i use circle hooks i would just let the fish run. but you could reel when you have a fish on but never jerk

I'm new at cat fishing but i'm working hard. I have four rod holders. They don't have clickers. So, should I back the drag way off so the fish can run for a while, then screw down the drag and start reeling? Also I read where one guy drift fished but lowering his baits straight down from the boat, then reeled up a few feet....fishing vertically. Seems like more people talk about dragging the bait on a C-rig well away from the boat. What is your opinion?

depends on how deep you are fishing and where the fish are ........ deep water ,6' off bottom we fish straight down 20 ' of water 2'off bottom like to let em out !!!

I don't think I'd back off on the drag. You'll have your hands full if you get a big-un on. I use the Santee-Cooper rigg for all my catfishing. Basically the C-rigg with a float just above the hook. I don't usually fish straight down but try to broadcast my lines out in all directions. I think only when they're suspended would I fish straight down. I think if you see the fish suspended then I would fish up off the bottom, mainly in deeper water. Otherwise I'd stay on the bottom and let the float keep the bait off the bottom.