Top 5 Fishing Rod and Reel Combos for Catfishing 2025
Catfish are one of a highly sought after species that anglers can catch from a boat, shore or pier. They can range anywhere from smaller bullheads of 1 to 3 pounds up to giant blue or flatheads that can weigh over 100 pounds. Typically, anglers will be targeting catfish in the 1 to 50-pound class, which is still quite broad, and requires certain rod and reel outfits to suit the bill. At KastKing, the best option for any catfish over 10 pounds is the Kong series of rods, matched to the Round Rover, Kapstan Elite Saltwater Spinning Reel, Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning Reel. Let's take a look at 5 rod and reel set-ups that I feel will serve all your needs to tangle with hard fighting and delicious catfish.
Top Catfish Rod and Reel Combos for Pier, Shore, and Boat Fishing
The 5 rod and reel combos below will cover every style of catfishing from small lures to heavy chunk baits and from light to stagnant water to heavy currents. The key with choosing which is right for you depends on the type of catfish, and the methodology you will be using to score your delicious dinner.
1. MegaJaws Spinning Reel, Size 3000/ WideEye Walleye Fishing Rod 6 To 8-Foot
Smaller cats by shore or boat can be tamed with a lighter WideEye Walleye spinning rod and MegaJaws size 3000 reel.
The first rod and reel combo is the MegaJaws Spinning Reel and the 6-8 WideEye Walleye rod. I like this combo as it is light enough to carry anywhere and if you are only looking for smaller bullheads or channel cats, it is all you will need. The outfit is ideal for fishing creeks, rivers, ponds, and small lakes. The outfit will enable you to toss smaller baits and lighter sinkers easily. As with any catfish rod and reel combo, braided line is the way to go. For this one, I like 20-pound braid and a 15–20 pound monofilament leader. As with all catfish leaders, I prefer monofilament as it offers a bit of stretch, and with most waters muddy, I am not concerned about its visibility in water.
2. Rover Round Baitcasting Reel, Size 40/Kong Casting Rod 7-Foot
The perfect balance for fishing catfish from a boat is the Kong and size 40 Round Rover.
Kong and size 40 Round Rover combo will be your boat rod for traversing rivers and lakes but want that conventional rod and reel control. The rod is rated 10 to 20-pounds. This rod will easily handle braids to 30 pounds, especially with your drag set correctly. The size 40 Round Rover offers a small profile that fits nicely in your hand for all day comfort.
3. Rover Round Baitcasting Reel, Size 70/Kong Casting Rod 7-Foot, 6-Inch
Targeting the big cats? Nothing will prepare you better than the size 70 Round Rover and 7-6 Kong heavy duty rod.
The next conventional rod and reel combo will utilize a Kong 7-6 heavy duty rod, this one is rated slightly higher at 30 to 60 pounds, and again, with properly set drag pressure, 70-pound braid could be used without issue. Similar to the 40, monofilament leader in 30 to 50-pound test should be spooled as well. The 70, will hold a lot more line than most spinning reels allowing long casts from the bank, but keep the control factor in place.
4. Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning Reel, Size 5000/Kong Spinning Rod 10-Foot
Bring on the big cats with this Kong catfish rod and Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning reel combo. The 10-Foot Kong model, rated for 15 to 40 pounds, is built specifically for targeting trophy catfish. If you want to hook some of the largest cats in your local waters, this catfish rod and reel setup is a must-have.
This combo easily handles heavier sinkers and large chunk baits. When fishing stronger currents or deeper holes, the Sharky Baitfeeder III Spinning Reel(5000) with its wide spool can hold an impressive 340 yards of 40-pound braid, providing more than enough line for catching oversized catfish under any condition.
As a side note, I also use this same setup as my saltwater tarpon rod when fishing the Skyway Bridge in Tampa, Florida—it’s incredibly versatile for big game fishing.
The Sharky III Spinning Reel in this lineup features a unique Baitfeeder mode, which is different from a conventional clicker reel. This mode allows you to leave the spool in true "free mode" letting catfish pick up the bait naturally without resistance. When using circle hooks, all you need to do is lift the rod, lock the Baitfeeder, and start reeling. This makes the setup one of the most effective ways to land trophy catfish with minimal missed strikes.
5. Kapstan Elite Saltwater Spinning Reel, Size 5000/Kong Spinning Rod 8 To 10-Foot
Need to make a long cast; the Kapstan Elite Saltwater Spinning Reel and either the 8 or 10-Foot spinning rod is the way to go.
As there will be times when you need longer casts and heavier weights and baits to reach deeper holes or channel edges where catfish may be lying. This is paramount if you are fishing from the shore, and these areas are farther out. A heavier spinning rod like the KastKing Kong 8 foot, or even 10-foot model will serve you well. Pair this with the Kapstan size 5000 Saltwater Spinning Reel and you are good to go. On the line end, 50 to 65 pound braid and 50-pound clear monofilament for the leader.
Tough, Affordable Catfish Combos for Small and Big Cats
Before heading out on your next catfish foray, make sure to visit the KastKing website and grab yourself a rod or two. Heck, with the amount these combos go for, you could buy all five and really not kill the bank account. Until next time, tight lines and screaming drags!
These five rod and reel combos will serve all your catfish adventures from small bullheads all the way up to the 100-plus pound blue and flathead.