Most Louisiana saltwater anglers hold hardhead catfish in contempt, but tough cobia love gulping down the spiked fish.
Hardy fish, cats stay on the line a long time. Use cats about 8 to 12 inches long, and free-rig them on drift lines or attach them to balloon rigs.
When fishing a catfish on the surface, put the hook through its back behind the dorsal fin.
Anglers can also bottom-fish with cats by hooking them through the lips and placing them on a Carolina rig.
To make a Carolina rig for live bait, slip a sliding weight on the main line and tie a barrel swivel to the end. The swivel keeps the weight from sliding down to the hook. On the swivel, attach about a 4- to 5-foot long leader to give fish room to swim at the bottom.