Curious what you all think on the following subjects.

Do you think an invisible (clear) leader increases your chances of catching catfish? single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 07/10/13 05:45 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Do you think having a sliding weight (or clip) which allows the line to move freely when the fish bits will catch more catfish? single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 07/10/13 05:48 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Do you think keeping the bait from resting directly on the lake bottom, by use of a cigar float or any other mechanism will increase your chance of catching fish. single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 07/10/13 05:50 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Do you think trying to present the hook horizontally will catch more fish than downward (or possibly upward). single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 07/10/13 05:52 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

I answered the first 3 but the 4th question is out there
where "over thinking" takes control IMO
Consistent catch's come from "absolutes" not open theory

I see your point.
Fair enough.
What I was getting at is if a line was hanging down from a boat, with the bait on it, vs being suspended horizontally from maybe something like a looper knot, would you have a better chance of a hook up, not necessarily a bite. I think they are gonna bite either way.

And, of course, I over think everything. I have been a Unix programmer for over 20 years. I can't help it. hahahahaha

I have always used Carolina rigs for catfish I think I might try a 3 way finally.... skeptical it is much better but some swear by it. Might as well give it a try.

Ya, I am gonna branch out and try some new things. Each rig addresses some of these questions. The answers are interesting. It is gonna help me pick my next setup for testing.

good questioms.

I use alot of really fresh bait and well above the "cut bait average"year round,my live bait keeps its self off the bottom.
I use a cork behind the swivel/leader to assist the leader at staying clear of the lake bed.
Shad or cut shad gets the cork floatation over the 3way rig every time.3 Ways are brass and fail at the worst times,which is why I use stainless bearing swivels exclusively and therefore float my dead baits to keep them in the higher percentage area which isnt in the lake bottom muck or wedged in the rocks.If its rocky I use 2 floats,one behind the swivel and one out on the leader.

When I fish the rivers I build a 3 way with 2 bearing swivels
and and stainless keeper rings but thats another story of many I have of adventures to the Arkansas River,like the time my buddy caught/cleaned the(pre 2011) OK State line record Blue Cat LOL!

anyway . . . .

Question 3, are you fishing for channels, blues, or flatties? It makes a difference.

Real good point, Blues.

Then I would want the bait up off the bottom.

I only target flatheads. But I am going to try a "3 way" style rig, without a 3 way swivel. Going to just use a regular swivel - this topic is covered pretty well throughout the forum the search function works well if you want more info.

Yes,... one roll fit all, clear.

No,.... lower pole down to 35 degree, loosen drag way loose, if I don't want to fish tight line, and get the same effect as the sliding weight.

Yes,... a qualified yes only if bottom is "weedy" or muddy, for hard/sandy bottom I prefer to just lay bait at the bottom.

No,... again a qualified No, if am fishing tight line, my hooks are hanging vertical, else horizontally lay at the bottom.

I think the questions arent as simple as yes or no.
I have nights where they prefer one rig Over the other.
Drifting,anchored, wind,or rivers some rigs operate different.
Fishing shallow on a wind blown shore can cover your bait with mud so I'd use a float. I will use multiple rigs next to each other at most given times and if I keep getting fish on a certain rig I'll switch to that.

My biggest question is that "hot pole" that know mater where you cast or what rod holder it's in or if you duplicate the exact rig on other poles why it still catches more fish then the others on that fishing trip? Lol

You make a great point.

I am just trying to get some general stats. These answers are not gonna solve world hunger. But some of them are pretty obvious. More so than I thought.
Any information is valuable. I kinda like this poll deal.

I agree I took the pole but just made me think twice on answering them that led to my post. I like the post. There is a rig that I use that works drifting or when the current in a river is strong and it has some of the hardest take downs. It's a three way with a "T" three way salt swivel I have a bank sinker and 25lb big game with a cigar float going up the vertical part where the horizontal part of the "T" main line to the left side of the "T" leader line to right side of the horizontal part of "T" herse the magic a Colorado blade and for beads to a snelled to a 6/0 circle hook. So you have flash and vibration and it's raised off the bottom. That's why you must drift of fish current with this rig. I'm look for a pic to post