Choosing the right fishing line for bullhead catfish is fairly simple. Like all catfish, bullheads aren’t very line shy. You can catch bullheads on all types of fishing line, but most lines will be overkill. Here’s what to look for:
Quick Look
- 4-6lb. Test
- Best: Monofilament
- Good: Braid
- OK: Fluorocarbon
- Leader: 6 lb. Monofilament
Why Use Mono Fishing Line For Bullhead Catfish?
Monofilament fishing line is a cheap option that performs very well for catching bullhead. Mono has a good stretch, is clear, and is plenty strong for reeling in bullheads.
Since bullheads, like many other catfish, are mainly bottom feeders, your line will be mostly hidden while laying on the muddy bottom. This pretty much eliminates the need for using an invisible line like fluorocarbon.
You could also use braid, but bullhead catfish don’t grow very big so you don’t need the strength of a braided fishing line.
What lb. Test Fishing Line For Bullheads?
Bullhead catfish are fairly small, so you don’t need an extremely strong fishing line. 6lb. test will be more than enough. You could drop it down to 4 lb. test, however, bullheads like to be around snags, so a stronger line can help pull them out.
If you are using braid, you can go up to 10 or even 30 lb. test since the diameter is so thin. If you think you might get into some bigger channel, flathead, or blue catfish, then the braid will allow you to land them.
Leader Material for bullhead Catfish
As with most catfish, you don’t need a specific leader to catch bullheads. If you are using 4-8 lb. test mono as your main line, then just use the same for your leader. However, if you are using a braid main line, consider tying on a monofilament leader.
Can You Use Fluorocarbon for bullheads?
Fluorocarbon is a great fishing line. However, it isn’t necessary for catching bullhead catfish. Bullheads aren’t line shy, so you can easily get away with using a cheaper monofilament fishing line.
If you already have fluorocarbon line on your reel, then don’t worry, it will work equally well to mono. And on top of that, fluorocarbon is more abrasion resistant than mono, so it may even last longer.
If you are planning to use the same fishing line to target trout or other line shy fish, then it’s a good idea to use fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater. So depending on your fishing style, fluorocarbon may be more versatile than mono.
Can You Use Braid for bullheads?
You can catch bullhead catfish using braided fishing line. But like fluorocarbon, braid doesn’t provide any advantages over mono when targeting bullheads. You might as well stick with a cheap monofilament line unless you’re already spooled up with braid.
If you already have braid on your reel, then simply add a few feet of 6 lb. test mono to the end to act as a leader. It will be easier when tying knots, as well as give a little stretch for fighting the fish.
Learn how to tie the Uni knot for attaching a mono or fluoro leader to braid. This knot is super strong and has a low profile to make casting smoother as it is pulled through your guides.
