I have used fresh shad=no luck...have some huge shad in the fridge,going to try tonight. Should I let them run, or tie drag all the way down and tight line?

I let them run for several seconds, click off the bait clicker and real down hard and fast (circle hooks)

i preferr to not use clickers unless fishin at night with several poles. i want them to load up the rod and hook themselves using circles hooks!!

I usually use bells,and keep the drag on,probably more than I should...trying tightening up tonight...yeah, still getting use to circle hooks--seems easier...also doing the double leader w/weight at bottom instead of carolina rig

+1 on the clickers. I like a tighter drag, 8/0 circle hooks and a Santee Cooper rig. With glow sticks on the rod tips you don't need to use a clicker.

Thank-you for all your help...so how much weight should I use? Its basically re-learning everything...use to treble hooks

use however much weight it takes for you to throw where you want to. it will help to have several poles out to have bait in different depths.

pm damfisherman, he might give you a hint of where to go on hubbard.

Depends on wind, current speed, depth, etc. I normally use 2 or 3 ounce no-rolls for most conditions in the lake. In creeks and shallow lake inlets for channels I use 1 1/2 ounce egg sinkers. These have been my preferences for the last year, but I'm no professional. I'm on my own learning curve, and something else may work better. But through trial and error I've found these setups to be most productive for me (as little production as that's been!)

I like anywhere between a 1.5 oz and a 3oz no roll depending on wind.

I realy like santee rig with 3 oz sinkers works great

I see ur # 1 problem. If u use a circle hook with a 7 ft pole that is not fast action the cats cant load up rod. I use for fish under 60lbs is a ugly stick light salmon/steelhead 8'6" M/H rod. And for bait I always use natural bait. If u fish in shad use shad if u cant find shad 3 finger bream cut but alive or chuncked. Hope this helps u put one in the boat.

On my Heavy Ugly stick, I have a baitrunner reel, and usually let them take off running for a sec or two before reeling in...is this a good idea,or should I just use no drag and tight-line it all the way? Seems like they feel the tension and let go/take off.

Just go fishing for Crappie with live minnows! It seems those Crappie fishermen are always boating huge catfish on minnows and light line!!