Just wondering what you guys would recommend as far as a rod and reel for baiting frozen anchovies or hot dogs for catfish/pike? Something cheap obviously...what pound line?

If you are fishing for just your average channel cat then just about any Medium or MH 7' or longer with some sort larger 3000+ reel. The larger reel would really just be used for more line capacity. 50# + braid mainline with a 15#+ mono leader to absorb shock and deal with line coming through rocks. You can just use straight mono as well but braid is easier to deal with than larger mono on a spinning reel. For flat heads I prefer baitcasting equipment but you are going to go north of 100+$ for that.  you could probably find a used abu garcia ambassadeur 6500/6501 (these come with baitclicks and are the best for detecting bites and letting fish run with your bait) for 50-60$ and just use some sort of cheaper ugly tiger stick casting rod or a MH muskie rod. that can keep you south of 100$ and the reel as long as it's maintained will out live you.

 

I used to catfish on the river a few times a month and my abu garcia 6501c3 still works like it's brand new. It was a good investment. My rod is a now d/c quantum alliance muskie rod 7'MH that was more on the H end but I used it more so for flatheads. I think the rod was 90$ new and I got it for 17$ at cabelas on clearance. That total combo I think cost 94$ give or take and has handled 50+ blue cats down in Missouri. 

I baitfish alot for cats. Live and fresh cut.  A med. hvy. casting rod is on par and one with a softer tip like a ugly stick is fine.  I dont see a need for all the extra line in a 6500 size for myself but it would help some if your gonna do long distance casting from shore.  I use Abu 5500 and 4600 C3's.  Remember casting with bait is more of a lob than the style you cast lures to bass.  A softer tip helps do that.  I like 14lb mono or 30lb braid with a leader.

Alright so a spinning rod/reel will work fine with some braid and mono leader?? How long of a mono leader do you use?

 

It is really just something to have out there while I am throwing lures with my baitcaster

ya a spinning rod and reel will work fine. the leader varies depending on current or fish activity but anywhere from 12in-18in will get you fine in most cases below the sinker.

ya a spinning rod and reel will work fine. the leader varies depending on current or fish activity but anywhere from 12in-18in will get you fine in most cases below the sinker.

 

I will be using a steel leader so I could just tie the steel leader directly on braid or mono