
What Weight (Lb) Line For Catfish? Line Weight Chart!
When it comes to line weight, choosing the right one is very important. By “right choice,” we mean that your line weight should match the fishing conditions and the type of fish you’re targeting. Today, we’ll focus on catfish and discuss what line weight (in pounds) is best for catching them.

Lb Chart for Catfish Fishing Lines
Catfish Line Weight Recommendations
Catfish Species | Fishing Conditions | Recommended Line | Line Type |
---|---|---|---|
Channel Catfish | General fishing (castability and strength) | 12-20 lb test mono | Monofilament |
Channel Catfish | Heavy cover, rocky bottoms | 20-30 lb test mono | Monofilament |
Blue Catfish | Deep water, fast currents | 30-65 lb test braid with 30-50 lb mono leader | Braid with Mono Leader |
Flathead Catfish | Heavy cover, strong currents | 50-80 lb test braid with 50-60 lb mono leader | Braid with Mono Leader |
Flathead Catfish | Extreme conditions, very heavy cover | 80 lb test braid with 60 lb mono leader | Braid with Mono Leader |
General Catfish | Small to medium catfish | 10-15 lb test mono | Monofilament |
Line Weight Recommendations Based on Catfish Species and Conditions
1. Channel Catfish
Channel catfish are big fish, generally up to 20 pounds, so you don’t need an empty rod, empty hook or overly heavy line or hook up.
Recommended Line: 12-+ pound test/20 lb test mono is our go-to-line for channel cats. If you’re fishing in areas with heavy cover, consider a heavier line with a top hook of 20-pound test or 30-lb test.
It’s manageable, casts well, and provides enough strength for the typical size of channel cats. Using a 12-20 lb test line strikes a good balance between strength and ease of casting distance handling big bottom catfish here. It allows for smooth casting and can handle the occasional larger catfish without breaking.
In areas with heavy vegetation or rocky bottoms, upgrading to a 20-30 pound mono- lb test line can help manage the extra abrasion and potential snags from heavy currents here.
2. Blue Catfish
Blue catfish can get big, often over 50 pounds, so we use stronger hooks, rods thinner line, and rigs and lines of bait out here to catch them.
Check our recommendations on Best Rigs for Catfish Fishing
Recommended Line: 30-65 lb test braid with a 30-50 lb mono leader.
The thin diameter of the mono braid helps with deeper fishing and fast currents for blue cat,, while the strong mono leader helps with abrasion resistance. The mono braided line has a higher strength-to-diameter ratio than mono alone, making it ideal for fishing in deeper waters and swift currents where blue catfish often reside.
The mono leader adds a layer of abrasion resistance, which is crucial when dealing with rough underwater structures and the sharp teeth of large blue catfish.
3. Flathead Catfish
Flatheads can be monsters, often reaching over 50 pounds.
Recommended Line: 50-80 lb test braid with a 50-60 lb mono leader.
We need the extra strength for these big fish, and the braid mono line’s thin diameter helps reduce drag in strong currents. Flathead catfish are known for their powerful, sustained runs, and the 50-80 lb test braid provides the necessary strength to handle these battles.
The thin diameter of the eight pound test braid mono also reduces water resistance, making it easier to manage in strong currents. The mono leader’s durability helps fish withstand the abrasive conditions often found in flathead catfish’ habitats, such as rocky riverbeds and submerged timber.
Specific Line Types and Their Uses
Monofilament
Mono’s affordability and availability make it an attractive choice for most catfish angler. It’s widely available in various weights and can be found in most fishing supply stores. Additionally, monofilament’s ability to absorb shocks is a significant advantage. This characteristic helps when a fish makes a sudden run or a powerful lunge, reducing the risk of the mono line not snapping.
Monofilament, also the best line, has decent abrasion resistance. This means it can withstand contact with rocks, debris, and other underwater obstacles without breaking easily. However, it’s essential to check and replace your line regularly, as repeated abrasion can weaken it over time.
- Usage: General catfishing, especially for beginners or casual anglers.
- Pros: It’s shock absorbent and cost-effective.
- Cons: It can stretch and has higher water resistance.
Braided Line
When using a braided fishing line, pairing it with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader can enhance its performance. This combination leverages the sensitivity and strength of the braid line along with the leader’s abrasion resistance and low visibility. Additionally, knots like the Palomar knot are highly effective with braided lines, ensuring a secure connection that won’t slip under pressure.
Understanding the specific uses and benefits of braided lines helps anglers make informed decisions, especially when targeting large catfish in challenging conditions. Its high strength, minimal stretch, and excellent sensitivity make it a top-line choice for experienced fishermen looking to tackle many fish in tough fishing environments.
