I grew up fishing in rivers and ponds in GA and North FL.  I stopped freshwater fishing much when I went to college.  Haven't really been in the last 15 years or so.  I inherited my dad's bassboat and his collection of rods, which include everything from fly rods to deep sea rods and reels.  I want to take my kids fishing on the Chattahoochee for stripers and catfish. I do know how to fly fish, mainly looking for rod and reel advice.

What sort of rod and bait setup do I want to do for cats and stripers?  I am ok with having to buy some new stuff, but I hope I can salvage some of my dad's stuff.


Thanks

HaM

For cats, cut bait on a circle hook, 7/0 is a good size.  Any sort of fish or raw chicken makes good bait.  I've also found that the saltwater Berkeley Gulp swimming mullets are really good for blue cats. If I'm using 7/0 hooks for big cats I have at least 30lb braided line.  You'll wait a fairly heavy duty rod and reel.

Bucktail jigs and swimbaits are good choices for stripers.  Any rods/reels that you'd use for largemouth bass up to catfish will typically suffice for stripers.

Circle or Kahle hooks from 6/0-8/0 depending on bait. I use salted livers, chicken breast, bluegills and dough-bait. Every day is different so always have a bit of everything.

I use the Rippin Lips catfish rods from Medium, M/H all the way to Heavy. Great rods and free shipping on Amazon. I got them paired with some MY60 and 70 baitcaster reels.