Catfish are one of the most popular targets for anglers across the U.S., prized for their size, strength, and taste. When it comes to catching catfish, selecting the right bait can make all the difference. Catfish are opportunistic feeders with a highly developed sense of smell, and they’re known for being drawn to a variety of bait types. Whether you’re targeting channel catfish, flathead catfish, or blue catfish, here’s a rundown of some of the best baits used across the country.
1. Live Bait
Catfish, especially larger ones like flatheads, love live bait. Here are some common options:
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Shad: Gizzard shad is a popular bait, especially for blue and flathead catfish. Anglers often use shad whole or cut, depending on the size of the catfish they’re after.
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Bluegill: In many states, bluegill can be legally caught and used as live bait. Their movement in the water makes them irresistible to big catfish, especially flatheads.
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Minnows: Smaller channel cats can be caught using live minnows. Their wriggling motion is particularly effective in murky water.
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Crawfish: Crawfish can work well, especially in areas where they are part of the catfish's natural diet. They’re often used whole or with the claws removed.
2. Cut Bait
Cut bait is one of the most commonly used baits for all types of catfish, particularly when fishing in rivers or large lakes. Catfish are scavengers, so the scent of cut fish in the water draws them in.
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Cut Shad: Just like live shad, cut shad is an excellent choice for blue and channel catfish. The oils in the fish create a strong scent trail, which attracts catfish even from a distance.
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Cut Carp: While less popular than shad, carp is a good alternative when other baitfish aren’t available. Carp meat produces a scent that appeals to large catfish.
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Skipjack Herring: This baitfish is especially popular in southern waters and is known for being highly effective for blue catfish.
3. Stink Bait
One of the classic baits for catching channel catfish, stink bait is specifically designed to have a strong odor that catfish can detect from far away. These baits are typically made from cheese, blood, fish parts, and other smelly ingredients.
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Dip Baits: These are paste-like baits that anglers apply to treble hooks with bait holders. They’re especially useful for catching large numbers of smaller channel catfish.
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Punch Baits: Similar to dip baits, punch baits are firmer and require you to "punch" a treble hook into the container to get the bait on the hook.
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Prepared Dough Baits: Dough baits are typically made of a mixture of grains, cheese, and blood. They can be homemade or purchased in various flavors designed to attract catfish.
4. Nightcrawlers and Worms
Perhaps the most universally recognized bait for catfishing is the humble nightcrawler. Nightcrawlers and other types of worms are easy to find, affordable, and effective for catching catfish of all sizes.
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Nightcrawlers: These large worms are particularly effective for smaller channel catfish. Their movement in the water and earthy scent attract catfish to your hook.
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Red Worms: Red worms are smaller than nightcrawlers but are still effective for catching catfish, especially when fishing in ponds or smaller bodies of water.
5. Chicken Liver
Chicken liver has a strong smell and a soft texture, making it an effective bait for channel catfish. It’s particularly popular among bank anglers because it’s easy to find and affordable.
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Fresh Liver: Fresh chicken liver works best when it's soft but still firm enough to stay on the hook. Some anglers freeze their liver before use to toughen it up a bit.
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Cured Liver: Curing liver with salt or garlic helps toughen it up, making it easier to keep on the hook while adding extra scent to attract catfish.
6. Hot Dogs
Yes, hot dogs! Believe it or not, many anglers swear by using hot dogs as catfish bait. Hot dogs are especially effective for catching smaller channel catfish. Anglers often enhance them with flavoring like garlic powder, Kool-Aid, or other scent enhancers to make them more attractive to catfish.
7. Shrimp
While more commonly used for saltwater fishing, shrimp can also be an effective bait for catfish. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, and they give off a scent that catfish find irresistible.
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Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp works well in brackish or freshwater areas where catfish may be feeding on similar prey.
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Frozen Shrimp: Frozen shrimp, especially when left out to thaw and ripen a bit, can create a scent trail that attracts catfish from a distance.
8. Soap
Though unconventional, soap has been used as catfish bait for decades, particularly in the southern U.S. Certain soaps, especially those made from animal fats, are effective because of their smell and slow breakdown in water. Ivory soap is a common choice.
Conclusion
Catfish are not picky eaters, which is why a wide range of baits can be effective in landing them. From live bait and cut bait to stink bait and even household items like hot dogs and soap, the options are endless. The key to success is understanding the specific type of catfish you’re targeting and the environment you’re fishing in. Experiment with different baits to see what works best in your local waters, and you’ll soon be reeling in these freshwater giants.