The Truth About Catfish Rods

Discussion of the Catfish rod market today

[@jameswise5003]

When I was a kid my dad said, "Son, sometimes fishing lures are made to catch fisherman." Total life hack!

[@stubby8663]

Same thing as my Dad told me "Well it caught the Fisherman, but we've yet to see it catch a Fish" I don't remember if I ever did catch anything on that rubber frog lol.

[@collincolston8443]

I thought you were going to say you just need 3 rods and that leaves you plenty of money for cheese.

[@kodyhouse8432]

I’ve been beating the hell out of my mad katz rods for about a year now And they are holding up great, some have got a few scrapes and scratches but I’m very tough on my gear. Despite being drug through the woods and sand and bounced around in the back of the truck, they still look very sexy as well. Customer service has been great, and I won two free ones in the big fish contest. The reason they are the most popular is the way they engage their customer base, they make an effort to make us little guys feel like big shots. There’s no substitute for that. I’m am a katz customer for life. Thanks for making an unbiased video and keeping it real like always Dave! That’s why this channel will always be one of my favorites, Catfish Dave always keeps it real.

[@Sneeezzyy]

Madkatz rods are always out of stock now whisker seeker rods are where it’s at

[@venturesyndicate]

After 1 hour of listing to my favorite youtuber about rods I summed it up for you guys! Use wtf you want. All rods catch big fish! Saved everyone 1 hour😉

[@SMaamri78]

Thanks!

[@dboyMMA7100]

Exactly

[@931tow]

I confess I am attracted to the colored rods but it doesn't influence my decision to watch your videos. I know those rods fade quickly. I'm happy with my Berkeley Big Game Rods from Walmart for $29. Been using them for 2 years now on Watts Barr with no problem. Dave does need to get a boat seat endorsement deal 😂

[@davidgrochmal6023]

I have 4 rods from the 60s that are solid fiberglass that I refinished all over again and these rods have a solid rock maple or hickory wooden handles too me these are the best rods ever made !!!!! Now they look fantastic just like new !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@flyingfisherman9076]

Another great video Dave! Great minds think alike. I'm not a groupie and my boat isn't the runway for a fashion show. My Ugly Stik Tigers aren't pretty and they are probably the furthest from what the general catfish community would specify as a "Catfish Rod," but here in Eastern Virginia many of the experienced charter captains on the James wouldn't have any other rod. My Tigers just keep working and doing what I need. I only hope they keep making them because as a company, their other models seem more aligned with the Walmart market. The Tiger models are still out there because they work, and continue to sell without all the gimmicks and shortcuts. The investment they made in this rod long ago is making them great profits.

[@pdm1289]

Great content that conveys information fisherman need to catch more catfish. Thanks Dave!

[@Magaeatsboogers]

For me the OLD School Red Cork at the end of his page is a great looking rod, 7'6 thanks for the heads up.

[@lutherprince9304]

Great information Dave! No brag just facts!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@charlesschillinsky102]

Great discussion Dave! I have numerous rods that predate graphite. They are glass but they are still standing up to heaving use.

[@johnolive3377]

Another no BS show and I like it. Keep it going from the guy in Texas. Thanks for the information.

[@strawberryjam6174]

Just watched and enjoyed your video. I enjoy your no BS reviews. Im sure you know much more about this than I ever will but I use B&M Silver Cat Elite Rods which are perfect for my needs and size fish I catch. I use the lite and MH which are E-glass composite. But they make one called the Silver Cat Elite Heavy that is E-glass and rated for 25-60 line and 2-16oz lures that might be similar to the Berkeley E Cat you like but biggest difference is they are colored and “ pretty “!!!

