Best Catfish Rig -- Santee Cooper Catfishing Rig -- How To Tie

This is how to tie the santee cooper rig. This is the best catfishing rig for many people.
The santee cooper catfishing rig using a circle hook, peg float, and a heavy weight so suspend chunk bait and fresh fish off the bottom, making it easier for a big catfish to inhale.
This is the best catfishing rig because it uses the best bait for big catfish, suspends the catfish bait off the bottom for easy feeding, and uses a circle hook which naturally sets the hook into the fishes lips most of the time.

[@mikerotch6733]

Hey thats what the weird floaty thing thats been sitting in my tackle box for over a year lol

[@henrygarza8018]

😅

[@jameswells8750]

Hahahahha same bro same... 🙃

[@fishingballs1175]

SAME

[@rogersarber4575]

Same

[@williammason9789]

I use 'em all the time.

[@jonathanestradaja1000]

I am a beginner and this video has been one of the best, simpliest videos that I’ve found so far. Great explanation. Thank you

[@terrymiller111]

You have natural teaching ability. Become a teacher or a tutor like your Uncle Terry.

[@FishingExplained]

Thanks Terry!

[@lowellfahsholtz1938]

I have used the Santee cooper rig for a long time, and have caught many catfish, works great.

[@ronaldnorris2179]

I have used this set up for quite a while,..very effective. And you can’t beat offset circle hooks for catfish!!!!

[@petey749]

Tried this rig for the first time and had my best catfishing day ever at LaSalle Lake. 5 4 to 5 pounders. Great!!! Thank you.

[@FishingExplained]

Awesome!

[@HJP19693]

@@FishingExplained hey I have a question sir!! Can you please message back ASAP!!! Ty

[@ronaldnorris2179]

This rig is great for catfishing I’ve used it for quite a while!!!!

[@CarlosLaguna7883]

Wow definitely going to have to try this method out, I’ve seen them used with an old fashioned red/white bobber, but never a peg float. Nice video!

[@wubuck79]

I already knew the basics of this but still watched it all because it was a simple, efficient explanation without a lot of fluff. Good job 👍🏻

[@Gstar5150]

Hello fellow Smith

[@wubuck79]

@@Gstar5150 ha Merry Christmas

[@Gstar5150]

@@wubuck79 you too

[@markj4226]

Great video and good job presenting the rig so we can see it!

[@jpoprock]

Knot controversy or not, I thought this was a very well done video. Good visual and a nice patient approach. This newbie appreciated that!

[@FishingExplained]

Thank you. I have since started experimenting with more knots. I have not noticed an increase in catching, but it's nice to have more knots in the arsenal.

[@Matt-nf9my]

Thanks man! Been using Kentucky rigs and been doing well in the river where current is heavy but want to fish bayous and this seems like the better choice. Explained very well

[@joeacosta8652]

Great video , thanks for tip I caught my first 25 pounder with this set up.

[@FishingExplained]

Glad to hear that!

[@TruPreacher]

Thank you....great instructional video!

[@frankmcclenton7660]

Thanks for sharing bro! I'm going to make sure I use this Saturday morning bro.

[@ncbassin1760]

Thanks for sharing I'm new to catfishing and this really helped I'm going fishing in a few days and for sure will try this out

[@mrkurleygunna]

Simple and very effective!

[@ronaldnorris2179]

Yes it is!!!!

[@JaydeAaron]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge ! I am going to try this set up .

[@FishingExplained]

Good luck!

[@308sir]

@@FishingExplained how can I make this rig effective for steelhead and salmon what do you recommend if possible?

[@ronaldnorris2179]

It’s a very good setup!!!!!

[@patrickcamp2289]

Well presented -- well done!

[@mondayoutdoors8216]

Love the video and I'm gonna have to try this. Ready too see more. I'm sub'd

[@cjwilliams55]

This is an awesome rig for catfish. BTW, I debarb all of my circle hooks. Easy and quick release is important to me. Great vid.

