I have been fishing lately with CJs punch bait and I have been using the treble hook and slip bobber from the bank but only managing the smaller cats. What are some other rigs to try to get out to the bigger cats without slinging the bait off.

Carolina rig with a 2 oz sinker

Do you put a float close to hook like you would when fishing cut shad?

For my money, I like the Carolina Rig set up.

I think typically punch bait is going to catch the smaller, "eater", size cats. Occasionlly you might pick up a bigger fish but to target the bigger fish probably should switch to cut shad or sunfish.

Agree with sooner, cut sunfish or cut shad will bring in much larger fish than punch. Have fun and good luck...

Thanks for all of the advice I will give the carolina rig a try and get back with the results

@ mister fish with punch bait I like to go with a three way set up. Worked good for me in the past.

How does your 3 way set up work.

Show us a pic or describe it please. Thank you!

3-Way:Use a three way swivel with one line going to bait with a peg cork on the line 3-4 inches from the hook, and the other line to a weight.

This'll keep the bait off the bottom.

Alternatively, you can use a Carolina rig with a peg float between the bait and weight and hae the same effect.

I like the 3-way for drifting and the c-rig for casting, cause it gets tangled less. These rigs will work with the treble hook for punch bait, or a circle hook for shad/live bait.