Catfish Tripods & Rod Rests

Catfish tripods and banksticks are essential to keep your rods in position, secure your heavy rigs and fish comfortably for long hours. Whether you prefer static night fishing, high spring water or long summer sessions, the right support makes all the difference.

Choosing the right tripod or bankstick for catfish

Tripod or individual banksticks? The choice depends on your fishing style, the number of rods you use and the spots you fish most often.

• Tripod: ideal for setting up several rods and offering excellent stability on uneven banks.
• Individual banksticks: lighter and more versatile, perfect for adapting to each swim and spreading your rods out.
• Adjustable length: lets you set rod height according to the current, bank height and rig type.
• Standard thread: compatible with most bite alarms, indicators and front/rear rests.

Materials, stability and adjustments

Catfish fishing puts a lot of strain on your gear. It’s crucial to choose supports designed to withstand brutal runs and heavy rigs.

• Stainless steel or reinforced steel: maximum strength for banksticks driven into hard or stony ground.
• Thick aluminum: an excellent compromise between strength and lightness for tripods carried over long distances.
• Sharpened or twisted point: makes it easier to set up in compact or dry banks.
• Reliable locking systems: ensure that height settings won’t slip during the fight.

During floods or on spots exposed to strong winds, go for a low, well-anchored tripod or long banksticks driven in deep.

Bank and boat setups

Tripods and banksticks adapt to different catfish techniques throughout the seasons.

• Bank fishing with a break-line rig: a stable tripod keeps constant tension on the line while lifting the rod above snags.
• Banksticks along the margins: perfect for spreading your rods and covering several current seams in spring and autumn.
• Fishing from a quay or dam: a tripod with adjustable legs compensates for sloping or uneven surfaces.
• Use close to a boat: solid supports to hold the rods during slow drifts or when placing baits from a kayak.

In summer, when catfish are active at night, choose supports that are easy to adjust quickly, even in the dark, so you can change rod angles silently.

Care and service life

To extend the life of your tripods and banksticks, a few simple steps are enough:

• Rinse with clean water after sessions on muddy or sandy banks.
• Dry metal parts to reduce corrosion.
• Regularly check screws, locks and threads before each trip.
• Transport banksticks in a sleeve or tube to protect tips and threads.

Regular maintenance ensures better reliability in the fight, season after season.

Catfish tripods & banksticks FAQ

Should I choose a tripod or banksticks to start?
To start, a versatile tripod is often simpler, as it lets you position several rods quickly. You can then add banksticks later to fine-tune your spots.

What length of bankstick for catfish fishing?
Medium to long banksticks offer more flexibility. They allow you to adjust rod height according to the season, water level and bank layout.

Are standard carp tripods suitable for catfish?
Some models can work, as long as they are strong and stable enough. Check the strength of the materials, the locking systems and their ability to support heavy rods.

How do I stop the tripod from tipping over on a run?
Lower the center of gravity, spread the legs wide, use anchoring pegs if possible or weigh the tripod down with a bucket of water or a heavy bag placed in the middle.