[@michaell2093]

Fish don’t come off easy when ur reeling them in? Genuine question because I’m just learning this more advanced stuff

[@sarahschofield2611]

nice video! I enjoyed watching!

[@arkyhunter2750]

Good information. Easy to follow.

[@media1groupDC]

Very nicely done!

[@GT_Racer347]

I've never tried that. Now it's on the list of things to experiment with! Thanks!

[@FishingExplained]

Definitely give it a try!

[@ronaldnorris2179]

You won’t be disappointed

[@kensonbarbour4401]

This was very helpful thanks

[@robertlear2735]

Before I ever heard of the Santee-Cooper rig, I "invented" the same rig to keep the bait off the bottom. Then I found out that this was already "a thing". It makes a lot of sense.

[@bilboe4199]

Me too. Lol

[@bobillathezilla8542]

Love these videos man. You do a great job.

[@FishingExplained]

Thanks man

[@jrspat000]

very good thanks for the help great video

[@FishingExplained]

Hope you try it out, it works great!

[@dvaught2002]

only rig i fish with.....great video!

[@anthonyharper8161]

Great video. Thanks 💯

[@jorgemartinez8584]

Nice job man thanks

[@alvinmc5593]

Pretty much a Carolina rig with a float in the middle to suspend the bait...nice!

[@angelarteaga5443]

Pretty simple

[@VirantRoss]

Good video and explanation. Im shocked you dont have more subscribers.

[@Adalwolf17]

Started fishing again last week after 10 years, caught about 20 decent sized channel catfish so far.

[@trump-wj2nx]

Where the fuck you been??🎣🎣🎣😂😂😂

[@buddahmayne9273]

Just started again after about 12 years of ocean fishin', caught some great fish in my lifetime.. Been fishing the local lake.. caught a baby cat lastnight.. 🎣

[@catfishstalkeroutdoorswith530]

Good video! Thanks!

[@Catfishedge]

The stopper needs to go towards the weight not towards the hook as some have suggested, if you're only using one. If it goes towards the hook and the weight end is left open water will cause the float to act erratic. You've done this correctly despite some of the comments below.

[@FishingExplained]

Thanks for the feedback

[@maces1405]

I'm starting to realize I suck at fishing. Give me a creek in Oregon I will land big trout. Now I live in Florida.. game changer. 😐

[@rustyshackleford3647]

Fishing is over rated . . I like CATCHING! 👍🐟😁

[@a-strikelures825]

Now you live in Florida, with some of the best fishing in the world. Poor fella. Lol

[@6Sisu9]

Yeah that a Texas Catfish rig! I've been using it for over 20 years!

[@knight5188]

no that would be with a weight, bead, to swivel then leader to circle hook

[@alphonsotownsend8208]

Thanks great information

[@andymetternich7453]

I used a rig similar to this for saltwater. To keep the bait out of the seaweed and crabs

[@xxg0t3mxx]

Gonna try this in the am when I get off work to see how well it works. I usually get snags where I'm at the river sucks for bottom fishing.

[@FishingExplained]

Unfortunately fish like snags so it's a win lose situation!

[@dontillman7958]

@@FishingExplained is cut pirch good bait

[@IdiotBoxProductionsTV]

I’m your 1000th subscriber

[@FishingExplained]

Much appreciated!

[@RetiredRick]

awesome video,

[@johncampbell6884]

Just like to say nice video, on Your part, but in reading some of the comments there sure a lot of negative people out there, Anyway Good Job.

[@FishingExplained]

Thanks

[@rogersarber4575]

Good information video

[@kedaotuning]

i always have luck with this Rig for blue fish im gonna try it for carfish thanks.

[@junelima363]

Im using this Saturday was gonna try a Carolina rig but this makes more sense I'll be river fishing probably need a 6oz sinker

[@FishingExplained]

Experiment with your waters, but this is my favorite general purpose rig.

[@pescaycocinaconelsinaloa742]

New suscriptor good information like

[@ronl7131]

Good rig...

