New Catfishing Products for 2023
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Check out the latest items made especially for today’s catfish anglers.
There was a time when it was difficult to find catfish-specific products other than the different types of commercial baits largely produced and marketed by small mom-and-pop businesses. Anglers had to use rod, reels, terminal tackle and accessories made for catching other species like bass, walleyes and muskies. It wasn’t an ideal situation.
Thank goodness, that’s no longer the case. Each year, manufacturers are introducing more and more new products made specifically with catfish anglers in mind. And many of these items debut at ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, held each July in Orlando, Florida.
This year was no exception. The following items that could up your catfishing game were introduced to ICAST attendees last month and will soon be available for sale online and at fishing tackle retailers nationwide.
Ahi USA JR Angler Series Cast Net Kids’ Tackle
Ahi USA has partnered with Kids Can Fish, a non-profit organization created by 10-year-old Caroline Lewis, to promote fishing for kids and families. Together, they developed these cast nets that feature 3/8-inch-square mesh, vinyl-coated steel weights, 80-pound braille lines, a 24-foot handline and easy-to-read throwing instructions and species activity sheet. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase goes directly to the KCF organization to help fund kids fishing clinics. MSRP: $28.99.
(promarahi.com)
Draggin Master Brush Guard
The Draggin Master Brush Guard was designed for targeting structure while dragging, drifting and casting to prevent terminal tackle from getting hung in various conditions. It has amazing results while fishing areas of heavy structure or rocks where catfish commonly congregate. The Brush Guard has been tested and proven to get less snags and keep your baits in the target zone. MSRP: $7.99
(dragginmaster.com)
Draggin Master Bite Me Floats
These floats work like an in-line float, keeping your bait and hook more buoyant and snag-free while dragging or drifting weighted baits on bottom. They come with Draggin Master patent-pending rattle pegs. MSRP: $11.99
(dragginmaster.com)
Draggin Master Rattle Pegs
Made of hard plastic with stainless-steel bearings, these innovative rattles have a tapered end designed to fit into any standard float to create a loud rattle that gets the attention of nearby fish. MSRP: $5.99
(dragginmaster.com)
Draggin Master Weedless Circle Hook
This uniquely designed circle hook has a weed guard to prevent the hook from snagging when you’re dragging your line through structure and cover. It’s now available in 8/0 and 10/0 sizes. MSRP: $15.49.
(dragginmaster.com)
Draggin Master Dragging/Drifting Rig
These sleek weighted rigs are less disruptive, which allows you to target and catch fish you’ve been unable to reach before while dragging baits. The patented design allows the rig to move through the water like a snake to get through brush and rocks with fewer hang-ups. MSRP: $15.49.
(dragginmaster.com)
Hayabusa Skipjack Sabiki
This new sabiki rig catches catfish bait quickly and effectively. It has five hooks separated at specific lengths so you land more skipjacks than ever before. The main line is 32-pound-test and dropper lines are 24-pound. Two models are available: White Feather Flash with white feathers and flashy mylar, and UV Natural Skin, which utilizes a UV-reflective material. MSRP: $7.99.
(hayabusafishing.com)
Fitec Signature Elite Series Cast Net
Fitec’s newest cast nets feature 1.6 pounds of lead weights per radius foot and are equipped with a large open horn to reduce tangled braille lines. Hand-made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene netting, they are 300% stronger than monofilament nets. Every knot on them is hand-tied with no seams. Available in 7, 8-, 10-, 12- and 14-foot radius and backed by Fitec’s “No Questions Asked” replacement policy. MSRP: starts at $246.
(castnets.com)
Fitec SS-1000 Deep Water Tape Series Cast Net
If you’re looking for an excellent cast net that’s bargain priced, Fitec also introduced the Deep Water Tape Series with similar features. This one has 1 pound of lead weights per radius foot, making it is light enough for easy casting, yet heavy enough to sink in moderately deep water. Fitec’s tape nets have an exclusive insoluble tape design that outperforms other tape nets on the market. MSRP: $74.
(castnets.com)
Gamakatsu Catfish Circle Weedless Hook
Bill Dance teamed with Gamakatsu to develop this weedless catfish hook that can be fished in the heaviest cover snag free. The design features what is basically Gamakatsu’s 221 Octopus Circle Hook equipped with a custom weedguard. Use it to hook cats effectively in the thickest, nastiest cover and safely release trophy catfish unharmed. MSRP: $4.68
(gamakatsu.com)
Gamakatsu Firetip Floats
These new floats feature a lighted tip that shines brightly, allowing anglers to see if their bobber is down at night from more than 100 yards. They are made with high-impact plastic for durability and have a soft tip that is lit by inserting the long-lasting BR435 battery included in the package. Available in three sizes: Small (4.25”, 0.23 oz.), Medium (4.75”, 0.25 oz.) and Large (5”, 0.30 oz.) MSRP: $13.48.
(gamakatsu.com)
Stinky Balls
These little balls comprise a unique scent delivery system you can add to your rigs to attract more fish. Each ball starts with real liquified baitfish, worms or shellfish. Once liquified, additional attractants are added. Each ball is then encapsulated so it is mess free and stays on your hook. Just add one or more to your rigs and they disperse scent that fish find irresistible. Several “flavors” are available, including Cattie Smasher, Gizzard Shad, Night Crawler, Minnow and Craw. MSRP: $12.99 for original size with approximately 53 Stinky Balls.
(stinkyballs.com)
Whisker Seeker Solar Powered Bait Shack
New from Whisker Seeker is this bait storage solution that harnesses the power of the sun to keep your bait fresh and lively. Its unique design houses all pumps and power components within the detachable lid, utilizes a pull net to easily pull the bait out and features a spring-loaded drain valve to help keep your water fresh. The innovative solar panel design keeps your bait tank running all day long, always charging, allowing you to always be fishing. Features three power levels, built-in thermometer and a 5.5-gallon capacity. MSRP: $295.95
(whiskerseeker.com)
Whisker Seeker Versa Rattles 2
Add these to your favorite catfish rig in combination with your favorite bait and let the sound and vibration draw catfish in. They effortlessly slide on any fishing line and come in a multitude of colors. Whisker Seeker redesigned them to be totally waterproof and louder than ever.. MSRP: $4.95 per package of five.
(whiskerseeker.com)
Whisker Seeker Rubber Bumper Stops
Protect fishing line knots from the constant impact of sinkers by adding one of these bumper stops on your main line between the weight and swivel, or anywhere else you would use a bead. Each has an outer diameter of 8.5mm and is made from durable silicone. MSRP: $4.95-$13.95
(whiskerseeker.com)
Catfish Pro Tournament Series Spinning Reel
This new reel has all the features needed to make it a great catfish reel: right or left-handed, 5+1 stainless-steel ball bearings, 5:2:1 gear ratio, front and rear drag, Live Liner system with clicker, all precision brass gears, machine-forged aluminum spool, infinite ant-reverse, Power Drive gear equipped for high strength and smoothness, powerful 22-pound drag, centrifugal brake system, synchronized level-wind system, line-out clicker alarm and aluminum handle with comfortable EVA knob. Can be paired with the matching one-piece, 7’6” Tournament Series spinning rod in medium-heavy or heavy action. Made with Optimized S-Glass, E-Glass and Carbon Graphite blank for brute strength and extreme sensitivity, Super Grip Premium Handle and a glow-in-the-dark tip for night fishing.
