Attention to detail makes us better at about anything, That said, I wander if a rod with a “very soft tip” will catch more channel catfish when fishing vertical without a float?

Sometimes fish are not aggressive when eating, they just fiddle with the bait, and when they feel the slightest resistance they spit the bait. That’s what me think using a lite action rod might get me a few more bites than a medium action, or even a medium-light action rod. What has been your experience?

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Waiting for Stubby and Littlewheel to chime in here
I've been using a medium ugly stick. Seems to work ok.

I have been using medium ugly stiks and recently the Berkeley cherrywood HD from Wally World. 21.00 each. I also have some custom medium action rods built by Stubby. Here is our catch from today

Softer tip makes all the difference. The bite has been super soft the last few weeks. Medium light is another one we use when the bite gets light. I used one today

Man, how's there any catfish left in your lake

It is all Stubby’s fault! We did throw back about 45 today.

I fish a 7wt fly rod for channels. About as soft as you can get.

Heck of a catch littlefield. Appreciate the replies. Sounds like soft tip is the ticket.

Stubby caught more than me again.

Keep trying Hopper

Ok i admot i use an ugly stick often fishing as you describe and yes i do catch a bunch. I tewlize tge rod helps nut having Stubbys cheese in my hook is the real deal to catching a bunch of fish. I hav ed upped my lenth limit to 14 to avoid ckeaning so many 13 inch channels. I still ckean about 30 any day i go out. My family does not allow me to fish slone because of the 5 strokes so i got the issue of finding folks who like to fish to go out. Many of my retired friends rather talk fishing than go fishing. The largest key to catching fish is actually going out on the lake.

Stubby will do that dont feel bad little. Stubby has his trained fish. They know to bite his #4 treble with his cheese on it. When i fished with stubby he would tell me to set the hook. No i did not feel or see the bite. I think Stubby must have very good eyesight which i do not have. If you watch him fish he has a serious focus. So if he is talking a d fishing he is in the zone. If there is a yoda of channel cat it would be Stubby.

Yoda of channel cats




Though so true

Yes sir !

I use a fast action rod Medium light rod.To limber a rod will not get the hook set I think .in deep water only my take .I build all my rods .