I was in a local catfish tournament here in Columbia, Pa.I was using light tackle to make it a challenge. Early into the morning I hook up with this monster with my little 5'lite action Ugly Stik rod with Okuma reel with 8 lb test. Luckily my gear held up to the task and after a half hour battle I was able to land this 41" 37 lb Flathead to win the tourney.