January 18, 2019 caught a 65 pound blue catfish using the Lew’s $19.88 cat daddy spinning combo. 50# braid with 80# mono leader and 8/0 Team Catfish double action hook. Fort Loudon Dam tail race Lenoir City, TN at 8:10 PM. I caught another 50+ # blue catfish and a 10 pounder in the same location in November 2018. Same hook and line Carolina rigged. The rod and reel worked very well every time. I don’t know how many more it can handle, but it is well wort the price already.
I don’t think that Lews cat daddy is what they consider a off brand ... I could be wrong but from my experience they seem pretty good quality.... thanks for the awesome video
Nice job Zak. Every time i'm in a Tackle Shop my Heart races with anticipation. So addictive i have to hold back from spending. Ha Ha. Steve in Scotland.
I rarely take advice from folks 1/3 my age but shopping cheap is always worth a look. Bought one of those $20 Lew's combo's. Doesn't rank with my high-end gear but an enjoyable bargain. Lightweight and great for large rubber worms or heavy spinner baits if you're a multi species fisherman. $20 well spent and still employed and enjoyed. I'm getting my money's worth. Judge Judy says it best: "Don't Be Stupid!".
Old school ugly sticks were good back In the day but they're terrible now. Their 1 piece steel guides after 1 season line will eat right through them weather it's braid or mono. I don't use any rods that don't have guide inserts
Looked like a Berkley rod you had for $40.... Ive had real good luck with even the cheapest of their rods.... I got an 8 foot Berkley Big Game rod that was only like 21 bucks and i love it
I fish with 4 different fishing poles everytime i go fishing. 1 lews cat daddy, 1 Berkley, and 2 quantum 60x (all spinning reels) they all have the same rig set up and baits too. no lie the lews cat daddy is the luckiest one every time😂
Yep, good video but Lew's is definitely not an off brand. Just bot a BB1 Pro bait caster and it is one of the best I've ever owned. Paired well with my St Croix rod. Funny thing, and this gives away my age, when I was a kid the ugly stik came out and it was the off brand and most people considered it garbage. In fact shakespeare back then was the push button pole you bot for your kids. Kudos to Shakespear, they too have come a long way. Their ultralite is my wife's favorite combo for crappie and smallmouth bass.
I caught a 51”blue catfish caught using the $19.88 Lew’s combo with 59# braid main line, 50#mono leader and #8 Team Catfish double action hook. It handled an even larger fish (wider head) that broke off at my feet. Was using 30# leader. The fights lasted 14 and 16 minutes respectively.
I use a med heavy rod with preferably a spincast reel and I use Berkley triline big game with at least a 3 oz bank sinker and either put the weight on bottom or up top with a ez rig rap sinker slide and I use 3x strong treble hook with Danny kings punchbait and I have great success with that setup
I always use 6/O circle hooks, best hooks ive used so far, use palm size live blue gill (or perch depending where youre from) hooke in the middle of the dorsal with a 2oz lead weight about 8" up, couldnt ask for a better setup, caught a 25lb blue and 27lb flatty on that rig, also if youre going for turtle, just add a metal leader and bam, turtle rig
I used to use Kales . Using liver, cut up one of your wife's stockings into squares. Wrap liver on hook. Won't get stolen. Used hot dogs one time forgot bait home. Hot dogs were covered in mustard so used them. Caught a mess of channels. Tight lines. 🐻
The Quantum optics size 60 reel and Berkeley big game 7 and half foot medium heavy rod. Or the ugly stick rod. But quantum is one of the best bangs for your buck. I've got huge flatheads useing that reel.
@@thesovietonion4671 as far as walmart rods and reels go their redmax and blackmax are still decent tho. I'd tie a string to a stick before I'd fish with a shakespeare
Son I buy the off brand such as the tiger rod and reel combo I use a 1/4 weight size 6,4,2 hooks with the line it comes with and some lovers and spend what you would for 1 rod combo
The only dough bait in the bag that works for me is the Nightcrawler and Whopper Shad. I also use the frozen whole raw shrimp from Walmart. Avoid all of that other bag crap. And if you are going to use dough bait be sure to use a spring hook or it's just a waste. Thanks for the video.
