When choosing a reel there are several important things to consider. Import reel attributes include: drag system, gear ratio, line capacity, number of bearings, and presence of a bait alerter. Paylake fishing demands the use of a reel that has a good drag, can hold big line, and has a bait alerter. Bait alerters, commonly called clickers, are an audible alarm that indicates when line is being pulled out of your reel. Abu Garcia bait casting reels, like the Abu Garcia 6500C3, are very common among paylakers. These reels hold sufficient line, cast nicely, have a loud bait alerter, and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Abu Garcia 6500C3

Rods are critical in both casting and fighting of fish. Remember, the rod will be used to fight the fish as the reel brings in slack line. It is common to use rods that are ten feet long or longer. A longer rod will allow you to cast further and land monster catfish. The American Premier Nite Stick is a favorite among paylakers as are the Shakespeare Ugly Stick and Bass Pro Shops Cat Maxx rods.

Daiwa Beef Stick

Paylake fishing requires the use of a very large net (30" or bigger). Most paylake owners require that all fish be netted and transported in a net. Glow in the dark nets and nets with built in lights are becoming more popular. Purchasing a strong, quality net is a good investment.

Using good line is greatly important when searching for monster catfish. You want a line that sinks quickly, is very strong, and abrasion resistant. Paylakers tend to use line in the 20lb to 30lb test range. With the lighter line you get better casts, and more line on the reel. With the heavier line you get the benefit of more strength. Berkley Big Game is very popular among paylakers. Its very strong, sinks well, and is affordable.

Berkley Big Game

Terminal Tackle generally refers to anything attached to your line like hooks, sinkers, and floaters. Its always a good idea to take extra terminal tackle when you go fishing. You never know when you might have a break-off or have a piece of tackle fail.

1. Hooks - Hooks are one of the most important pieces of terminal tackle. A good, sharp hook will result in a higher percentage of hook-sets. Paylakers tend to use hooks ranging from 3/0 to 7/0 in size. Brands like Gamakatsu, Eagle Claw and Owner are popular. Bigger is not always better. A piece of live bait will live much longer with a smaller hook inserted into its body.

2. Sinkers - Sinkers, made of lead, weigh down your bait. Egg sinkers are the most popular among paylakers due to their sliding properties. Experimentation must be done to choose the right size weight. You want a weight big enough to partially submerge your floater. Most paylakers prefer only a small portion of the float to stick out of the water.

3. Floaters - Floaters come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. Paylakers prefer slip floaters from about 6" to 12" in length. Bigger floaters are often used for live bait.

4. Straws - Paylake straws consist of a long plastic straw, with a small foam float device on the end. They are used above the floater to keep live bait from tangling your line.

5. Beads - Beads are used as a transition piece between other pieces of tackle such as floaters, swivels, and straws. While 'craft style' plastic beads are common, rubber beads are becoming increasingly popular. Plastic beads are more abrasive and can cause line and knot damage.

6. Swivels - Swivels are used to make leaders to keep your sinker away from your bait. A simple barrel swivel is quite effective. Make sure to choose a strong swivel with a lb test rating equal to your line or greater.

7. Floater Stops - Floater stops are a sliding apparatus used to set the depth of your rig. Pull-tight string stops are popular as well as rubber style stops.

8. Glow Sticks - Glow sticks are plastic tubes with isolated substances that produce light when the substances are combined. Glow sticks last around twelve hours and are essential for spotting your floater in the dark.