Bait

In many cases bait selection is more a matter of personal preference than any thing else. People tend to use baits that have produced well for them in the past. There are many good baits out there and many good prepared baits on the market. We still prefer to use natural baits, they seem to produce best for us.

Catfish love baits like worms, chicken livers and fresh cut bait. Ask others who fish in your area what baits are working for them. It is important to select the right bait for the fish you are after. Channel catfish and blue catfish are scavengers and will hit just about any bait.

Flatheads on the other hand are predators meaning they prefer to hit live baits. Many people think flatheads are scavengers, but that assumption is wrong. Flatheads will hit dead baits from time to time, this happens most in the early spring. We think the reason for this is that many fish, such as shad, die throughout the winter and make easy picking in early spring for catfish. When selecting baitfish for flatheads, try to find fish that are tough. Shad, as an example are very good baits for flatheads but are tough to keep alive. We prefer to use sunfish, bluegill, bullheads and carp. Catching bait can be a fun part of fishing for flatheads, but it can also be a lot of work. If you can’t catch baitfish try getting large gold fish from your bait shop. Gold fish are tough and catfish love to eat them. When going fishing take several different baits with you and try them, this will tell you what bait you should be using.

Remember to check your state regulations regarding baitfish to see what is legal in your area.

For more in depth information on baits be sure to pick up our video “Set Lining for Catfish”.