Gear
Utah Lake Catfish Bank Fishing Kit (Rigs, Hooks, Sinkers, Rod Holders)
A simple, dependable bank-fishing kit for Utah Lake channel catfish: the basic rigs, circle hooks, sinkers, leader, rod holders, and landing gear — with Amazon links.
The 80/20 rig (simple + works)
- Sliding sinker: egg sinker on main line + bead + swivel.
- Leader: 12–24" of 30–50 lb leader line.
- Hook: 4/0–6/0 circle hook for most Utah Lake catfish baits.
New to Utah Lake overall? Start with Utah Lake Fishing Kit, then come back here for the catfish-specific setup. If you want the exact shopping list for the standard rig parts, see Slip sinker (Carolina) rig kit. If you want to lean into “stinky baits,” add catfish scent baits (punch/dip bait). For landing + safe unhooking (especially at night), bookmark Catfish landing & dehooking kit.
Hooks
- Circle hooks (6/0) — easy hooksets, fewer deep hooks
- Circle hooks (4/0) — smaller baits / smaller cats
- Octopus / bait hooks (backup option)
Tip: with circle hooks, don’t “cross their eyes” — reel steady until the rod loads.
Weights + small rig parts
- No-roll / sputnik style sinkers (better in current/wind)
- Egg sinkers (simple sliding rig)
- Sinker slides + beads (for a quick sliding rig)
If you keep running out of small stuff, bookmark Terminal Tackle Refill Kit.
Leader line + swivels
Bank setup (rod holders + bite detection)
- Sand spike / surf rod holder (simple + sturdy)
- Rod bells / bite alarms (budget)
- Rod pod (optional upgrade for 2 rods)
For a broader checklist (nets, lights, small upgrades), see Shore Fishing Essentials.
Landing + handling (don’t lose fish at the bank)
Small stuff (night + comfort + safety)
- Headlamp with red mode (night sessions)
- Towel + nitrile gloves (less slime chaos)
- Small first-aid kit (hooks happen)
If you fish evenings, the short version is: Headlamp & Lighting.
Affiliate disclosure
Some links go to Amazon. If you buy through them, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.