[@joedarden2636]

Good Job

[@pacificblui3711]

Thanks man

[@iLoveChrisSmoove]

Figure 8 knot, cool.. Just learned a new lne

[@joedarden2276]

Outstanding

[@rickheras5871]

Does it have to be a specialized knot or can i use the ol fashioned trilene knot....you know...the one with several wraps around the main line then tighten it down

[@FishingExplained]

A snell knot is recommended with circle hooks to help them set hook properly. However, I have caught plenty of fish with curcle hooks using the "trilene" know and palomar knot.

[@rickheras5871]

Fishing Explained ....thanks for the info. Have never used this rig up. It makes sense..and i dang sure am going to try it

[@TheAcworthdude]

Just FYI I use some small circle type hooks for catching shellcrakers ,bull heads even get some small carp and suckers for bait . size 2-6 .

[@TheAcworthdude]

@Gene #4-#8 Gamakatsu You have to look thru some are circle,offset point and the single egg hook.

[@AEarls1015]

I just started using this rig more this summer and the amount of bigger fish (15lb-40lb) increased drastically from last year.

[@FishingExplained]

Awesome, I think it presents large fish an easy meal.

[@garycotz563]

Put the cork stopper towards the hook so u dont yank it loose

[@mountainlife6354]

Gary Cotz that's common sense you are right his video confused me a little bit I never saw the singer in the end when he showed the setup

[@FishingExplained]

My mistake, the other way would be much more effective.

[@tyrailr]

Gary Cotz kzbin.info/www/bejne/l563e62JareKoJY ffwd to 6:10

[@deaguiarmanny]

the video is correct. when retrieving rig water pressure doesnt popout the plug.

[@justinsmith1571]

You also pull on the swivel when pulling. Not on the cork. Without a swivel the other way is effective. The video.is right.

[@jimmymac4559]

I discovered one of the best methods for catching catfish in my lake in Michigan is to drift or troll with bottom bouncers with a float near the bait. Like one would for fishing walleye.

[@larryjoesummers1378]

Can this rig with flat sinker be used for drift fishing or would a stick sinker be better

[@TonyGruber2009]

Thank you for the video tutorial. Could you please tell me what model# of Trokar Circle hook you are using in your video?

[@FishingExplained]

I think it is a trokar 9/0 circle hook but the size is actually more4 like your average 7/0.

[@TonyGruber2009]

alright, thank you

[@LongDongSilver78]

Hey, great simple video. It served it’s purpose buddy! One question tho..i see you’re using both mono mainline and leader. Isn’t flouro mainline and mono leader the way to go, other than oc using what you already which ‘will’ work ..? Thx..what area you fish btw? 👍

[@FishingExplained]

Flouro's biggest advantage is that it is "invisible" underwater. It makes a greater difference with certain species, but I am not sure that catfish are very line shy to begin with.

[@LongDongSilver78]

Right now i’ve got 65# braid on. About to slap on some 17# fluoro shock leader...and swivel that to 20” of 30# mono for leader. I feel this will help my presentation, along with the right bait. Should be interesting and i hope it works..this will be my first time fishing in a few years. **How many feet of shock leader would you recommend??

[@happybeerbuzz7299]

How does this rig work on Striped Bass? My fishery has both Stipers and Catfish. Do you know if the colored float detour Striped Bass?

[@FishingExplained]

Yes it works on striped bass. The man who caught the world record striped bass fishes a rig similar to this, so I do not think the color of the float makes any difference.

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

thx

[@Dutch.1722]

I just snelled 30 #. Push line thru eye. Bring it up to make a loop at bottom. Use a straw and pen hull to warp line around hook 5x and run line thru loop and thru 5 wraps. Get it wet. Put line thru eye and pull both line and loop end and snug it. It's alittle awkward at first but just makes best snell ever.