[@jeffchaffee1235]

That’s right I don’t use a pretty rod but I do watch the Catfish Dave show. Thank you for your time on the water

[@johnmeyer6537]

how many people remember when ugly stix where guarantied for life. I have one purchased in the late 70s that still catching giants. 65lbs pb

[@bernaduskailemakurfishing]

Greetings coming from Indonesia Greetings fellow anglers and Thank you senior for the excellent viso and educating us about fishing equipment, namely jorang as the main equipment for anglers

[@fredziffel3443]

You talked me into buying E-cats a couple of years back... they're still in the shed until I wear out my uglystiks. Looks like I may never use the ecats.😅😂

[@pisgahwatershed7287]

Want to sell them ?

[@davefisher5196]

My buddy bout some M/H hellcats n returned them as they were more like a light/ medium rod I like the TWC M/H. Glad I caught the 92lb blue on it. Great back bone but not great for videos on smaller fish.

[@tmac6593]

Try their whip series. They are nice for smaller fish. But still has plenty backbone for bigger fish

[@CH-xo8ss]

You heard it here @ berkleyfishing, bring back the E Cat and throw a little fluorescent orange or Florescent yellow thread on the guides and don’t change anything else!! Thanks Dave for the honest reviews!!

[@pisgahwatershed7287]

Yeah what he said !

[@lelandshanks3590]

Alot of good points Dave, I build my own and have for 42 years. The bid boys don't spine the blanks it makes all the difference in performance.

[@chuckfinley3152]

It literally takes 2 seconds too

[@danieljenkins6282]

Loved the video Dave. Definitely no BS stuff in what you say about rods. I would love to see you start a series on cheap rods, just regular 30 40 50 dollar rods from bass pro, walmart, academy, dicks places like that. Just to see what you could do with rods like that for fisherman just pounding the bank once or twice a month. Just an idea. Really appreciate the videos, keep catching em

[@scottmorrison1788]

Great video Dave, very informative that I actually learned something about catfish rods. Really enjoy your work, keep it going.

[@chadbrunett264]

You just educated me on the difference type of rods. I always wonder the difference between the glass and carbon fiber. Thanks Dave you are my favorite when it comes to catfishing!!

[@doubleccatfishing]

Hands down best video you ever put out! Nothing but truths and a good history of past 7-8 years

[@chriskeenumhighhopesoutdoors]

Good to see you back!!! Hope you have a great year👍

[@bobbydennis6231]

Hey Dave, Rods are in the eye of the beholder. In my opinion. I'm not a brand specific guy. I do use rods that fit my budget. And they produce fish of all sizes. From dinks to above average fish. Length, weight, backbone, tackle capacity, and sensitivity all come into my decision when making a rod purchase. With that being slaid. Berkley Big game medium heavy 7' is my go to rod. New viewer to your channel. I enjoy your content. Keep it up .

[@markdavis1363]

Great video about catfish rods,very educational and informative. I'm just the weekend angler and I fish the paylakes and the Ohio river banks. I love my ugly stick bbw rods and my Shakespeare tidewater reels. Lol I'm a poor boy,but I do enjoy the tackle I can afford and I do land a 40lb every now and then. Catfish Dave,your one of my idols in fishing,lol.

[@robertkreachbaum4546]

Loved your video Dave. Thanks for sharing your sharing your thoughts and insights regarding the various catfish rods out on the market today.

[@jackkeeble9272]

Thank you for sharing Dave, love your channel man

[@thomasallen3030]

Good info thanks for taking the time to try and teach us. Good video!

[@marylikens6847]

Thanks for helping get me into catfishing.. been fishing since I could walk but am just now getting into cats at age 37. Haven’t caught anything yet, but I got my stuff on its way. Won’t be long now until I can try out my new tangling with catfish 7’6 ext . Grubbs recommended these rods. Feels light and strong but doesn’t look that flashy

[@scottkissinger5763]

Great content thx for all your hard work Dave tight lines

[@user-rf7ru9fc7y]

Dave, You need your own "Reality Show"!! You would do well with it! Keep up the good work and keep making great videos. Your videos are informative and amusing. You're a natural in front of the Camera. You will need to write a script send it to the Writers Gould get your copy write and confirmation than you can approach cable channels with your show idea TLC or Animal Planet might be your best bet,

[@tomblount5635]

Luv your vlogs, straight forward and knowledge! Txs 🎉🎉

[@dennisdaly1957]

WOW....I never thought of it that way. Thank you for all the info and by the way, love your videos. Great content and very informative. Thank you again for your effort.

