i mostly like to catch cats in the 5 to 15 pound range. I use abu 6000 reels and 7 foot heavy action rods. 20 pound Berkly big game line. I use a 1/2 once egg slip weight inside a wiffle golf ball above a #3 swivel, then about 2 to 3 feet of 15 pound big game line to a 2 ought to 4 ought kahle hook. i put a float on that 2 to 3 feet of leader i use to keep hook off bottom. the wiffle ball helps the weight slip over brush without hanging up.