Ive run bank lines in the sangamon river for six years about every weekend to every other weekend (depending on the girlfriend) 
and never caught nothing but flatheads, channel, blue cats, perch/drum(which gets thrown back), an occasional snapper(which you do not need a pistol. Ive got all my fingers and its not as fast as a dog so it doesnt lunge for your throat)..
If you think you have a snapper the line will be pulled tight even bouncing heavily at times or it could be a big catch. To check if your nervous(cuz I wade out in the water a ways to set my poles). Get a five foot pole with a hook at the end so you dont have to stand close to it.
Creating bank poles: I use half inch diameter pvc pipe, to ensure it wont snap like some bamboo poles, then get strong nylon string line. cut the pvc pipe into 5-6ft sections drill a hole through top section to tie string. On the bottom half cut a 45 degree angle so its sharp and easy to shove in the bank then attach the string which should be roughly the same length as pole. For hooks I use the large red eagle hooks never seem to bend like some hooks. Attach hook. Now you got bank poles make about 20 more and have a great haul along with a great time.
and never caught nothing but flatheads, channel, blue cats, perch/drum(which gets thrown back), an occasional snapper(which you do not need a pistol. Ive got all my fingers and its not as fast as a dog so it doesnt lunge for your throat)..If you think you have a snapper the line will be pulled tight even bouncing heavily at times or it could be a big catch. To check if your nervous(cuz I wade out in the water a ways to set my poles). Get a five foot pole with a hook at the end so you dont have to stand close to it.
Creating bank poles: I use half inch diameter pvc pipe, to ensure it wont snap like some bamboo poles, then get strong nylon string line. cut the pvc pipe into 5-6ft sections drill a hole through top section to tie string. On the bottom half cut a 45 degree angle so its sharp and easy to shove in the bank then attach the string which should be roughly the same length as pole. For hooks I use the large red eagle hooks never seem to bend like some hooks. Attach hook. Now you got bank poles make about 20 more and have a great haul along with a great time.
