Limblines for Catfish

Limblines are popular in many areas of the country for catching fish.  Always check your local regulations to see what methods are legal in your area, and what the rules are for using any type of fishing device.
The basic idea behind is that you tie a line to a tree limb.  When a fish bites it, the limb will play the fish, and keep it on the hook until you can get there and collect the fish.  Most of the limblines in this area are set to catch catfish in the summer, and crappie in the spring.   You can use any kind of bait you choose.  If you want to catch crappie, you should use minnows, and for cats, I would use a stinkbait or livers.
Making a limbline couldn't be easier.  You need three ingredients:

1. Line
2. Hooks (preferably circle)
3. Swivels

Cut your lines to about a foot in length.  You don't want to give the fish too much length, or they will have the ability to wrap around something, and tear off the line.  Similarly, you need the swivel to allow the fish to twist, without being able to break your line.  Add a weight somewhere on the line to keep it deep enough, and add a circle hook to the end of the line.  Circle hooks are great,  when the fish goes to fight, the hook will lodge in the corner of her mouth, not in the stomach, or down in the throat. 

Finally, when you get to your location, cut enough line to tie to the limb, attach to your swivel, add bait, and start fishing. 

This is a simple project you can do on a Friday night, and be ready to fish first thing Saturday morning.  I've been making some in preparation for fishing with while squirrel hunting this fall.