The way you set up your fishing line with the bait , and the amount of weight you attach to the line in order to catch bigger catfish is knows as Catfish Rigs. Some times it is best to use something simple that requires a weight and/ or bobber with a sturdy hook and the right catfish bait but that does not mean there are no complicated way to catfish rigs.

One kind of basic catfish rigs is a deep catfish rig.  This kind of rig requires using a good, sturdy weight rather than a hook attached to the end of the line. 
By placing a weight at the end of the line, you are able to avoid snags.  The weight should be about one ounce or so, and tied to the end of the line with a palomar knot.  A palomar knot is useful for attaching a hook, weight, etc. to the end of the line.  It is simple to tie and rarely has a problem with being pulled loose.  With this kind of knot you would snap the line before this knots unravels.

Next, tie your hook about twelve to eighteen inches up from the end of the line.  Tie a dropper loop into the line in order to hold your hook and leader line.  If you want, you can use a wired leader to keep the line attached to your hook from getting wrapped around the line attached to your weight.  If you’re going after smaller channel catfish or other catfish and are using chicken livers, worms, or dip baits, then use a smaller hook like a number 2, all the way up to a 2/0.  Use an 8/0 or 9/0 circle hook if you’re fishing with shad or perch catfish bait and are looking for those elusive big catfish. The hook setting is a lot better, and the fish will be less likely to straighten or escape once hooked.

If you’re looking to fish in shallow waters, make a shallow catfish rig. Making a shallow catfish rigs requires good catfish bobbers. Place a bobber two to three feet from the hook, depending on how deep you want to fish.  Just above the bobber, add a split shot or two between the bobber and hook.  The same guidelines apply with regards to which type of hook to use — consider your bait and the catfish types and sizes you are trying to catch.

There are many different types of catfishing rigs, each with a purpose and design. When setting up your rig, consider things like the weather and temperature conditions, and what time of the year it is. Knowing how to set up an effective catfishing rig gives you the best opportunity to catch a bigger catfish with ease.