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Catfish are some of the most commonly fished for water creatures in the US. But, landing the catch isn’t always easy. First of all, they can grow to be rather large and have a lot of fight in them. It can take all of your strength just to reel some giants in. However, that implies that you got them to bite in the first place, which can be tricky in and of itself. Catfish are somewhat unique, and it sometimes takes just the right bait to attract them. Here to help you out is our list of what we think are the best bait for catfish.
[amazon box= “B003CU9XE4,B003JTSDNA,B003RXF1VU,B01GH3OYYQ,B000MG4YV8,B003OBU5PM,B003CUGQBW” template=”table”]
Best Bait for Catfish FAQ
To help you better understand what is the best bait for catfish, we have decided to answer a few commonly asked questions.
1. What Is Catfish Bait?
Catfish bait is used to entice a particular fish (Catfish) to bite the hook on the end of a fishing pole or rod so that the fisherman or woman can catch the fish. The best bait for catfish should be something that naturally appeals to catfish and is similar in smell, flavor, and size to food in their regular diet.
2. Why Do I Need Special Bait for Catfish?
Catfish, like most fish species, are unique creatures with their own feeding habits and food preferences. And, while they eat a wide variety of foods, the best bait for catfish must be something they are naturally prone to eating, or that looks, tastes, smells, or even sounds like their natural prey. This is especially important because catfish have highly developed senses, such as taste. They, in fact, have taste buds all over their bodies and not just in their mouth, as most fish do.
With that being said, this doesn’t mean that just one type of bait will work for catfish. There are several types of catfish, and each has slightly different preferences. These will change depending on the seasons, weather, and age/size of the fish.
3. What Are Common Types of Catfish Bait?
Catfish are not very picky eaters and have bitten a vast number of items. Live bait is a common type, as this is the exact food source they would naturally find. Smaller fish, worms, night crawlers, frogs, leeches, and crawfish are all common live baits.
If you cannot keep these baits alive, cut into dead or cut baits proportional to the size of catfish being targeted. Chicken livers, mussels, spoiled shrimp, and fish guts are also ideal options, as these are rather potent and attract most catfish.
Another common type of catfish bait is stink bait. These are prepared mixtures that have a powerful smell to attract the fish. Dip stink baits are rather gooey with a cheese or blood flavor base that a worm or sponge is dipped in before being put on a hook. Punch baits are similar but have a thicker consistency much like peanut butter. When a treble hook is punched into the mixture with a stick, the bait sticks to the hook.
4. Are Different Baits Better for Different Catfish?
There are three main types of catfish commonly fished for: Blue, Channel, and Flathead. Each has their own food preferences, making it essential you understand your target catfish and their likes/dislikes if you are to catch them with efficiency and consistency.
Blue Catfish are the largest and will eat just about anything, dead or alive, even if it makes them sick. The best bait for catfish is the smaller fish found in the waters around them, and they seem to prefer shad. These can be left whole for trophy catfish or cut into strips or chunks for smaller ones. Perch, bluegill, carp, and herring are also attractive bait fish options. They also like cow’s blood, mussels, and stink baits.
Channel catfish are the most common and the most opportunistic, eating dead or alive meals. And, they aren’t picky about it, enjoying both plant and animal matter. They are especially prone to stinky baits. This is why dip and punch baits, chicken livers, fish guts, and spoiled shrimp is the best bait for catfish.
Flathead catfish, unlike their sister species, feed mainly on live fish. Perch, sunfish, bluegill, shad, crawfish, goldfish, or mud cats are their favorites, as they are livelier and move more on the hook. You can use cut or dead bait to catch them as well but do so in currents or using a technique that mimics life-life movement.
5. Can the Best Bait for Catfish Be Reused?
Some of the best bait for catfish can be reused, but it depends on what kind it is and whether it can still perform correctly. Artificial lures, for one, can almost always be reused. This is also true for worms and smaller fish, although these do eventually die. Even so, they can still be used as dead or cut bait. Chicken livers are some of the best bait for catfish and can be reused a few times; however, the more they are used, the more of their natural juices and smell are lost. Stink or dip baits, which dissolve in water, cannot be used again.
How We Reviewed
After reading reviews, conducting research, and scouring the most credible sources, these ranked the best in durability, scent dispersion, effectiveness, price, and ease of use.
Overall Price Range
Prices for the best bait for catfish vary from around $5 up to nearly $30. This depends on the size of the container you are purchasing as well as the type of bait. For example, dip or stink baits are most often sold in tubs of around 12–14oz. Soft chunk baits, on the other hand, may be sold in packages of only about 12 pieces of solid meat-like chunks. Geography, as well as brand names, also have much to do with how much you can find these baits being sold for.
What We Reviewed
- Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait
- SECRET 7 Catfish Bait
- Team Catfish SI12 Sudden Impact Bait Jar
- Catfish Pro Blood Catfish Bait
- Berkley Gulp! Catfish Soft Fishing Bait Chunk
- Wild Cat Shad Catfish Dip Bait
- Danny King Catfish Punch Bait
[amazon link=”B003CU9XE4″ title=”Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait” /]
[amazon box=”B003CU9XE4″]
Description
As far as catfish bait goes, this is one of the best. It’s all-natural and biodegradable, doesn’t require refrigeration and repels water, so it lasts longer in the water. This dip bait also doesn’t crust over or get hard if it’s left out for a while. Some would even say it gets better the longer it’s out. It is slow to disperse scent and extra sticky, so it sticks to worms and sponges really well. It comes in a 36 oz. jar.
