While looking over the various products marketed at catfisherman, the over arching theme is “big, stronger, tougher”, with an emphasis on bigger. Big bulky fishing rods seem to be the tool of choice for most catfisherman, and anglers that trend the opposite direction are sometimes viewed as “not serious” anglers. That’s unfortunate, especially considering how lighter, more compact equipment is not only more enjoyable to fish with, but can land fish much larger than what many anglers might be led to believe. The Catfish and Carp series rods offer a lot of power in a rod that is not only compact, but a pleasure to fish with.

These rods are not designed to fish with lures, although they perform just fine in a pinch. Their actions are geared towards tossing livebait rigs, either those fished on the bottom, or under a bobber. The spinning rod is a great match for anglers fishing commercial stink baits or soft baits like liver and hotdogs. The soft tip not only helps you to cast those baits without throwing them off the hook, but helps with detecting hits from smaller, lighter biting fish. Don’t let the small size fool you, these rods can handle a big fish and heavy drag when put in a situation where it is needed.

The baitcasting rod is an entirely different action. Stout from the tip to handle, it is lightweight, yet very powerful, and will make surprisingly quick work out of most fish. It can effectively cast much more weight than the spinning rod, and handle much heavier line. This is a great rod for those looking for a rod that does a lot of things well while fishing for catfish, or many other species.

The Catfish and Carp series rods might have catfish and carp in the name, but they are excellent for so many other species. The spinning rod is great for fishing with worms or minnows under a bobber or on the bottom, dragging night crawler harnesses for walleyes, tossing a popping cork and shrimp for speckled trout and redfish, the list goes on and on. The baitcasting version, due to its heavier nature, performs well for drifting bobbers in small streams, dragging livebaits behind planerboards for stripers, and would be an excellent candidate for many natural bait presentations for northern pike. Oh, and they will even work for catfish and carp.

These rod are some of the most versatile options Whisker Seeker Tackle offers, and are my number one choice for the fishing rod that is always in the back of the truck. Just in case you find a few moments to hit the water.