catfish help

[mtman]

started fishing for cats last fall and did manage to bag a few channels out of the lake near my house -- this spring/summer has not been good--just bullheads and they have been tough to come by---I don't mind catching them but everyone has swallowed the hook---I am fishing mostly at night with a bell on the rod-- as soon as they hit I am reeling them in but can't seem to hook them clean--I hate having to cut the line an leave the hook but have no choice--should I go much bigger on my bait size ?--I am trying everything from packaged bait to trout dough and cut fish baits--any ideas thanks

[BottomBouncer13]

Hot dogs work good for all cats on a size 4 hook and sunnies on a 3/0 works best.

[flatcreek]

You maybe be able to solve the hook swallowing by going to circle hooks. Don't have a lot of experience with them, but from what I here you don't set the hook so they should be good for night fishing.

[WILSEA]

I used to have that same problem until my grandfather told me to use a size 1/0 jig head with chicken liver.... the jig head keeps the hook from being swallowed. Since then, never have had any problems with catfish swallowing the hook