Pros
- Gradual scent dispersion
- Strong Smelling
- Sticky consistency
- Doesn’t harden or crust over
Cons
- Smells terrible to humans
- Requires worms/tubes/sponges
Scent Dispersion
Gradual scent dispersion
Effective
Has a strong scent that attracts, and so, it can be effective if used in the right methods.
Durability
As a dip bait, it is not durable and is made to dissolve in water.
[amazon link=”B003JTSDNA” title=”SECRET 7 Catfish Bait” /]
[amazon box=”B003JTSDNA”]
Description
While this dip bait really stinks and is rather messy, it’s great for channels. Blue and flathead don’t seem to like it as much. It has fast scent dispersion and also dissolves quickly. It comes in a 14 oz. jar.
Pros
- Very sticky blend
- Versatile
- Strong smelling
- Easy to use
Cons
- Smells terrible to humans
- Messy to deal with
- Smell lingers on skin and clothes
- Disappears too fast
Scent Dispersion
Gradual scent dispersion
Effective
Has a strong scent that attracts, and so, it can be effective if used in the right methods.
Durability
As a punch bait, it is not durable and is made to dissolve in water.
[amazon link=”B003RXF1VU” title=”Team Catfish SI12 Sudden Impact Bait Jar” /]
[amazon box=”B003RXF1VU”]
Description
This punch bait works great on bare treble hooks in just about any body of fresh water. It breaks down slowly to gradually release the scent as it spreads. It seems to be quite efficient on channels. It comes in a 12 oz. jar.
Pros
- Versatile
- Stays on the hook well
- Easy to use
- Strong smelling
Cons
- Smells terrible to humans
- Ideal for use on treble hooks
- Disappears quickly
Scent Dispersion
Gradual dispersion
Effective
It has a strong scent that attracts, and so, it can be effective if used in the right methods.
Durability
As a punch bait, it is not durable and is made to dissolve in water.
[amazon link=”B01GH3OYYQ” title=”Catfish Pro Blood Catfish Bait” /]
[amazon box=”B01GH3OYYQ”]
Description
This cut or chunk bait is designed with quick scent dispersion and is made of all-natural ingredients. There are no special hooks required; just use your everyday hook. Plus, it’s not messy or so stinky that you can’t get clean. It comes in a 10 oz,. resealable bag.
Pros
- Stays on the hook well
- Quick scent dispersion
- Easy to use
- No special hooks needed
- All natural ingredients
Cons
- Smells terrible to humans
- Can be messy
Scent Dispersion
Quick scent dispersion
Effective
It has a strong scent that attracts, and so, it can be effective if used in the right methods.
Durability
As a dip bait, it is not durable and is made to dissolve in water.
[amazon link=”B000MG4YV8″ title=”Berkley Gulp! Catfish Soft Fishing Bait Chunk” /]
[amazon box=”B000MG4YV8″]
Description
These are the only chunk bait on our list and, as such, are nearly the most expensive. These are fast dispersing and made to look, smell, and taste just like chicken liver. However, they last longer and can be reused. It comes in bags of 12 chunks.
Pros
- Easy to hook
- Extreme scent dispersion
- Flavored and scented
- Stays on the hook well
Cons
- Smells terrible to humans
- Only 12 per bag
- Expensive
Scent Dispersion
Extreme scent dispersion
Effective
It has natural flavors and smells with fast dispersion to attract catfish quickly.
Durability
More durable than natural liver
[amazon link=”B003OBU5PM” title=”Wild Cat Shad Catfish Dip Bait” /]
[amazon box=”B003OBU5PM”]
Description
This dip bait is known to be extra sticky. This allows it to last longer under water and be somewhat resistant to nibbling. It is versatile enough to use for skunks, raccoons, and even deer. It comes in a 12 oz jar.
Pros
- Extra sticky
- Works well in cold and hot water
- Nibble resistant
- Stays on the hooks well
- Versatile
Cons
- Smells terrible to humans
- Disappears quickly
- Hook/tube/worm must be dry for it to stick
Scent Dispersion
Gradual scent dispersion
Effective
This has a strong scent that attracts, and so, it can be effective if used in the right methods.
Durability
As a dip bait, it is not durable and is made to dissolve in water.
[amazon link=”B003CUGQBW” title=”Danny King Catfish Punch Bait” /]
[amazon box=”B003CUGQBW”]
Description
This punch bait is extremely effective for channels and is sticky enough to be used on a #4 or #6 hook without worms, screws, or sponges. It comes in a 14 oz jar.
Pros
- Long Lasting
- Fast scent dispersion
- Easy to hook and stays on well
- Super sticky and convenient
Cons
- Smells terrible to humans
- Scent lingers on skin and clothing
- Is best used with treble hooks
Scent Dispersion
Fast scent dispersion
Effective
It has a strong scent that attracts, and so, it can be effective if used in the right methods.
Durability
As a punch bait, it is not durable and is made to dissolve in water.
The Verdict
Image source: pexels
According to all the research conducted to put this list of the best bait for catfish together, the absolute best seems to be a matter of both personal preference and the type of catfish targeted. For instance, if you are going after channels, any of the stink baits on this list will probably work. However, you may find that during a specific time of the year or even the time of day, they prefer the soft chunks from Berkley Gulp! For blues, you may discover Wild Cat’s Shad dip bait to be best. However, their Blood Dip Bait is also known to attract quite a few. And, as we mentioned before, it’s always a good idea to have several kinds and varieties at your disposal to maximize your catch rate.
