Many different things are suitable as catfish bait. The best catfish bait is what works in your area for the catfish you are after. Of course, you will have to test these different types of baits to see what works best.
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Top 10 Best Catfish Baits
Here’s a list of the best catfish baits, including live baits, prepared baits, and everything in between. Hopefully this guide will help you land a trophy catfish on your next outing!
Worms
They are available at most bait shops and many convenience stores. Worms are a popular choice for small flathead and blue catfish, bullheads, and white catfish and are one of the best baits for catfish. It’s easy to rig worms as they slide seamlessly onto a circle hook. You can also thread one onto a hook and rig a slip sinker. If you want ideas on how to rig up your catfishing rod for worms, check out our recent article here.
Keep in mind that there are different kinds of worms and choosing the right worm is an important part of catfish fishing. The most effective worms are ones that are highly reactive and have a high scent. Worms are more likely to attract fish because they flail and have movement. Also, red worms emit more scents than nightcrawlers, which makes them more appealing to catfish. In addition, red worms tend to be larger, which is another benefit of using them for catfish fishing.
The reason why using worms for catfish fishing is a great idea is because catfish love to feed near vegetation. However, weeds are the biggest threat to your bait because bluegills will strip the worms off your hook before the catfish can take it. Lastly, because catfish tend to swallow their bait completely, using worms for catfish fishing can lead to gut-hooked fish, which can be difficult to release.
Worms are also a great multispecies treat, as they attract suckers, bluegills, bass, perch, carp, and all kinds of other fish. This can be frustrating at times because you will catch other kinds of fish (although some don’t mind this).
Gizzard Shad
Gizzard shad is a popular baitfish species widely available and well-liked by catfish anglers. They are great to catch via dip-netting or cast-netting due to their broad-bodied and blunt noses. Baitshops also offer live shad in many locations (if you are lucky). They work almost as well frozen but can become mushy when used cold.
Blue catfish love them as bait, and large ones anchored on reservoir flats at night attract huge flatheads. Channel cats prefer to choose 3 to 5-inch shad, which can be either whole or cut into chunks for the hook.
Among the most popular baits for catfish, gizzard shads are easy to find and easy to catch. They can grow to finger size and have a silvery body and a dark spot behind the upper gill cover. Their bodies are also keel-shaped, with a dark shoulder spot. These are one of the best bait for catfish in lakes and rivers.
Gizzard shad are commonly found in lakes and feeder creeks. They can be lured by lights placed on the water and then caught with a throw net. The shad prefers fresh water and heavy current and often feeds near bridge pilings. The size and shape of gizzard shad make them excellent bait for catfish fishing. The shad are great for catfish fishing and can be caught in the spring, summer, and fall.
Alive gizzard shad is one of the best choices for catching large channel cats and flatheads. However, cut shad is easier to handle and is a more convenient bait for quick-action fishing. If you are looking for fast action, cut shad is the best choice. When you want to avoid the hassle of handling live fish, opt for prepared bait.
White Suckers
Anglers who are looking for a common northern species will love this one. They can catch it in small creeks using small hooks. The fish produces prime-cut chunks all along its length, and catfish throughout the country love their taste.
These fish have a cylindrical body and thick fins. They have a wide head and broad, streamlined body and are often white in color. The upper body of the fish is olive-brown with a light-colored underbody. The rounded snout is smaller than its upper lip, and the fins on both sides are thick and have rays. Their tail is strong and has a forked tail. These fish migrate to shallow lakes, rivers, and lakes, where they lay their eggs. They can survive in a variety of conditions.
The best time to fish for White Suckers is early May or early June. The white suckers spawn on the edges of lakes and streams. The temperature of the water in these streams can reach fifty degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature rises above this temperature, they migrate and spawn. In some areas, as many as ten thousand suckers can spawn. While it’s not clear why these fish spawn, they are active during their spawning season.
The fish’s bony structure helps it hold onto the hook even when only a few pieces of meat are left. Because of their consistency and lasting flavor, suckers work better than any other baitfish once they have been frozen. We’ve heard of anglers keeping white suckers alive in their basements with aeration stones so they can use them as live bait when needed.
Skipjack Herring
Although this migratory river species was originally found in coastal waters, it can now be found in many other reservoirs. Skipjack is not as widely available as other baits, but they make up for this with their irresistible appeal with jumbo blues. These blues can give you a hernia if you drag them over the gunnel. These slim, silvery fish can be easily cut or sliced for channel cats and smaller blues.
Although skipjacks are not edible, they are excellent bait for catfish. They contain scented oils in their flesh, making them a prime choice for anglers who are serious about catching big fish. This attracts both flathead and blue catfish. The meat of skipjacks is also excellent for attracting catfish. While catfish aren’t usually aggressive, they will feed on the skipjack herring.
One of the most important aspects of using skipjacks for catfish is that they are easy to catch. When fishing for catfish, anglers use casting nets to harvest enough skipjacks to use as bait. Then, they prepare them in the boat by cutting them. This increases the scent in the water. Depending on the catfish you are targeting, you may get lucky and catch a big one.