Ugly Stik Combo - Great Rod with a Crappy Reel......... Berkley Big Game Rod and Quantum Optix 60 Reel - $48 for Bigger Catfish or med Big Game Rod and Quantum Optix 40 for Channel Cats/Eater size Blues.......
Or just buy big game line and not have to worry about breaking off one you into a fish instead them little peacker heads you wish you have good line and hooks
I saw those lews 20.00 dollar combo the other day,the rod looks pretty good,but the reel look like junk,like you said though, for 20 dollars you can't go wrong
I have a question. I get alot of snags where I fish for cats so, I'm hesitant on getting a high pound test line. I run 17 lb sufix siege Mono. What are some other options or advice? I don't want to have expensive 60 pound braid, get snagged and have to cut it because I can't break it. I'm looking for tips and bait tricks for cats. Any information helps! Thanks
17lb mono is fine for catching catfish under 15 lbs. Even if you hook a 30lber you can still get him in on 17lb test line if you tire him out with your drag. Just more challenge if you really hook a big one
Couple of suggestions for people watching this, first check your state fishing regulations before using bluegill, it's illegal in a lot of states, plus is a huge fine, if bluegill is legal use it cause it works great, now second ardentoutdoors.com has a 7'6 super duty spinning combo for $45.99 before shipping, and has glow tip for night fishing also prespooled with 18lbs test. Sorry for highjacking your comment section, but wanted to help you out a little bit. Great video, and I agree with staying away from those baits.
CrankingTanks Outdoors sorry you had a bad experience with them, but I've been using them for years, with no problems, and cause of that about 7 months ago I asked them to sponsor me.
CrankingTanks Outdoors thank you, and I understand where you are coming from. If this helps I'll tell you what I benfit from all my Sponsors, I have received a free hat from one, shirt from another, other than that I get discounts for items and gear I need, and I only promote the items and gear I use. Also I don't usually tell people to go out and buy it, I just posted a opinion that felt like a better one then what Walmart had in the video, sorry Walmart I still love you and your great prices on terminal tackle, and I will go ahead this here cause you don't need my life story. Thank you again, and tight lines.
You domt want the fish to swallow the hook. Especially catfish. You wanna hooked in the corner of the mouth. So you can throw back the big ones. Keep 3 to 8 pounders to eat. Anything bigger the meat is no good.
In 2024 is not those price point no more. additional 20% more 💰 on everything. I've got my Ugly Stick $40 now $59 GX2 medium heavy with a GX2 reel size 60 black and red. Just need a UGLY tuff reel next. Whiting for Clarence sale at Walmart and get one in size 40 for now is the biggest one at my Walmart. Small but good enough for Bass fishing 🎣
Rod/reel combo with fishing kit as an emergency setup th-cam.com/users/postUgkxntWMOZsO1Zfv-pdn_XuffEtNkTYAYu4Z recommend but started to use this every day. The rod is thick and seems durable. I keep it neatly tucked into a regular backpack all the time with my fishing gear, and can grab it anytime, put it on my back and go anywhere. I just read in another review that the rod length below the reel is adjustable as well, so I will try that too for even more portability. Probably the best setup I've ever owned. I lost the cap for the eyelets, but no big deal since I still have the black cloth sheath that came for the pole and I use that. Very portable and high quality.
This kid has no idea what an off brand is. Lew's is not an off brand and neither was that catfish pro rod. I use $20.00 Shakespeare Tiger strikes that takes 8-15 lb line.
I get all my fishing gear from Wal-Mart, and it works just fine. Too many TH-camrs make this stigma and act like Wal-Mart fishing poles suck, that you can't catch fish with them and so on. I got a rod from Walmart that has lasted me two years so far with no problems and I use the Walmart pole for bottom fishing with worms and my other rod I use cut bait. I'd rather fish with my two rods I even won a catfish tournament with them. Everyone knows around here you can mess with anything of mine besides my rods, if you mess with my rods, I'm going to kick your a@@. Also, I want to add my opinion on the shad baits. In the Ohio River you can use those shad baits to catch 2-to-6-pound cats over and over again. Just cast maybe 10 to 15 feet off the bank and they attack those shad like crazy. I just use live bait anymore and did that a lot when I was younger. The rest are garbage and I also think liver is garbage too.