[@EL_SINALOENSE]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽‼️SUBSCRIBED‼️

[@michaelapanasewicz9967]

Great video very informative what size peg float would recommend 2.5 or 3 inch

[@FishingExplained]

Definitely 3"

[@hello-cv9mf]

The guy at turners recommended a bait holder hook for the small catfish at my local pond, but on a Santes cooper rig is it still as effective as a circle hook?

[@AZNBMXFTW]

Would this rig work for currents requiring a 8-10oz lead. Im trying to target striped bass from a pier scenario

[@FishingExplained]

It does work in current, but keep in mind you will need a larger float. As the current increases. The bait is more likely to get pulled to the bottom.

[@fuzzyiguana]

Good video, sir. Just an FYI - you can get away with a lighter line/smaller diameter by using your drag correctly on your reel. This may help with detecting lighter bites from channel cats (if you fish for them). The current world record is a 140+ pound fish caught using 30 pound mono. I believe it was a blue catfish. Anyways, thanks for the video and the instruction!

[@FishingExplained]

I normally use 30 pound mono for the leader only, then 12-20 pound mono for the main line. No missed bites here :) The thicker leader helps with abrasion resistance while the lighter mainline casts well.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

i think you meant to say the snell knot works better with lighter line not heavier right?

[@eddiemaxwell7593]

This is perfect. I want to get my bait suspended but using a sliding float with a stop is too much pain to rig. Especially when you're changing depth a lot.

[@FishingExplained]

The peg float is great for quick adjustment, that's for sure!

[@1ofyouforme]

Get slotted peg floats.

[@dolfanrob262]

Thanks

[@streeterboyzoutdoors]

Cool rig set up but should use some colored line or a darker background so to see it better.

[@FishingExplained]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@gtr319]

Would this rig be suitable for smaller cats like Channels and Bullheads? I noticed the area where I fish where the kittens would bite light and won't take off with the bait like carp.

[@XtremeBUZZ]

If you snell the hook it’ll hook up a lot better and don’t have to worry about the hook flopping around

[@FishingExplained]

I snelled them on the last trip and they were indeed quite effective.

[@toddjewett2404]

Great video, but where does the flat sinker "tie" into that setup?🤔

[@prakashkvkv5642]

Super

[@setharmstrong3634]

How does this rig work with live bait? Obviously I'd use a bigger float but just wondering. I like bluegill as my bait

[@FishingExplained]

I'm sure it's effective but I would be worried about constant tangles. I can't say I have ever fished this rig with live bait.

[@jarrodpenton2649]

This ide looks great guess I'll use it as an excuse to go fishing

[@FishingExplained]

Haha sounds like a plan!

[@matisssevselovs9334]

will it work if instead of the float putting a wine cork in the floats place ?

[@FishingExplained]

Never tried it before. The floats are only a couple dollars.

[@maicocheatham9669]

Caught my PB Southern Snakehead with chicken liver. Using this rig

[@streamer1884]

I did this just out of creativity and thinking. I thought I made this up🤣

[@U812GREEN]

What keeps the line from floating bait off the bottom if your weight is free sliding on the line?

[@FishingExplained]

There is a swivel and stopper bead on the leader, so the hook is always a distance away from the weight.

[@Gstar5150]

I like a drop shot with a dish shaped sinker, the bigger diameter makes it hard to hang up in Rocks

[@freddiegonz4113]

I know this is an old post but just wondering how come there’s only one stopper on the peg float? Thanks

[@jshields3729]

Good video. You did say you are using a 7/0 circle hook?

[@FishingExplained]

I have landed 2lb-10+lb channel cats on a 7/0 hook, so I am confident that is a good base size. Keep in mind manufacturers vary with their hook sizing. I usually use eagle claw trokar circle hooks.

[@jshields3729]

Fishing Explained We did get the 7/0 hooks and they work great. Thank you for the tip.

[@donaldcouch3832]

If u want the circle hook to do as it was designed to do, a snell knot is the way to go to get the line to pull on the eye of the hook properly, not a palomar knot.