Most skipjack herring are caught using spinning tackle and jigs. In the winter, anglers can find them in riprapped banks and hot-water discharge areas.
Stinkbait
There are many ways to make your own catfish fishing bait. One of the most popular is to make your stink baits using flour and spices. You can also use grains and bran flakes as well. Either way, these ingredients will stick together and make your bait easier to put on your line. You can also use a looper rig to tie your bait to your line. Looper rigs are perfect for holding hard-to-hold bait. They are also easy to use.
Smelly baits are perfect for attracting catfish to your boat. Smells carry through the water and are a great way to attract these predatory fish. Stink baits are ideal for smaller specimens, such as bullheads, but can also work for larger catfish. Blue catfish will also strike your bait if it contains the right scent. And if you’re worried about the mess, you can always try out other types of baits.
Some people like to add chicken livers to their homemade catfish fishing bait. While chicken livers can be difficult to put on your line, they can be mixed with other rotten things or guts to create bait with a strong smell. These types of baits can also be rolled in cheese and left to form balls underwater. This is a great bait for summertime catfish fishing. And if you can’t find anything to use as a bait, you can always try a new combination of food items to make your own catfish fishing bait. A big stinkbait can attract large channel cats.
Chicken Livers
Choosing a meaty bait such as chicken liver is one of the best options for catfish fishing. Liver is a great choice because it can attract large catfish. However, it is difficult to keep the meaty bait on the hook. There are several methods for tying chicken liver to a hook. Follow these tips for tying your bait to your hook. A good way to keep chicken liver on your hook is to pre-salt it before fishing.
One method of making chicken liver catfish bait is by soaking it in red food coloring. Some people claim this enhances its effectiveness, and some catfish have been known to hit the liver when the color is red. Chicken liver is high in protein and provides a nice scent trail that will attract a large number of fish. Some people even season the chicken liver with garlic powder to enhance its scent. Wrapping a fresh chicken liver around a hook and letting it feed will attract channel catfish. It is a great option for those who are not willing to spend a lot of money on catfish bait.
Chicken liver can be made into a variety of different baits. It can be used as punch, dough, or even stink bait. It also smells great and is great for attracting catfish. Catfish also love the smell and taste of chicken liver. If you want to catch a big fish using chicken liver catfish bait, give it a try! You’ll be glad you did! And remember that chicken liver is not the only meat that catfish love.
Pan Fish (Bluegill, Crappie, Sunnies)
If you’ve been fishing for catfish on the bank with live bluegill, you know these fish make excellent bait for catfish. However, you must understand that bluegill isn’t legal to use as catfish bait in every state. Bluegills are also considered game fish in some states, so you’ll have to stick to creel limits and regulations.
While there are hundreds of different types of catfish baits available on the market, the best choice, arguably, is live bait. Bluegills and other panfish are all good options and are especially effective when used in winter. Remember to stay away from the tail meat, and drive your hook through the fish’s shell with the point exposed. This will attract the catfish.
Aside from using live bait, you can also use frozen bluegill for catfish bait. When using frozen bait, make sure to place it in an airtight container or a zipper-lock bag to prevent freezer burn. Putting your bait in the freezer without proper rigging can cause it to go bad, but using a vacuum sealer is the most effective way to preserve bait for the long term. Although this method is not cheap, it works well. Cut bait has several advantages. Not only is it easy to use, but it’s also always available. It’s easier to maintain, easier to use, and cheaper than traditional catfish baits.
Punchbait
Punchbait is a sticky artificial bait that at times has live bait infused into it. There are many formulas, including blood and cheese-based mixtures that don’t always turn out as fresh as stinkbaits. These baits are most popular with channel cats and medium-sized blues.
If you’re looking for a unique and effective catfish fishing bait, try a punchbait. This bait has multiple uses, from attracting larger fish to catching smaller ones. A punchbait can be fished with several different types of rigs. A slip sinker or bobber rig is the most popular choice among anglers targeting channel catfish. The process of baiting a catfish hook is very similar, and most of the time, a treble hook will be used. A long stick can be used to punch the hooks in the right place. Then, tie the punchbait on the hook. If you want a more detailed explanation of how to rig catfish rods click here.
A good punchbait should have a distinct smell and color. It should look like a crawfish or a minnow. You can also add some cat tails for a realistic look. To make your bait last longer, use commercially prepared punchbait. This type of bait needs no refrigeration. You can keep it in your tackle box for up to a year. If you’re fishing for smaller catfish, choose a worm bait that has a strong smell.
A treble hook is the best choice for rigging a punchbait. The hook should be positioned so that it is a slight angle away from the bait. A great punchbait for a catfish is a combination of live and artificial food. Minnows are one of the best choices for this purpose. But if you’d like to save some money, you can also make your own punchbait catfish fishing bait. There are several brands of punchbait available on the market, and you can choose the one that works best for you.
