I am new to cat-fishing and new to fishing in Texas overall. I have really no idea what I am doing lol. I know what kind of bait to use but don't really know what kind of setup I should have. I went to Bass pros yesterday and bought a 17 lbs test pole and a 15lbs test fishing line along with hooks. I wanted to add sinkers to my setup since I know that cat fish are bottom dwellers. I would be fishing from the bank at either Grapevine or Lewisville. I would just like some advice on how to catch catfish and know if what I got is good enough.

There are a million youtube videos that cover every aspect of catching catfish. This is just my opinion but the best bait for my money is shad, and the only way to get shad is to get yourself a casting net and learn how to use it. My setup consists of a decent reel capable of handling 20 lb test on at least a 6 foot rod with some backbone. (medium heavy) I use circle hooks and a swivel and a 1/2 ounce slide sinker. That's it. Nothing fancy but it worked today on a 4 pound channel cat that made some tasty Cajun nuggets.

Sounds like you have a pretty good stinkbait set up. Get ya some Danny kings or sureshot bait.
Search Carolina rig.
Also if you get some fresh shad search santee cooper rig.
Good luck!!!

THIS GUY ^^^^^ DEFINATELY KNOWS HOW TO CATCH CATFISH

I try to go out every weekend and sometimes during the week after work.If you want we can meet up at my boat slip and I can show you some tips. Also sureshot or danny kings are the best punch bait around JMO.

All these guys know their catfishing cold!
If youre wanting to learn about it with vids... youtube channel 'catfish n carp'. Guy goes through a lot of tackle and the what/whys. It suplimented where i didnt pick up on how on-point the catfish guys are with their advice. Cut shad on a carolina rig is my go to for lewisville....
Edited cause i cant type on a phone apparently

I have a few new Circle hooks and 3 oz no roll weights if you're interested. We can meet and I'll get ya set up on how I fish. Not saying mine is best way just a direction to point you to and how I do it..lol!!

You'll eventually end up getting a cast net and using shad or sunfish. Save the time and start now!

Eric

For Lewisville lake it's hard to beat shad on a Carolina rig from the bank. Issue is most of the spots are fished out compared to same locations 5 years ago.�

Thanks! When I am ready to go I'll send you a PM

Thank you I'll you let you know next time I go