I've caught a fair number of catfish on chicken breast. The meat seems to loose it's scent fairly quickly though. Do you marinate the breast in anything?
Great tips and great video slow down when talking u we're rushing like u we're nervous I know u we're n the store so I understand pressure was on but relax take a breath
One of the best thing you did regarding this video is speaking fast and getting to the point a lot of people appreciate it 👍🏿
Facts! A lot of TH-camrs just go on random tangents about random topics
Lews isn’t off brand
Lol glad this was the first comment I saw
Lew's gear is very highly respected in the professional bass fishing community. These people make their living catching fish.
Lews is the holy grail in bass fishing and is still one of the best gifts I’ve ever received it’s like the Nike of bass fishing
@@PapaSmurfx93 same
January 18, 2019 caught a 65 pound blue catfish using the Lew’s $19.88 cat daddy spinning combo. 50# braid with 80# mono leader and 8/0 Team Catfish double action hook. Fort Loudon Dam tail race Lenoir City, TN at 8:10 PM. I caught another 50+ # blue catfish and a 10 pounder in the same location in November 2018. Same hook and line Carolina rigged. The rod and reel worked very well every time. I don’t know how many more it can handle, but it is well wort the price already.
I don’t think that Lews cat daddy is what they consider a off brand ... I could be wrong but from my experience they seem pretty good quality.... thanks for the awesome video
The cat daddy is fire or use the Berkeley big game
I picked one up for $39 at Walmart and have been really happy with the performance
Nice job Zak. Every time i'm in a Tackle Shop my Heart races with anticipation. So addictive i have to hold back from spending. Ha Ha.
Steve in Scotland.
I'm the same way! Hard to not buy more fishing things than you need
I rarely take advice from folks 1/3 my age but shopping cheap is always worth a look. Bought one of those $20 Lew's combo's. Doesn't rank with my high-end gear but an enjoyable bargain. Lightweight and great for large rubber worms or heavy spinner baits if you're a multi species fisherman. $20 well spent and still employed and enjoyed. I'm getting my money's worth. Judge Judy says it best: "Don't Be Stupid!".
I’m an ugly stick guy myself, I have some that are 25 years old that I still use and still catch fish on. But lews IS a good brand...
Old school ugly sticks were good back In the day but they're terrible now. Their 1 piece steel guides after 1 season line will eat right through them weather it's braid or mono. I don't use any rods that don't have guide inserts
I don't use livers anymore. They don't stay on the hook and make a mess. Chicken thighs marinated in Kool aid. Or just straight chicken breast.
Had bought one of those lews cat daddy setups. Works fair for channels. Nice and light. Good for a spare rod also.
You speak the truth I live in Louisiana and fish the Mississippi every thing you said was/is spot on!!!
I have a tiger rod and reel with 40 pound line and catalpa worms work good
Looked like a Berkley rod you had for $40.... Ive had real good luck with even the cheapest of their rods.... I got an 8 foot Berkley Big Game rod that was only like 21 bucks and i love it
I have the 6 and a half foot berkley fusion rod and reel combo. Love the rod hate the reel looking into getting a cat daddy
Thats exactly what I use except I cut off original tip and put a ceramic tip on them , better tip and makes rod a little stiffer
I fish with 4 different fishing poles everytime i go fishing. 1 lews cat daddy, 1 Berkley, and 2 quantum 60x (all spinning reels) they all have the same rig set up and baits too. no lie the lews cat daddy is the luckiest one every time😂
Yep, good video but Lew's is definitely not an off brand. Just bot a BB1 Pro bait caster and it is one of the best I've ever owned. Paired well with my St Croix rod. Funny thing, and this gives away my age, when I was a kid the ugly stik came out and it was the off brand and most people considered it garbage. In fact shakespeare back then was the push button pole you bot for your kids. Kudos to Shakespear, they too have come a long way. Their ultralite is my wife's favorite combo for crappie and smallmouth bass.
