The Best Catfish Bait for Monster Cats
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The next time you go catfish fishing be sure to take a casting net. It is how I get the best catfish bait for big cats. If you don't know how to throw one don't worry about. You can pick it up in an hour or two of practice. Once you have it down you won't forget it.
Why do you need a casting net to get the best catfish bait for big cats? Because you want fresh live bait. Just about any species will do but be sure to check your states regulations on live bait. My favorites are bluegill and shad but bluegill are illegal in some states. Both are abundant in just about any waterway. Also don't rule out bullhead catfish as Flatheads and Blues don't seem to have a problem eating their own species. In fact, Flatheads will often times prefer Bullhead over Shad.
Now that you have your live bait let's make sure that your rig is set up right. You should have a medium to heavy rod with at least 20# test line, I use 50# spider wire, with a 20# leader and numbers 2 – 6 circle hooks depending on how big a cat you are after. Slip a slip sinker on the line, and then tie on a good swivel, a 12-18 inch leader and your hook. Don't go cheap on the swivel. Cats like to roll when hooked and a big cat will tear a cheap brass swivel up. Fish your bait on the bottom with an open bail. Be sure to set the hook hard when the cat makes a run with your bait.
The big cats Flathead and Blue when mature prefer live bait. They will occasionally go after cut baits but if you want the best bait for big cats you will want live bait. Live bait can be hooked behind the dorsal fin below the spine, at the end of the tail, or up through the lower jaw and up through the nostrils. Don't be afraid to choose a bait fish 6-12 inches in length if you want that monster cat.
You may be thinking you won't catch many fish with bait that size and your right. But if you are looking for the big catfish I am assuming you don't care about the 1 and 2 pounders you can catch with chicken liver then live bait is the way to go. You can always use smaller baitfish or even cut bait if you run out of patience but your chances of landing a 20 plus pound cat are less. The best bait for big cats will always be live bait.
For a great catfish bait recipe book designed mainly to catch channel catfish visit Easy Catfish Bait Recipes
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
Click Here To Get 80 Time Tested, Easy to Prepare, Catfish Bait Recipes
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.
