back to the original question, if I was looking for a dedicated rod, it would be Valleyhill

https://fishingshop.kiwi/category/Rods/Casting-Rods/Valley-hill/buzzslater/

FishingShop.kiwi normally has the lead on this brand, but note, they charge $40 to ship. 

 

Yikes, >$100 for a channel cat rod? I guess the ones I'm targeting aren't that sophisticated ?

 

These right here get it done for me all day and I just go down to the Mart and pick them off the shelf.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ugly-Stik-7-US-Lite-Pro-Spinning-Rod-One-Piece-Rod/792501473?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=319&adid=22222222277792501473_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=aud-1651068664946:pla-294505072980&wl5=9023835&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=792501473&wl13=319&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=CjwKCAjw2OiaBhBSEiwAh2ZSP_IaiaA-vdDAD0Wl-ODGdxoZGiIHGAEkrIVp6Ra5qHXUTGHbXBcEbhoCIc0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

For a stocked channel cat lake you could probably get away with using a heavy action bass rig.  For fishing water that has channel , flathead, and blue cats in it we always used saltwater rigs.

On 9/6/2022 at 2:39 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

I use 3 Ugly Stick Lite 7' M spinning rods with 3 Okuma 30 Avenger baitfeeder spinning reels. Makes a 2lb channel fun, but I've also landed a 40lb flathead with 1 of them.

I picked up this rod today at wal mart for like $42. I'm gonna get one of the okuma reels off amazon. So I'm just copying your combo! Decided to pick up a spinning combo specifically for cats so its easier for my girlfriend...she kinda struggles with a baitcaster.