I caught a 51”blue catfish caught using the $19.88 Lew’s combo with 59# braid main line, 50#mono leader and #8 Team Catfish double action hook. It handled an even larger fish (wider head) that broke off at my feet. Was using 30# leader. The fights lasted 14 and 16 minutes respectively.
The exact video I was looking for to get into catfishing. Thank you!!!!
I had some pretty good luck with magic bait surprisingly!!
I got the cat hunter pole. Pole was great especially the length but the reel didn't last long at all before it started having problems
Dam just bought some rods yesterday at walmart, they sadly didnt have the Lews
I use a med heavy rod with preferably a spincast reel and I use Berkley triline big game with at least a 3 oz bank sinker and either put the weight on bottom or up top with a ez rig rap sinker slide and I use 3x strong treble hook with Danny kings punchbait and I have great success with that setup
In my opinion hooks are the most important to master.
I always use 6/O circle hooks, best hooks ive used so far, use palm size live blue gill (or perch depending where youre from) hooke in the middle of the dorsal with a 2oz lead weight about 8" up, couldnt ask for a better setup, caught a 25lb blue and 27lb flatty on that rig, also if youre going for turtle, just add a metal leader and bam, turtle rig
Just picked up the lews cat daddy last week and I'm absolutely loving it, especially for the price!
Ryan Animation just got one last week can't wait to use it
Ryan Animation how you liking it? Just got 2 for 10$ each on clearance
My friend slays cats on his
I used to use Kales . Using liver, cut up one of your wife's stockings into squares. Wrap liver on hook. Won't get stolen. Used hot dogs one time forgot bait home. Hot dogs were covered in mustard so used them. Caught a mess of channels. Tight lines. 🐻
What do you recommend for a first rod and reel combo from Walmart, for different types of fish. First time fisherman
The Quantum optics size 60 reel and Berkeley big game 7 and half foot medium heavy rod. Or the ugly stick rod. But quantum is one of the best bangs for your buck. I've got huge flatheads useing that reel.
Tim Page thank you my friend
@@johnnythepillpopper1974 yw
Lew's isn't offbrand. Also walmart sells Abu Garcia. I'd buy either of those brands before a shakespeare
Darrian Hull abu Garcia was good like 10-20 years ago
@@thesovietonion4671 as far as walmart rods and reels go their redmax and blackmax are still decent tho. I'd tie a string to a stick before I'd fish with a shakespeare
Darrian Hull the rods are good the reels suck
how do i know if theres catfish in the body of water?
I shoudve gotten into fishing 6 years ago now everything is an arm and a leg
Definitely..Bidenomics in full effect
Son I buy the off brand such as the tiger rod and reel combo I use a 1/4 weight size 6,4,2 hooks with the line it comes with and some lovers and spend what you would for 1 rod combo
The only dough bait in the bag that works for me is the Nightcrawler and Whopper Shad. I also use the frozen whole raw shrimp from Walmart. Avoid all of that other bag crap. And if you are going to use dough bait be sure to use a spring hook or it's just a waste. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for getting to the point I learned alot from this video
You should get the shake spears tiger rod
Can it catch a 100 pund Flathead catfish
Ugly stick combo is really good I have one
Any damn fishing poles work
Ok then. I'm gonna use my 5' UL spinning combo for these 50# flatheads in my lake. Thanks for your infinite wisdom! 🙄🤔
Lol nope
Not really!
On 2:29 the Carolina rig sinker is the Opposite way
I tried shrimp recently. Worked well and stayed on the hook. Otherwise i use worms.
Awesome advise. But Lews ain’t no offbrand
Great video I am new to catfish fishing as I normally fish for trout and this was helpful. Subscribing
Lew's is no off brand. They are one of the biggest names in Bass fishing and Kevin Van Dam is one of their pros.