[@michaelkrugman2459]

Great video Dave!! I'm really glad you did this topic,and gave your true opinion and points of these rods. I often wondered about some of these brands and how good they actually are. Thanks again and keep up the great videos.

[@dennisembry3161]

One of your best videos explaining Rods

[@robertwinslow391]

This is a great video, very educational. Thanks Dave.

[@josephcain8643]

I love how you teach as you catch

[@jeffmartin9033]

Thank you making a educational video, much appreciated!

[@russhayes4882]

What a great video Dave and very informative !

[@patcolston2901]

Great video Dave !!! Very informative

[@tammykifer5176]

As always good information I take care of my stuff so it lasts longer and I have my favorite 🎣 pole

[@timothykarnes7945]

Ugly stick tiger rod has held up very well over the years . fantastic rod as well.. thanks for sharing about rods dave...

[@madtownangler]

Those grippy material rod handles are easy to replace. Just cut it to length and heat up and it shrinks. I use to use a stove top to do it.

[@davidworthy3352]

Very informative video thanks Dave

[@blueridgeboy7721]

Man I'm so glad I watched this video because for the last few weeks I've been going down the rabbit hole over some new fishing rods and catfish Dave sir you nailed it on the head. Thankyou so much. I'm after a fish of a lifetime.i had a hookup/miss two weekends ago about 330 am on a 9 inch rock bass. Yes it still hurts because it actually hit an I missed it twice on a cheap (china)glass rod. Never again for me. I'm way to passionate about it, I've always wanted to catch a big one an I'm not f**king around. I've always said to many rods was a bad thing. I've always sad when I was solo fishing 4 was enough. But I only have 3 c3s with me at a time. Definitely curious and interested in the chasing cat rods. Simply because if I ever get the chance at even a decent 40/50 lb fish let alone a monster I don't wonna screw around an loose it. Thankyou for your video.

[@user-xm3ij4jo5g]

Thank you for good explanations. I always want to know the why behind whatever it is you're doing and/or using.

[@trevorv5648]

Yes!! Loved the long form vid.

[@marcsmith1413]

Was watching this video got down to the 57.34 mark and bam hooked into and landed a 40.84lb flathead on my bass pro shop cat buster medium to heavy action all white 110 dollar rod rod 😉

[@nicklong2733]

Great info Dave 👍

[@kennethwatson4489]

I know you were not impressed with the meat hunter rod you had. But the 9 foot 1 piece rods they make are such a sweet spot from long casts to good hook sets. I have them from 6 to 16 feet. And I know there are other rods. But I have tried everything imaginable in 45 years of fishing, and the meat hunters are consistent. TOUGH all glass rods. I don't work for them either. I just love them. Casting or spinning. They have been great

[@contagiouslyfit1021]

I knew before long I'd get a planer board explanation. Comments get lost. You answered me either way. Thanks Dave

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Dave great video. Have found that keeping your hooks sharp really improves hook ups. Jeff in LA USA

[@Leo-vf3py]

Great show keep up the good work be safe my friends God bless all

[@dboyMMA7100]

You change rods almost every video. Still enjoy watching. Lmao

[@yazooyellowcats1403]

I have had great success with medium heavy action B'n'M rods, Flathead Fever Tackle circle hooks and mono line. The softer tip has enough give for fish not to feel resistance at initial bite to fully take the bait. The Flathead Fever Tackle circle hooks do a great job of hooking and fish that fully takes the bait with only having to reel down to put full tension on the line whether I am anchored, dragging baits, or suspend fishing.