[@FishingExplained]

You are correct. I have yet to gain full confidence in my ability to consistently to a good snell. The palomar is strong and reliable, but does not compliment the mechanics of the circle hook functioning.

[@rhinohd]

Its easy to do. Check out other videos on how to do it. Luke at Catfish and Carp has a great how to. So does Steve Douglas. You will be happy you did. Good video! Tight Lines!

[@CW86228]

what if I put line through the eye like a Snell pulls and then just tie a Palomar to the shank 😜

[@kevinbain7153]

I agree. Hook needs a bend in shank behind eye also to snell properly. Done right the hook will roll the point around every time. Snell knot is easy with a little practice.

[@johnstauder4207]

I have used this rig with success in a 9 acre lake that holds very large flathead. The lake is only about 7-8 feet deep. However, I often have a problem with the weight sliding way up the main line, and therefore the float brings the bait up near the surface. To fix this, I pinch a very small lead weight right above the 2 oz weigh that I use. Am I doing something wrong that causes this problem?

[@FishingExplained]

I usually cast the rig then put tension on the line until I feel the weight slide on the bottom a bit. This should eliminate ant slack like that would case the bait to float.

[@mrmoofle]

Dieter Melhon suggests not using a sinker slider on a S-C rig. Instead, he ties the leader and line to a snap swivel, and just hooks the sinker to the snap. He says, with a sinker slider, if your line gets slack, your bait will float way off the bottom, screwing up your presentation.

[@JaySav916]

You ever wonder if that bright colored float next to your bait will spook fish? I love this setup, but I think I might paint my peg floats brown or something just to look like a little piece of wood. Very clear explanation. Thank uou

[@FishingExplained]

I like the way you think. I don't think catfish are very visual feeders, but anything we can do to make our rigs look more natural can only help.

[@OmarLopez-kh3dx]

With what kind of paint will you paint it brown? And do you think they will smell the paint?

[@preiudeh22a]

Is this rig better then the top bottom rig or the carolina rig? I am new to fishing. Also does it catch trout?

[@FishingExplained]

I would not recommend it for trout. It works better for larger, predatory fish that are not line-shy.

[@vegasvato55]

How do you texas rig a circle le hook?

[@brandond73]

I've used a saltwater pompano rig for catfish with great success.

[@FishingExplained]

Cool!

[@brodymadden6465]

I'm a bass fisher man going catfishing and when it got the part about making a circuitry lope I said screw that tied a Palmer knot to a swivel on the line then from there and touch the hook to it and That's good enough

[@brianwilson8119]

is this set up good for bank fishing for channel cat in a river or canal?

[@FishingExplained]

Yes, it is effective for bank fishing.

[@OmarLopez-kh3dx]

Isn't that barrel swivel to small that the catfish mightbreak it? Shouldn't it be a size 1 or something? What size is that barrel swivel?

[@theronroberts5573]

I always thought it was my girlfriend that invented that rig. She never wants to be on the bottom.🤣

[@ComradoftheWest]

🤣

[@jeffreese8287]

So what stops the sinker from moving up the line 20ft when casting?

[@FishingExplained]

Physics. The lead is the heaviest, most aerodynamic part of the rig, therefore it leads the entire rig throughout the cast. When the rig hits the water, hold tension on the line, and it will behave the same as it sinks to the bottom.

[@jeffreese8287]

Thanks!

[@Garrettito6671]

Anyone know if this rig could be modified with a wire leader and used for alligator gar?

[@lucasmaxey7993]

I may sound ignorant here, but if you used live bait, how would the live fish not carry the sinker off the bottom as it swam around?

[@lucasmaxey7993]

Wanting to catch some flatheads at my friend’s pond, and I know they prefer something live. I was just wondering how the fish would stay on the bottom if it’s alive.

[@FishingExplained]

I guess it depends on the size bait you are using. Any small fish would struggle to drag around 3-5oz of weight.

[@j.taylor7361]

What do you like to use for bait on this kind of rig?

[@FishingExplained]

I always use chunk bait when shore fishing this rig in rivers.