I know this is a bass forum, but I figured this section would still be appropriate. I am looking to put together a bobber/light weight bottom fishing setup for going for channel cats up to around 20 lbs and northern pike. I am thinking a medium heavy rod with a 4000 reel with 30 lb braid on. I don't want to spend a ton of money since it is just a bobber setup, anyone get suggestions for a cheap reliable setup? Maybe a Daiwa Airdx/pflueger president or possibly daiwa bg? I have heard Pfluger Presdidents aren't as good as they used to be. Just looking for suggestions. Thanks guys!

I would suggest a Daiwa BG or Emcast.

Or any 4000 size reel.

I would use a inshore rod, if i were you. The guides are more sturdy.

The lighter the rod the more fun it'll be.

Not all fish are going to be 20 pounders.

My two catfish float rods consists of two older Berkley med hvy spinning rods and two older quantum qss4w reels. 30 lbs braid with a slip float works well. I have caught many channels and blues on these two rods. 

This year I'm going to lighten up my bottom rig rods to make it more fun.

2 minutes ago, mrpao said:

I would suggest a Daiwa BG or Emcast.

Or any 4000 size reel.

I would use a inshore rod, if i were you. The guides are more sturdy.

The lighter the rod the more fun it'll be.

Not all fish are going to be 20 pounders.

My two catfish float rods consists of two older Berkley med hvy spinning rods and two older quantum qss4w reels. 30 lbs braid with a slip float works well. I have caught many channels and blues on these two rods. 

This year I'm going to lighten up my bottom rig rods to make it more fun.

I've actually been using my med heavy baitcaster setup, a daiwa tatula ct and MH berkley lightning rod and it has been okay, but i know spinning will make it alot easier for these creeks. Would an inshore rod feel like too much rod? 

Just like bass rods, there are different actions with inshore rods. I just suggested inshore rods because many are designed for throwing live bait to big fish.

Also if you use a slip float the bigger guides dont catch the bobber stop as much. Most bass rods have gone to smaller guides.

I also prefer a spinning setup for float catfishing just because alot of times I'm really close to the cover and spinning is just easier to lob it out there.

11 minutes ago, mrpao said:

Just like bass rods, there are different actions with inshore rods. I just suggested inshore rods because many are designed for throwing live bait to big fish.

Also if you use a slip float the bigger guides dont catch the bobber stop as much. Most bass rods have gone to smaller guides.

I also prefer a spinning setup for float catfishing just because alot of times I'm really close to the cover and spinning is just easier to lob it out there.

Oh yeah forsure. Im glad you understand the type of setup I am getting at then. Ill keep an eye out for the Daiwa BG going on sale

25 minutes ago, mrpao said:

Just like bass rods, there are different actions with inshore rods. I just suggested inshore rods because many are designed for throwing live bait to big fish.

Also if you use a slip float the bigger guides dont catch the bobber stop as much. Most bass rods have gone to smaller guides.

I also prefer a spinning setup for float catfishing just because alot of times I'm really close to the cover and spinning is just easier to lob it out there.

Maybe just an ugly stick gx2 to keep it cheap

Nothing wrong with an ugly stik.

They are durable.

I don't fish for cats very often, so I do not have specialized gear.  I use an old BPS Bionic Blade MH spinning bass rod with 20# braid on a 2500 Shimano spirex and do just fine.  There are certainly better reels out there, but for the $ I'm not afraid to beat it up.  The fish I catch top out at 10-12# but I've never had any issues with that combo.

 

My hesitation would be dangling a meal for a pike on light braid.  Have you considered a heavier Fluoro leader?

I use a 30 size Okuma Avenger baitfeeder with a 7' MH Ugly Stick Lite. I've landed catfish up to 40lbs on that setup, it can handle a 20lb channel no problem.