[@paulwylie989]

Informative and entertaining CD

[@michaelglenn8598]

I like RGFM motto match tackle to what you are reasonably gonna catch. Makes each catch a way better experience

[@flyingfisherman9076]

Listening to this channel will catch you fish!

[@OhioRiverFisherman]

I have several older ecat rods and theyre wonderful!!! I also found some awesome ugly stick rods that ive fished with for 4 years now. And ive caught some hawgs on em and they still look brand new!!

[@rondoofnightmare775]

I use ugly stick, madkatz, and fire stick. Out of the 3 I prefer the ugly stick. Madkatz is actually a decent rod too.

[@ethanevink4255]

Good honest review Dave

[@Nathan-gj6ic]

Wow I never knew there was so many differences between fishing rods thanks for letting me know

[@roypeavy3542]

Great video 👍 thanks for sharing.

[@davidnickle9831]

Thanks for the Great Info Dave 🐬

[@DillonVolts]

Thank you for blessing me with an hour long video Dave 😅

[@IEchuckie]

You're almost to 90k. Congratulations

[@tykit9230]

Thanks for the honest assessment Catfish Dave. I'm a bank fisherman in Dinkville, Ugly Sticks are fine by me

[@terrycrosby9149]

Enjoyed the content you're rite you can fish on about any fishing combo and yes some are definitely better than others, I've never worried about pretty just performance.

[@Nwbama]

Like your content Dave!

[@garybeard9071]

Dave, great tutorial.

[@tonyjones9715]

Thanks Dave👍

[@RealMakoi]

Very good market analysis, and lessons in practical use. But, I think you overlooked one important aspect of fishing rods that I have made a habit of. Most guys are only going to go fishing with 2 or 4 rods, and only use one at a time. But, 2 or 4 rods aren’t really enough for all the types of fish, and fishing you’re gonna do. I buy Ugly Stik rods. There’s plenty of variety in strength. I probably have 15 Ugly Stiks. The most important part is that they’re all the same color. And, that’s the part you forgot to mention. Your wife is going to go for years thinking that you’ve only got 2 or 4 rods!

[@Yelladog78]

Best compromise for all around rod catfishing - meat hunter

[@Mike_Baldwin]

Came for the Catfish Dave video ~ Got a Roland Martin lesson on fishing rods.

[@memloss62]

Great video Dave. Question.... dont you Snell your circle hooks anymore? in this video your hooks arn't snelled or so it looks like.

[@dannyhardy7395]

Great video, Bro

[@anthonysmith3741]

Hey Dave how about some of your old school night videos. You caught a lot of big fish . I really.enjoyed those

[@RiverJunkie]

Solid information here.

[@buckeyecatfishing622]

I put the heat shrink wraps on all my cork handle rods. The cork handles start breaking down after use in the rod holders.

[@naughtydorf18]

Lot of cat anglers in my area are tackle tarts. When I launch before the crack of dawn, I see lot of em with their Mad Cat and Slime Cat rods with same ole drift rig with walking sinker and rattle float rig. And they either have a pontoon boat or Sea Ark boat. I catch just as much cats as they do from my 10ft jon boat with old Kmart "rod riot" rods. For bank fishing though, I use a slightly higher price tag carp rod.

[@bethunelm]

Yep, Dave, they got me. Have the orange one that you have. I also have a Mad Katz Venom rod.😂😂😂

[@samshearer6955]

Another good video, I almost skipped it when I saw the length though. You didn’t mention two pieces versus single piece rods?

[@MySORRELL]

THANKS!

[@Lexiisstrange]

Love the channel and the info. Keep waiting to hear the word pilgrim worked into normal speech.

