Catfish Bait For Channel Catfish
Choosing a best catfish bait when you are fishing for channel catfish would on the surface look easy. Channel catfish are not choosy and will eat just about anything. Heck, some old timers swear that soap is the best bait. I personally have never used soap so I can neither confirm nor deny that it works but I don’t know why it wouldn’t. They eat everything else.
The trick is to find out which bait is best for the water that you are in and for when you are fishing. When I head out to a new lake I always take several prepared baits and some chicken liver with me. That way, I have options. I always start with one pole baited with chicken liver and another with my favorite dough bait.
If they hit on the chicken liver right away then that becomes my catfish bait until they stop biting. Once they stop biting I will try two more baits. Get the picture? By having several different baits with me I have a better chance of having the best catfish bait for that water and that “when”.
It’s really much easier than you think to take multiple baits with you. You can make dough and dip baits at home that can be stored in your freezer for when you are ready to use them. Simply put your prepared baits in plastic bags and place them in your cooler and you are ready to go.
In fact, another old timer’s favorite that I have used and continue to use can be made at the lake with ease. Ever heard of Wheaties? Crush it up and add a little water and instant catfish bait. Add a little garlic salt and you have bait number two.
Good luck on your next outing. Visit Catfish Bait Recipes to get more great baits. For catfish fishing tips visit CatfishAngling.com.
Best Bait for Catfish: Bullheads
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If you really want to catch a big catfish, and I mean really big, you will want to know what the best bait for catfish is. Something that works better than anything else for Flathead catfish. Yes, Flathead, those monsters can weigh as much as 123 lbs, the record and are regularly hauled in weighing 40-80 lbs.
No matter what you have used before there is one bait that consistently works better than any other bait for Flathead catfish in most situations. But you will have to check because in some states it is illegal to use. But if it is legal in your area you had better have the heavy tackle ready. You will need it.
The best bait for catfish, flatheads that is, is bullhead catfish. Catfish are the “sharks of fresh water” and are extremely territorial. Bullheads cause a territorial reaction in all species of catfish. Catfish do not have a problem eating their own. Putting a bullhead in their territory will make a big catfish very aggressive.
You will want a 4-6 inch bullhead. Hook him through the mouth with a number 4 octopus hook. Toss him out there and hang on tight because he is going to get nailed. I hope you brought the heavy tackle because if you didn’t you will never get that monster in.
I have to warn you, check your local rules and regulations. Bullhead are considered game fish in some states so you have to check and make sure they are legal to use as bait.
Good luck on your next outing. Visit Catfish Bait Recipes to get great homemade catfish baits.
How to Reel In Big Bass in Texas
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We've been receiving a lot of questions asking me about fishing for bass in Texas, and it's no wonder why the state is so popular for fishing with its over 6000 reservoirs and almost 5000 square miles of inland water. Before you head off for a Texas fishing adventure, first we need to cover a few things, such as pests you'll find. Black widow and brown recluse spiders are known to frequent Texas, along with scorpions, centipedes, fire ants, and a plethora of flying, stinging insects. Additionally, copperheads, rattlesnakes and the Texas Coral Snake may all be living close to where you visit, so be prepared by arming yourself with knowledge on what to treat and how to treat it. A first aid kit combined with some special items just for the area you are traveling to is never a bad thing to bring along, especially if you will be taking children along with you.
Now don't let some friendly cautionary advice turn your head away from Texas, as dangerous and painful pests can and do reside all over the place elsewhere, too. The best thing about Texas fishing is the selection, and here are some great places to start looking:
Caddo Lake used to be a natural lake that received quite a bit of expansion upon the building of a dam on Cypress Creek. Caddo Lake is a great beginner's area to catch loads of bass all day and year long, but only if size doesn't matter so much to you. Over 6 pounds per is pushing expectations here, but the scenery is beautiful and the bounty is plentiful. Check the Cyprus trees at Caddo Lake to find some great hiding spots.
Lake Fork is an excellent place to find a record catch. Beautiful, spacious, and plenty of hiding spots, this lake is definitely where its at, but the fish here are wise and require a great deal of trickery to be caught. My advice here is to sneak out at night without motor and catch them when their guard is down.
Lake Sam Rayburn, with its treasure cove full of hiding spots and structure, has long been a winning area in Texas, and doesn't show any signs of losing in the near future. A vast, scenic area close enough to civilization to mix up a family fishing trip with some city life, this lake has what its got to get great amounts of great-looking and great-tasting bass almost year round, although I suggest during the week when things are slow.
Toledo Bend is just about as good as it gets for cover, even rivaling Lake Sam Rayburn in size and structure. Another beautiful area, this reservoir is partially in Louisiana and is fed by a large number of creeks as well as the Sabine River. The best place in the spring is just on the other side of where the Sabine River empties out into the reservoir, particularly any large muddy areas off to the side of the river, but be careful of the current.
The Rio Grande River empties out into Amistad, which can be a great place for the experienced bass fisher, but beginners need to either steer clear of the area or only go with a seasoned guide. Not only is this fertile topwater area only a potent spot if you know what to look for, but it can also be dangerous with the winds that frequent the area for a good part of the year. Even an experienced boater in a small enough boat can get tipped here! And that's just a drop on the bucket of what Texas has to offer.
Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best bass fishing information possible. Get more information on Texas bass fishing here: http://www.askbassfishing.com/