Asian Carp
Asian carp are an invasive species in U.S. waterways. They were introduced as aquaculture in ponds and have since multiplied at a rapid rate. The species is considered so invasive that many states have banned its collection and use. In some parts of the country, Asian carp are being raised for their meat, and their flavor is one of the reasons they have become so popular. These carp are naturally oily and attract channel and big blue cats.
Shrimp
Shrimp is a popular choice for catfish bait because they are highly visible and can be easily found in many different types of water bodies. To make shrimp more appealing to catfish, mix garlic salt into them. Try using Mission Fishin jig heads, which have flat bottoms. Frozen shrimp can be substituted for fresh ones. They should rot for three to five days before they can be used. Live shrimp can also be used, but the trouble involved in keeping them alive is not worth the results.
Shrimp can be purchased in bait stores and grocery stores in large quantities and are generally of a good quality. Some states sell freshwater shrimp. While freshwater shrimp is always preferable, frozen shrimp will do just fine, too. Shrimp is an inexpensive and highly effective catfish bait that can be used with confidence. If you are new to catfish fishing, try using shrimp as bait for your next trip.
A few precautions should be taken when using shrimp as catfish bait. First of all, shrimp may contain harmful viruses and diseases. These parasites can affect native Gulf shrimp and shellfish, and their occurrence can cause a devastating effect on our ecosystem. Affected species can also affect other fish and shellfish in the water and cause widespread problems in the local ecosystem. When you use shrimp as bait, make sure to purchase it from a local source and not from a bait store.
Other Catfish Baits
What if you were the person who caught that HUGE channel catfish on raw hotdogs? Great story, right? Well, it’s happened. In this section we review some catfish baits that you may not have thought of before.
Hotdogs
Using hotdogs as catfish bait is a simple yet effective method. The best way to send it into the water is to run the hot dog through a treble hook to ensure that the barb lodges into the hot dog.
You can also try blending chicken liver and hotdogs. Mix the two to make a disgusting liquid. You can also use bread to make catfish bait. To make the bait, just knead it like dough and leave it overnight. Once hardened, you can form small balls of the bait and attach them to your hooks. This method works well for catching large fish, too.
Hotdogs are an inexpensive option for catfish bait. They have a high fat content, which is perfect for catfish. In addition to hotdogs, you can also soak them in garlic, anise, or strawberry kool-aid (some people really do this). Almost any type of sausage will work as catfish bait. And because sausage is cheap, you can always stock up on it and keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it again.
Another thing to remember when using hotdogs as catfish bait is that you shouldn’t cast too hard or too fast. A hot dog may fall off the hook. Using hotdogs as catfish bait is also a great way to attract more fish to your fishing line. Catfish have sensitive senses that detect food scents. That’s why some catfish fishermen prefer smelling hotdogs and other fish baits with distinct flavors. These fish are visual and sensory predators. If you’re using hotdogs as catfish bait, you’ll have to experiment a little to see if it works where you fish.
Spam
Using spam as catfish bait is a great way to attract larger varieties of catfish, including blue and channel. Spam contains oils that attract catfish. The fish are attracted to the scent, and you can easily hook them. However, spam is not an easy bait to use, so it is best to place small pieces of it on hooks. Larger pieces of spam should be placed on a treble hook or something similar to make sure it doesn’t fall off.
Bar Soap
Catfish love the smell of lye. That’s why ivory bar soap is a viable option for catching big catfish. There are many online recipes that include bar soap, bacon grease, cheese powder, anise oil, and other ingredients to make a catfish bait out of bar soap. As crazy as it sounds, people have claimed to catch big catfish with their homemade lye-infused baits.
Chicken Skin
The texture and smell of chicken skin make it a great option for catching catfish. This bait is tough when secured to the hook and can be soaked with different things such as garlic juice to increase the smell. Catfish use smell as one of their main predatory methods and chicken skin infused with different smells can land you some big catfish.
Dog Food
If you think about it, canned dog food comes in a variety of flavors and ingredients. So why shouldn’t it be perfect for catfishing? And, because it is in a can it is easy to work with when compared to alot of the home-made concoctions people make for their catfish bait. If you want to try this out then use chunky dog food. Another use for this bait is to chum the waters you plan on fishing.
The best bait depends on the species of catfish you are fishing. It also depends on the time of year and whether or not the catfish are swimming suspended in the water (higher up) or lurking along the bottom. With that said, worms, live bait, and cut bait are the best catfish baits.
Rivers have a consistent flow which makes catfish fishing a bit tricky. You need something that will stay on the hook for long periods of time such as cut bait. If done properly, with the proper rig, then you should increase your success rates river fishing for catfish.
Channel catfish (at least the bigger ones) seem to prefer live and cut bait.
Flathead catfish prey on live bait and have no problem going after back-hooked bluegill or other panfish.
Worms are the best option for catfish in a pond. They offer the most versatility with whatever rig you are using, making it an easier fishing experience.