- Usage: Deepwater, fast currents, and heavy cover.
- Pros: Minimal stretch, excellent sensitivity, and high strength.
- Cons: It’s expensive and can cut through fish and hands if not handled properly.
Fluorocarbon
We use fluoro primarily for leaders because of its abrasion resistance. When using fluorocarbon, it’s important to use the right knots to ensure a secure connection.
Knots like the Palomar knot and the Uni knot are known to work well with fluorocarbon, providing strong, reliable holds. Additionally, using fluorocarbon as a leader with a braided main line can give you the benefits of both types of lines: the sensitivity and strength of the braid combined with the stealth and abrasion resistance of fluorocarbon.
- Usage: Leaders for added abrasion resistance and clear water conditions.
- Pros: Low visibility and high abrasion resistance.
- Cons: It’s stiff and expensive.
Also, Read: What Size Hook For Catfish? Hook Size Chart. Check our recommendations on 10 Best Catfish Hooks (Tested + Reviewed)
Tips for Choosing the Right Line
- If you’re fishing in rocky or woody areas, go for stronger lines. Mono is great for its abrasion resistance, but braid is better for deeper water with fast currents.
- Use heavier lines for bigger fish. For example, 12-20 lb test for channel cats and 50-80 lb test for flatheads.
- For night fishing or low-light conditions, we prefer high-visibility lines like neon green or yellow.
Recommendations and Experiences
General Advice
For beginners or casual fishing trips with a few fish only, we always suggest using a long monofilament leader. Mono is affordable, easy to handle, and provides excellent shock strength and abrasion resistance. It’s perfect for those just starting out or for those who prefer a more relaxed fishing experience.
When targeting larger catfish in challenging conditions, braid is our top choice. Its minimal stretch and high strength make it ideal for deep water and fast currents. Braid’s thin diameter allows for better casting and sensitivity, which is crucial when fishing for big catfish.
For those needing extra abrasion resistance, especially in rocky areas, we recommend using a fluorocarbon leader. Fluoro’s low visibility and high abrasion resistance make it perfect for these tough environments. Pairing it with a braided main line can give you the best of both worlds: the sensitivity and strength of the braid with the stealth and durability of fluorocarbon.
Personal Experiences
I prefer using 20-30 lb monofilament for channel catfish. He appreciates its shock strength, which helps absorb the sudden tugs of a fighting fish, and its abrasion resistance, which is crucial when fishing around rocks and debris. According to Dan, twenty-pound mono is easy to handle and provides a good balance between strength and manageability.
Ethan swears by a 65 lb braid with a 30 lb mono leader. He values the versatility and durability of this setup. The braid offers minimal stretch and high strength, making it perfect for tough conditions and larger fish. The long mono leader also adds an extra layer of abrasion resistance and helps reduce visibility in the water. Jeff finds this combination to be highly effective in a variety of fishing environments.
Nathan uses 80-100 lb braid for large blue catfish. He values the line’s longevity and strength, which are essential when targeting such massive fish. The high strength-to-diameter ratio of the braid allows Ken to fish in deep waters and fast currents without worrying about the line breaking. This setup has proven reliable for him time and time again, especially when battling the largest blue catfish.
Advanced Techniques for Catfishing
We’ve had great success with drift fishing, which involves letting the hook and your bait drift naturally with the boat in the current. For this technique, we use a 50 lb braid to handle the hook and bait in the fast-moving water and a 30 lb mono leader to prevent abrasion.
Bank fishing requires strong and abrasion-resistant lines. We prefer 20-30 lb mono for its shock strength and ease of casting. The Berkley Trilene Big Game line has served us well in these scenarios.
For trotlines, hooks, and juglines of big catfish, durability is key. We use heavy-duty braided lines, usually around 80-100 lb test, to ensure the lines can handle the pull of multiple large catfish at once.
You should also see these articles:
Chicken for Catfish Bait? Is it a Good Idea?
Best Catfish Baits
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using the Wrong Knot
One common mistake we see is using the wrong knot. For mono, we recommend the Palomar knot, while for braid, the Double Palomar or Uni knot works best. Practice tying these knots to ensure they are secure.
Overloading the Reel
Another mistake is overloading the reel with too many lines. This can lead to tangles and backlashes of multiple lines. We suggest filling the reel with rods to about 80-90% capacity to allow smooth casting, line break, line movement up, and retrieval of thinner lines.
Not Matching the Line to the Rod and Reel
Using a rod or line that’s too heavy or too light for your rod and a heavy rod or current light line, rod, or reel can lead to poor performance and even damage your boat or equipment. Always check the rod and reel specifications and match them to the rod holder line’s weight.