When you book with Peter Evans all tackle is provided within the price of the days fishing . Here is a guide to some of the equipment we use and would recommend.

Rods

Due to the size of your quarry, you will require rods with a test curve between 6 and 8 lb s with an ideal length of 10ft. A progressive, through action is preferable for playing fish. Some specialist catfishing rods have been developed.. These are top end of the market rods a nd cheaper options are available.

The Catfish Conservation Group offer a range of less expensive rods, which are up to the job . Alternatively, a good quality 'uptider' sea fishing rod will comfortably handle even the bi ggest of fish, which you may encounter. An adequate 'uptider' can be purchased for around £50 /60 with Shakespeare's Ariel range being a satisfactory option. I would not advise the use of heavy type carp or 'spodding' rods, as even a 4 - 5lb test curve rod is insufficient.

Reels

A Multiplier is preferable to a fixed spool reel for most styles of catfishing, such as fr ee roving live baits and the buoy system. My preference is for Penn Multipliers and I use the 321 GTI model which is ideal, particularly as it is available in left-hand wind unlike many other Multipliers. Big fixed spool reels such as the Shimano Baitrunner 6500 Models are perfe ctly adequate.

Lines

Braided lines are more suitable than monofilament due to their finer diameter and floating properties. Penn 'Tidecutter' is a superb line which is ultra thin, extremely strong and als o has great durability in snaggy areas. I would not recommend you to look any further than th is superb braid.

Hooklength

Many UK catfish anglers use Kryston's 45lb Quicksilver for their hooklength. This is too l ight for Ebro cats but fortunately Kryston make an 85lb version of the product which is calle d 'ton up' and has been developed specifically with European catfishing in mind. Having used this product throughout last season I would be more than happy to endorse it, because it is s uper abrasion resistant and extremely strong. A popular alternative is Dyneema which is avail able in breaking strains up to 100 Kilos.

Hooks

My livebaiting set-up comprises a single and two treble hooks. The trebles are size 4/0 to 6/0 and good makes are VMC, Mustad (5x series) and Eagle Wave. A wide range of big single ho oks is available and makes such as Penetrator and Maruto Eagle Wave are good options. Owners are perhaps the best all round single but are expensive relative to other brands.

Scales, Weigh Slings and Other Items of Tackle

Scales will need to weigh up to 200lbs in the event of a possible monster being landed! On ce again, cheaper options are available. Weigh slings are extremely specialised items of tack le.