[@countryfriedfishing]

Sixgill Fishing has a Glass/Carbon Catfish rod at $90+$10 shipping. The Carbon is Japanese Toray Carbon.Thats stuffs pretty tough. While I havnt caught as big as Dave I only use their bass rods but I use them for everything. Catfish,Bass,Bowfin,Bream,,,,everything. My biggest cat is a 25-30 pound blue,”scale broke at 30 so I say 25-30”, on a MH and it handled it. Pulled it out of the current and assisted the net on the lift.

[@Blb51]

The surge rods i use look just like those ecats, looks like the action performs like it also.

[@olhippie1]

Seems like the ugly stick "Big Water" ought to be right up your alley Dave ! It has backbone for big fish but has a fast enough tip section to give cushion to a fish's surge to prevent hook tear out. I think the Big Water is a glass & carbon fiber combination , but am not sure on that.

[@lkn635]

That was some calm water in the vid,,when ypu gonna hit Lake Norman Dave?

[@staceygandy2009]

I have many rods and reels i bought and a dozen new ambassador in box late 90s 5 and 6 series baitcat reels i got after my grandpa passed away. I need to get two or 4 good catfish rods. Those orange ones look like there made well.

[@atchman2]

I have several of those rods in my archive. :)

[@kp8828]

Great video as always.. I’m running Whisker Seeker and Ugly Stick Catfish Special on my boat, and for bank fishing .. no complaints. I think hooks and line are more important.

[@HmngVBallChnnL]

Hi KP, What do you think of the whisker seeker? I was looking at their website and was debating.

[@kp8828]

@@HmngVBallChnnL I’m 100% satisfied with everything Whisker Seeker.. I have 4 GFX rods.. 2 are the 9’6” and 2 7’6”, Heavy and Med Heavy. They’re way impressive for the price point.. not to mention I also use their hooks, terminal tackle , and line .. all really good stuff

[@kp8828]

200% agree .. Whisker Seeker all the way.. the rest is pure hype. It’s not like you’re jigging a leadhead fishing walleye .. catfish eat a bait like they mean it..200 dollar catfish rod is a joke

[@CrimeVid]

Watching this from the UK, I assume that these are hollow glass blanks, they look similar to sea fishing rods to me. I still have some affection for cheap solid glass rods from forty- fifty years ago, you know you are never going to break them. The only time I care about the weight of a rod is if I am going to hold it all day !

[@rgutomo8141]

come and listen to the excitement my friend, from indonesia

[@thomase6787]

Heard you mention the James, when you gonna make a road trip? I live about 10 minutes away and have been fishing it for about 30 years. I mostly focus on flatheads but I’ve caught a few submarine sized blues before.

[@stumpbumpers]

I use saltwater rods because I think they are more bang for the buck without all the hype. I can buy some really cheap boat rods that out perform expensive “catfish” rods. I’ve always laughed at the “catfish” market because in comparison to the “saltwater” market, they are light years behind. I still have some Diawa “Beefstick” rods from the late 90’s. I bought them for $30 each. They run about $50 each today. But I like Tica in the same price range for carbon. Anyway, the reels are the real investment in my opinion. Those too are saltwater for me, for the same reasons and they are serviceable. I guess growing up on the coast helps, because I have surf fished since I was a young and I have a collection of old Penn, Abu Garcia, Mitchell, etc. The biggest, hardest fighting fish are in the oceans. So, if you want long lasting, better quality for your money, saltwater gear is where it’s at IMHO.

[@robbiesmith9786]

I got a few mad katz love them I have few b&M ROD love them I have okuma battle cat love it but any white rod or any rod that I can see at night is my favorite mad katz fill good in the hand and has good hook ups and u can see them in the dark

[@cynthiareed2081]

Hi Dave, Cindy from LOS ANGELES,CALIF

[@Xofroggy]

I use an old berkley Big Game rod, and a couple of the new built Big Game Rods

[@hunterseibert7567]

Catfish Dave you should honestly just try a TFR versatile rods! You would really like it!