Hey,
I used to LOVE fishing cats on the east coast. We used to get some real bruisers up to 20lbs in montreal, all the way down to virginia.
If the cats arent used to being fished, a simple set up works. Any set up that will hold bottom, and a worm.
If they are a little picky, I would put an 'egg sinker' before my swivel, put about 24 inches of leader tied strait to the swivel. Depending on the size of the cat, choose the hook, and bait with worm, or seriously, just anything that actual food and smells bad. hot dogs work for bigger fish, but worms are better if the fish are only 1, 2lbs. Cast out, when your weight his bottom, tighten your line but try not to move your bait too much. Then, loosen you drag to the point where its almost a free spools. Once you hear the "ZZZZZZZ", put your left hand on your reel, set the hook, then tighten your drag as fast as you can, and reel in!!
I love the second method. I like hearing the fish go, especially because we used to fish them at night the most.
Good luck, let us know how you do.