TACKLE TIPS
Simple tackle is best for dark-side catting. Most anglers use a medium-action rod-and-reel combo to better reach offshore fishing spots. Six- to 15-pound line and size 1 to 2/0 hooks are OK for the small "eating-size" catfish most folks are after.

When fishing for trophy channel cats (20- to 30-pounders are possible in some waters), use a long rod, 7 feet at least, for more hooksetting and fighting power. Those constructed with graphite/fiberglass composites offer strength, sensitivity, flexibility and moderate pricing. Baitcasting reels are toughest and provide more power for cranking in big fish. Look for a solid frame, tough gears and smooth casting, plus enough line capacity for the conditions you fish. The best for night-fishing also features a "clicker" mechanism that gives an audible signal when line is pulled from the reel, thus indicating that a catfish is taking your bait.

BAIT CHOICES
Unlike blue cats and flatheads, which rarely eat anything but fish, channel cats aren't the least bit finicky. Buy some worms, crawfish or minnows at the bait shop, or pick up some fresh chicken livers, hot dogs, bacon, cheese or shrimp at the supermarket. Other good baits include frogs, catalpa worms, pieces of cut bait, leeches, creek chubs, small suckers, chunks of Hormel Spam (yes, Spam!) and (where allowed) goldfish.

Commercial dip baits and doughbaits also work great, and usually can be found in the sporting goods departments of discount stores. When using these, you might want to pick up a few of the specialty items often used to fish these soft baits, including some catfish "worms" (ribbed, soft-plastic lures used for fishing dip bait) or some spring-wound doughbait treble hooks.

Don't stick to a single presentation if it's not producing cats. If one bait doesn't work, try another. Change to a bigger or smaller bait. Vary the depth at which it is presented. If catfish are biting, and you've come prepared with an assortment of baits and tactics, sooner or later, you'll pinpoint something productive.

MARK FOR THE DARK
The biggest problem when night-fishing is seeing your equipment, but a can of fluorescent paint can be used to mark equipment for easy visibility. You'll be surprised how much easier it is to see a bright yellow bobber than a white one. A splotch of glowing paint in a tackle box compartment eliminates the painful experience of sorting hooks by Braille. A stripe of fluorescent color on black needle-nose pliers thwarts their usual invisibility. Painting a black rod tip some bright color helps in detecting bites.

The benefits are compounded when you use black lights. Look for special paints at craft stores that glow under ultraviolet.

TACTICS
Fish on the bottom, using a sinker heavy enough to carry your bait down. Or use a bobber to float the bait slightly above bottom.

Don't get antsy; let the bait sit several minutes before moving it. Like kids after fresh-baked cookies, catfish smell their treats and then track them down.

You can fish from a boat or from shore, as you prefer.