You should have mentioned the team catfish brand products for those without a budget!
Ugly Stik Combo - Great Rod with a Crappy Reel......... Berkley Big Game Rod and Quantum Optix 60 Reel - $48 for Bigger Catfish or med Big Game Rod and Quantum Optix 40 for Channel Cats/Eater size Blues.......
Or just buy big game line and not have to worry about breaking off one you into a fish instead them little peacker heads you wish you have good line and hooks
Why doesnt my fishing rod reel in
Shakespeare ain't nothing but the truth!!
I saw those lews 20.00 dollar combo the other day,the rod looks pretty good,but the reel look like junk,like you said though, for 20 dollars you can't go wrong
Is it okay to use nightcrawlers on a size 6/0 circle hook
No
Your Walmart is way better than mine
You don't want to run braid on most Wal-Mart rods......they have ceramic eyelets braid will wear right through it
I have a question. I get alot of snags where I fish for cats so, I'm hesitant on getting a high pound test line. I run 17 lb sufix siege Mono. What are some other options or advice?
I don't want to have expensive 60 pound braid, get snagged and have to cut it because I can't break it.
I'm looking for tips and bait tricks for cats. Any information helps! Thanks
17lb mono is fine for catching catfish under 15 lbs. Even if you hook a 30lber you can still get him in on 17lb test line if you tire him out with your drag. Just more challenge if you really hook a big one
For most lakes and ponds, 17lbs is definitely fine. It will handle your average sized catfish 1 to 5 lbs pretty easily
If your using big live baits and big fish over 30lbs are in the area, increasing your lb line may not be bad
If you get snagged with braid, it will break easier than the 17lb mono. Braid doesn't stretch or have the abrasion resistance mono has.
magic bait shrimp flavored works well from what i have found
Couple of suggestions for people watching this, first check your state fishing regulations before using bluegill, it's illegal in a lot of states, plus is a huge fine, if bluegill is legal use it cause it works great, now second ardentoutdoors.com has a 7'6 super duty spinning combo for $45.99 before shipping, and has glow tip for night fishing also prespooled with 18lbs test. Sorry for highjacking your comment section, but wanted to help you out a little bit. Great video, and I agree with staying away from those baits.
Ardent sucks ass
CrankingTanks Outdoors sorry you had a bad experience with them, but I've been using them for years, with no problems, and cause of that about 7 months ago I asked them to sponsor me.
I completely respect your opinion, i just feel like the main reason people like their stuff is because they are sponsored by them
CrankingTanks Outdoors thank you, and I understand where you are coming from. If this helps I'll tell you what I benfit from all my Sponsors, I have received a free hat from one, shirt from another, other than that I get discounts for items and gear I need, and I only promote the items and gear I use. Also I don't usually tell people to go out and buy it, I just posted a opinion that felt like a better one then what Walmart had in the video, sorry Walmart I still love you and your great prices on terminal tackle, and I will go ahead this here cause you don't need my life story. Thank you again, and tight lines.
Lews isn't an off brand. Its one of the higher end companies.
CDN worms on a treble hook work excellent here!
At the end did the kid call "LEWS" an "off brand"? 😂🤣💀
Lee’s is not a off brand and jimmy houstan rod is a great rod trash the reel and buy a lil better one other than that god vid
Lee's is an off brand lews is not
Thank you for the efficient video
The way you hold cats makes it look like they can sting you can second.
Great tips
some of the tackle he recomended for catfishing
i wouldnt buy for the reguk=lar j hooks the swallow circle hooks wont get swallowed
You domt want the fish to swallow the hook. Especially catfish. You wanna hooked in the corner of the mouth. So you can throw back the big ones. Keep 3 to 8 pounders to eat. Anything bigger the meat is no good.
