How to catch a catfish?

Sounds easy doesnt it? Sinkers, heavy line, and nightcrawler, cut bait or dough or a hook. But i try and try and try and cant catch a friggen catfish. Ive been a b fisherman all my life and i would like to expand into more species. All the lakes i fish at are pretty shallow i guess ( 25 feet max ) and there is also a river i know people catch nice channel catfish at but for 3 years yes 3 years! i havent caught a bullhead or a catfish. My current setup is: Berkley big game pole with 25 pound trilene big game line on a quantam optix spinning reel. I use a large hook with a dead bluegill, or nightcrawlers most the time. Can anybody give me tips?