I use a baited cane pole stuck down in the river bank and catch all kinds of catfish using squashed dead minnows for bait. Just set out a few poles in the evening and go back in the morning to get the fish. I got quite a few snapping turtles that way too. A three dollar yo-yo deal couldn't be very dependable. You can almost count on one fish for every two poles. Use live minnows for bass and small hooks and worms for sunfish. Cane poles are free for the cutting and the longer ones are superior.