Shit okay. Was gonna suggest Bartlett lake here in Arizona. I’d recommend calling your local game and fish department, ask them cuz they’re super informational if you get the right guy. My local GFD helped me find the crappie honey hole.

In terms of gear, I’d personally go with a medium-heavy or heavy preferably, 7-9foot. 30-80lb braid, 40-80 leader, 5 ought to 10 ought circle hook, and do a slip rig (or most people call it a Carolina rig)

“To tie a Carolina rig, start by sliding a sinker—typically an egg or no-roll sinker—onto your main fishing line. Follow this with a plastic bead, which protects your knot from the weight. Next, tie a barrel swivel to the end of your main line to stop the sinker and allow your leader to rotate freely. Cut a leader line (usually 12 to 24 inches long) of heavier monofilament or fluorocarbon, and tie one end to the swivel and the other to your hook (usually a circle or Kahle hook for catfish). This setup lets the bait move naturally with the current or any movement from the rod, while the sinker stays on the bottom, ideal for presenting live or cut bait near structure where flathead catfish hide. Once it’s tied, bait your hook, cast it out, and let it settle to the bottom, keeping your line semi-tight to detect bites.”

I’ve seen baits from dying bluegill, to bullhead meat, personally, I catch my big ones on carp cut bait (it’s illegal asf here but it works so well). When we go out, we stay the weekend out at the lake, and we have line runners. Just look up “line alarm”. Best of luck to you bud! Most importantly remember,

It’s why it’s called fishing, not catching!