I like to use baitcasting or spinning reels on a med. action rod for channels...
A bass fishing baitcaster and rod works well for channels....
They can bite real lite sometimes, That's why I like to use med. action or less for the channel cats.
As far as bait goes, I use nightcrawlers, hotdogs "cut in chunks" or shrimp.......
Here is the Rig that I use the most for Catfish

The line from the swivel to the sinker is around 2ft long....
The line from the swivel to the hook is about 1ft long....
The faster the current where your fishing, make the line to the hook shorter.......
And you can make the line to the sinker out of smaller test line, that will help if you from loosing the whole rig if you get snaged...
I hope this helps.... :grin: .......
Good Luck