I have a large creek near my house and there lots of catfish in the creek between 1-4 pound range. I use cut perch for bait and it worked really well for me. Just a day ago i have notice that the fish is not getting hooked and running out, but the hold the bait in there mouths and swim towards me... i tighten the light and set the hook and no hook up... is my bait to big? I catch and release so i think they know something..... I cut up the perch about 2 inch cubes....

Try a circle hook..

Try a different bait and see if it makes a difference. Punch bait with a #6 treble should catch some channels with ease

U might be usimg to big of bait. Remember to leave plent of the hook exposed

They may not like youre bait and are bringing it back too ya!!!LOL!!

Well if they swim towards you fish the other side of the creek and you should be golden.

Nice

Sounds like they're getting competitive and running with the bait before swallowing. This happens when there are several juveniles in the same area. I would suggest starting with a very small bait and a hook size just big enough to allow the point of the hook sticking through a bit. And definitely try to position yourself so you can do a sideways / slightly up, hook set.

Could be gar as well!

Sometimes that happens, might try some kahle hooks so you can set the hook when they are coming to you.

your bait is way to big
cut what you're using in half

Two options:

1. Circle hook: pretty much standard use for cats, experiment with different sizes. IMPORTANT: these are not meant to be hook set, when it's fish on just reel in or slowly pull, the hook will curl right before it leaves the mouth. If you hook set you will lose every time

2. Octopus circle hook: these hooks are off set and the point comes in slightly. If you are inclined to set the hook, these are for you. Just make sure there is a steady tension and pull from the fish before setting.

Rigging: this really depends on how you intend on fishing. Most basic is weight on bottom and hook on top ( good for bank). Another is a heavy (4-5oz) slip weight on main line, then a swivel with hook on bottom (good for drifting)

Kahle hook: another gold standard for cats: I don't use them because I could never get the Hang of them, mainly because it is difficult to hook to bait. Many people swear by these. You may have better luck than I did.

Thanks for the advice!