't know how well trebles would work with the kind of bait we used but i could see it working well for cut baits.

[Kayser]

For channel cats? Springy limbs in deeper holes with lots of timber or shelf rock. Catfish will hunt the shallower water at night. Live bluegill or other sunfish are best, crayfish next, nightcrawlers 3rd. Never had a problem with swallowed hooks, just used the 4/0 trotline hooks. Always run the lines at first light.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Catfish will hunt the shallower water at night. Live bluegill or other sunfish are best, crayfish next, nightcrawlers 3rd. Never had a problem with swallowed hooks, just used the 4/0 trotline hooks. Always run the lines at first light.

Exactly.

My dad and I used to do a lot of limb lining on the rivers.

We have set line so shallow that their backs would be out of the water. When I first saw where he was putting them, I thought he was nuts! I remember one was actually in a riffle. It was near the bottom end but still only above ankle deep. This wasn't all lines, just some.

For channel, any bait will work. We always used one or two shiners wormed on per hook. Worked great and you could sein enough for a month in 5 minutes!

[oneshot]

I use 1/2 inch PVC Pipe, use Pipe Hangers to Hold it on Tree. Could just shove it into the mud.

Can see the White Pipe at night easier.

oneshot

[bs1827]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the feedback. I'm hoping to get out and run some lines within the next couple of weeks.