One more catfish question

[Tin-Can]

So I caught a catfish! I fished Pruess lake one evening and caught one, had some problems since my mushy minnows didn't stay on too well. I was happy tho. Used a Carolina rig and octopus hook. Still I don't really know what I'm doing  I tried just leaving the rod there and caught 2 fish doing that but I got a question for you catfish guys, do you hold your rod while you wait or leave it on the ground? How do you detect a strike? Do you set the hook or let the fish hook themselves? Thanks you guys.

  Don't ever leave your rod unsecured when fishing for Cats or Wiper. THEY WILL hit at the most unexpected time, and you WILL lose your pole.  I'm sure  there are several folks here that can attest to that from experience. In a boat, use a rod holder. On the bank, USE A ROD HOLDER.  Good idea to leave your reel drag loose, or even the bail open if you use a spinning reel,  so the fish will pull the drag, and not the whole rig.