The first thing needed to catch catfish is a dip net made of nylon, of a reputable brand for catching a big sized fish. It should fit in the boat and should be of proper size. For a smaller fish the leader is used and the fish is grabbed. Catfish is caught using limb lines. This equipment consists of nylon twine, bait, and also a hook. The twine should be braided can be bought from a sports retailer. The hook can be smaller circle or a larger circle depending on the size of the catfish targeted. Baits can be cut or prepared catfish or a live one. In this method, the lines are built on water and not beforehand. A tree limb over the water should be chosen. The line should be tied to the tree with a knot. Then set the twine in the water. For flatheads, the bait should be set at the level of water.

For smaller fish, set the bait below the water column. The hook should be slided upon the line. A slip knot should be tied to the mainline with the line end. Then the slide knot should be slided on the twine above the hook. This makes the line to slip when the fish is attracted to the bait and the hook is set in the mouth of the fish. The limb lines should be checked regularly. At the end of fishing, they should be removed. Another method for catching catfish is jug fishing. In this method, a boat, bait and fishing jugs are needed. Trotlines too can be used for catching catfish.