I use a massive old screwdriver which I bought from a yard sale. Attached to this screwdriver I have about 10 yards of 30 Lb line (yeah overkill) and all along the last half of it I have multiple loops tied into it so I can tie on other lines, smaller lines. After unwinding all my line from the screwdriver I plant the screwdriver into the embankment and give the end section of the line a few backwards swings as I saw kids in Honduras once do, then let go at the right moment. I like pieces of slim Jim for bait since they hold up well in the water for a long time. I also prefer to fish at night. I swear the catfish bite more at night, and the wardens much less. The 30 Lb line has worked well. When it's got hung up I've been able to pull it free with a struggle and only loose a smaller line, not my main one. If you don't have a sinker, duct tape and a rock work well. Hooks are light and easy to pack if stored safely. However, I have found lots of tackle and lines by just beachcombing a riverbank or a fishing spot that looks popular. Tackle gets dropped and lines get caught in tree limbs all the time. One man's trash could be your key to dinner.