In 2024 is not those price point no more. additional 20% more 💰 on everything. I've got my Ugly Stick $40 now $59 GX2 medium heavy with a GX2 reel size 60 black and red. Just need a UGLY tuff reel next. Whiting for Clarence sale at Walmart and get one in size 40 for now is the biggest one at my Walmart. Small but good enough for Bass fishing 🎣
Everyone do yourselves a favor just buy the GX2 ugly stick combo
Very good video!
i'd get that $20 combo there at the end just for the heck of it haha
jamani1086 wish they had it at my Wal-Mart
Rod/reel combo with fishing kit as an emergency setup th-cam.com/users/postUgkxntWMOZsO1Zfv-pdn_XuffEtNkTYAYu4Z recommend but started to use this every day. The rod is thick and seems durable. I keep it neatly tucked into a regular backpack all the time with my fishing gear, and can grab it anytime, put it on my back and go anywhere. I just read in another review that the rod length below the reel is adjustable as well, so I will try that too for even more portability. Probably the best setup I've ever owned. I lost the cap for the eyelets, but no big deal since I still have the black cloth sheath that came for the pole and I use that. Very portable and high quality.
I am the 1K like.....LOL....Great video.
According to him jimmy Houston and lews are both off brand. Just because it’s not ugly stik doesn’t mean is off brand
Good info bro....thanks
Academy has some good deals too
Lews isn’t an off brand
Those dough baits work really well my guy.
Bacon is a great bait as well!
Thanks! 🙂
I've been waiting for this video sconce 1982 and I'm bout to be 12
Thanks for the vid
Wait. Doughbaits definetly work. Its not as good as cut or live bait but its definately better than worms. Oh and LEWS IS A NAME BRAND!!
Good video
Hey what's up Zack!!!
What's up!
This kid has no idea what an off brand is. Lew's is not an off brand and neither was that catfish pro rod. I use $20.00 Shakespeare Tiger strikes that takes 8-15 lb line.
Lews is not a off brand homie
Use manic primos stink bait words also
Notification crew
Ugly stick isn't off brand
It's only $20 , if it doesn't work out give it to a kid they are happy catching stick fish.
Lews and wright and McGill are far from off brand. You should consider doing a little more research before putting out a video.
Re zone that now
Shakespeare compared to lews 💔
I get all my fishing gear from Wal-Mart, and it works just fine. Too many TH-camrs make this stigma and act like Wal-Mart fishing poles suck, that you can't catch fish with them and so on. I got a rod from Walmart that has lasted me two years so far with no problems and I use the Walmart pole for bottom fishing with worms and my other rod I use cut bait. I'd rather fish with my two rods I even won a catfish tournament with them. Everyone knows around here you can mess with anything of mine besides my rods, if you mess with my rods, I'm going to kick your a@@.
Also, I want to add my opinion on the shad baits. In the Ohio River you can use those shad baits to catch 2-to-6-pound cats over and over again. Just cast maybe 10 to 15 feet off the bank and they attack those shad like crazy. I just use live bait anymore and did that a lot when I was younger. The rest are garbage and I also think liver is garbage too.
They take spinner baits
I've had better luck and caught more catfish on boneless chicken breast.
I've caught a fair number of catfish on chicken breast. The meat seems to loose it's scent fairly quickly though. Do you marinate the breast in anything?
I've never had to. I usually just use the breast right out of the package it comes in.
If you think Lews is a off brand you don’t fish
How the fuck is Lews a off brand I have that same 20 Dollar catfish rod and it’s better than My Saint Croix is mojo cat rod
👍👍👍
👍
Your bad cat daddy is made by Lew's
👍🏿🔥
I bought a Lew's car Daddy and I hate it
Car daddy
I broke my dad's cat fishing pro lol
Great tips and great video slow down when talking u we're rushing like u we're nervous I know u we're n the store so I understand pressure was on but relax take a breath
First
Wow, that was quick! Good luck fishing this summer!
SHAKESPEAR ROD AND REELS ARE PURE JUNK. CHEAPLY MADE AND NOT THE COST.
daiwa is pretty good...
Shakespeare reels are garbage. Uglystik rods are some of the strongest rods you can buy for $39.99
@@jasonstokley7274 uglystik is made shakespear....
I'm aware.