catfish fishing with buoy

Catfish fishing often takes place in deep waters with medium to strong currents. Catfish fishing can last several days and nights, and not everyone is willing to spend so much time in the boat or constantly recast the rig. Although fishing from the shore with bottom rigs is convenient, there are days when catfish hunt in the upper layers of water. In addition, the current in some areas is so strong that no weight can hold the catfish rig. In such situations, a buoy assembly the ideal solution.

Functionality of the catfish rig with buoy

An anchored buoy holds the floating rig, which is attached to the buoy with a thin mono line (0.30–0.40 mm). The catfish rod is fixed in a stable rod holder (e.g. a metal tube rammed into the bank). The catfish rod is tightened so that the thin ripcord can just about withstand the tension and the catfish rod bends like a bow. When there is a bite, the brake line breaks, the rod snaps back and sets the hook. An additional strike should then be made.

Details of the Wels buoy assembly

1. buoy and anchor

   Stones, bricks or sandbags filled with pebbles can be used as anchors.
   The buoy can be a beach ball, a large plastic bottle, Styrofoam or a special boat buoy.

    

2. brake line

   Use a monofilament line with a diameter of 0.35–0.40 mm.

   The length of the brake line should be at least 1-2 meters longer than the distance between the catfish float and the hook so that the bait does not swim into the anchor line.

    

3. optimization

   Instead of long brake lines, I use a thicker braided cord with a snap hook and a short brake line (15-30 cm). This saves material and makes replacement easier.

   An auxiliary float is attached to the line to quickly find the assembly after a break.

    

Important!
The brake line is attached to the upper part of the buoy to avoid snagging on floating debris.

Vitali Dalke caught these two big catfish with the buoy 

Simplified variant: brake line rig

If opposite banks or islands are suitable, the catfish rig can be attached to branches, posts or stones without a buoy. The brake line must hang from a stable fixed point, as flexible branches or weak posts "cushion" the catfish bite and the catfish can escape.

Tensioning the catfish rig with brake line on the shore

Place the assembly on the water

1. teamwork

   One person steers the boat, the other controls the assembly.
   Set the reel brake in advance and attach the ripcord. Bait fish are transported in a bucket of water.

2. Sequence

   First lower the anchor into the water, then attach the buoy.

   Hook the bait fish through the dorsal fin or upper lip. Lower the rig into the water and attach the brake line to the buoy. Tighten the rig: A helper on the bank ensures immediate tension.

    

Tip: If the water depth is known, the assembly with a buoy can be prepared on the shore and transported by boat.

bite detection

A bells serves as a bite alarm.
Don't strike immediately! The bait fish can be very agile and simulate bites.
A real catfish bite is a violent jerk followed by strong blows. If the line does not break, it is probably a small catfish that has bitten.

Important instructions

Observe shipping rules: In some waters, buoys must be yellow and placed a maximum of 1/3 of the river's width from the bank (e.g. in France this used to be the case, but now buoys are banned on many navigable rivers).

Night fishing is ideal when there are fewer boats around.

A big catfish that Vitali Dalke caught with the brake line.

Conclusion
The buoy rig is the solution for big catfish in challenging conditions. Buoy rig requires practice, but becomes routine over time. Experiment, stick to local rules - and the record catfish won't be long in coming!