
Tom Knox at The Rod Shop (81) currently makes three different rods for drift fishing light, medium heavy and heavy action currents and the different bait sizes. Heavy action rods are preferred when you know bigger fish are in the area or you are fishing heavy current. Medium action rods need to be rated for at least 30-LB line. I prefer a long handle that I can tuck up under my forearm for support in the 7’ to 7 ½’ range. Medium action rods are used in low to moderate current, another reason for using them in these conditions is the fish aren’t as apt to let go of the bait if you’re were using a stiffer rod. I use 60-pound hook leaders and 15 to 20-pound-test for the leader itself. Use mono to tie your hooks off with and always use a lighter line for your lead leader. We have increased our head count using the super braid lines, so give them a try if you want to catch more fish. You must back your drag off to keep from breaking rods, remember there is near zero stretch in the super braid lines.

Remember that you must have mono-filament backing on your reel to prevent slippage on the spool. It’s really important to feel the fish when they first inhale the bait and my personal choice is 80-pound-test Spiderwire Stealth or Ultracast braided line. You are either going a little too fast or a little too slow. (2) The main reason to choose variable speed over a “clicker speed” is sometimes you need that in-between speed for drift fishing, with a clicker speed you don’t have that option. They will pay for themselves by not having to have 2 or 3 extra batteries. When choosing a trolling motor, there are a couple of key points to consider: (1) most variable speed models come with extended battery life technology.
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We will cover the following topics: key equipment, baits, how and where do we start, other locations, how to drift fish deep holes and ledges, where is controlled drift fishing effective and, finally, proof that drift fishing works. Story by Phil King – Photos Courtesy of Phil King Catfishing Guide Serviceĭrift Fishing is simply another effective way to catch catfish.
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His sponsors include: Cabela’s, Mercury Outboards Pro Staff, Daiichi Hooks, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Driftmaster Rod holders, Kimberly Clark Professional Products and The Rod Shop. He has qualified for the World Championship of Catfishing four times and finished fourth in the event in one of his trips there.

He is the owner and operator of Phil King’s Catfishing Guide Service on the Tennessee River Valley Lakes and has been a strong competitor on many catfishing tours.

Editor’s Note – Phil King is well known in catfishing circles.
