text: First of all, you had better have the tackle to land the monsters.Sure, people get lucky every year and land a 50 pounder on a bluegill outfit, but I wouldn't reccomend it.if you need help picking out the right equipment, grab a copy of Infisherman Catfish Guide, and it will help you chose what equipment is best for you.I personally use Abu Garcia 6000's and 7000's reels.Okuma reels are also great for catfishing.For rods, I like Bass Pro's Spiral Graphite Musky rods, and thier Power Plus musky rods.Both of these rods are inexpensive, but very strong and dependable.Line is a personal issue.I like Berkley XT Solar and Big Game line.Get you an assortment of hooks in sizes from 10, for catching bait, to 10/0 for huge shovelheads and blues.Sinkers, floats, stringers, swivels and a few more odds and ends are all that is needed to catch giant cats.Now,as to where you fish, it really isnt that hard.Most states have huge populations of cats, and picking what lake or river to fish is easy.In rivers, try to find a hole that has both depth, and cover.A log jam, boulders, rip rap,man made cover, such as a wing dam, or anything that a cat can hide in.In one creek I fish here in Ohio, the best hole has old car bodies sunk in it.In lakes, find some heavy cover, logs, rocks, boat docks, stumps, etc., in at least 5 or 6 feet of water.Remember, the shallower the water, the heavier the cover must be.Cast your bait close to the cover, and stick your rod in a rod holder, and set the bait clicker or open your bail to allow the fish to run line off when they pick up your bait.Bait should be fresh and lively for your biggest cats.Yes, chicken liver is wonderful bait, but the largest cats will rather have live food.Bait can be anything that is legal in your state.Sunfish, shad, suckers, carp, yellowbellies, to name a few.Just make sure of what is legal where you are fishing.Good luck.