I use a bass rod with 30lb spider wire and a egg sinker ( 1oz) I tie the sinker about a foot from the hook. Works great. I also use DIY catfish bait. Cought a 25lb the other night
the joys of catfishing.....many nights you sit and stare at a motionless rod tip, then some nights it is non stop action. try on a hot humid night. those are my best nights. we also get alot of channels(smaller) during the afternoon. that flathead came at 2am.