Guide To Selecting Top Producing Catfish Baits
All about choosing the right catfish bait.
The best catfish baits are those that appeal to the cat's sense of smell and/or taste. These whiskered critters can identify food sources from 100 feet away or more. Natural scents derived from resident food sources can trigger a natural attraction, Many prepared baits incorporate these natural flavors into the mix, and/or add other scents known to appeal to catfish. Channel catfish eat mostly fish and animals natural to their environment. Flathead catfish, especially the big ones, tend to prefer live fish.
Catfish Species
Channel Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Blue Catfish
White Catfish
Top 5 Catfish Baits
If it resembles food in any way and emits an odor, it is likely to attract the interest of these cats. The most effective baits are those that convince them it's edible.
1. Worms
As natural as it can get, a big gob of earthworms, night crawlers or catalpa worms probably catch more cats than any other bait. When worms are not working, it could be the wrong area, or you may have to tempt them with more potent baits.
2. Frogs & Other Critters
Frogs, salamanders, shrimp, snakes, mice, birds and other rodents that wander into catfish turf are likely to become a meal. Frogs and salamanders are the easiest to rig.
3. Crayfish
Crawdads are fair game for any fish big enough to swallow them, and a favorite of catfish. Live or dead crayfish will catch cats.
4. Live Fish & Cut Bait
Catfish happily devour any fish they can capture and swallow. Minnows, sunfish and smaller gamefish are the most common. Check local regulations. Some waters do not allow fishing with live bait. Some allow live bait if it is captured in the same body of water. In areas where fishing with live fish is prohibited, try cut bait.
5. Prepared Catfish Baits & Dips
The choices are endless. Each one mixing a variety of scents that are designed to appeal to the smell and taste of cats. These are a few to consider.
BERKLEY GULP CATFISH BAIT CHUNKS
Created to outperform natural livers, and last longer than most prepared baits. Available at Discount Tackle and other bait and tackle stores.
CATFISH CHARLIE BLOOD DIP CATFISH BAIT
Extra-sticky formula that's irresistible to catfish. Available at Bass Pro Shops and other bait and tackle stores.
TEAM CATFISH FIBER NUGGETS
The catfish bait with its own built-in chum trail. Team Catfish Fiber Nuggets are made with proven catfish-attracting ingredients. Available at Cabela's and other bait and tackle stores.
Home-grown Secret potions
Many ardent catfish enthusiasts have their own secret recipe. The ingredients range from natural prey of fish and fowl, to non-food items like soap and chemicals. Chicken, shrimp, liver and stink baits are some of the most common ingredients.
Visit the catfish fishing page for additional information about each catfish species.
Bait and rigging for catfish fishing
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