Channel catfish baits

[DitchPanda]

So I'm looking to target a few eater size channel cats in my local lake as it seems to have a healthy population of 1-4lb cats in it. I don't fish catfish often or really at all anymore so I'm looking for pointers. What baits are best for targeting said fryer size cats? I'd like to avoid worms only because I don't want to be pestered by bullheads, bluegills and green sunfish.

[Dogface]

I use uncooked fresh shrimp. I do not know how available or costly fresh shrimp is in your area. I never used frozen shrimp but it may work.

 

BTW the prices are reasonable around here (SE PA) because they sell a lot of farm-raised shrimp. 

 

I match the piece of shrimp to the size hook I'm using. 

 

Good luck.

[BayouSlide]

I use chunks of beef liver marinated in catfish attractant. Shrimp would definitely stay on the hook better if you're casting.

[Bird]

Haven't fished for channel cats for years but use to quite a bit...... used raw shrimp.

 

Was just at a BPS this past week and noticed they had a HUGE section of catfish baits.

 

 

[Finessegenics]

Shrimp is great for me too but can get a little expensive around my parts. Hotdogs also worked well but they need to be thread onto your hook/leader with a baiting needle. Look that up on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of videos on how to make a DIY baiting needle. 

[Skunkmaster-k]

 Most of the bait shops around here sell mason jars of shad gut for 10-15 bucks. That’s what I usually use. 

[JustJames]

I used to use fresh peeled shrimp for catfish until my wife knew and prohibit me from using it. I hate cut mackerel it stinks more than just a fishing trip.

Now I just use bacon (cut half or 1/3) marinated in vanilla extract or jello/kool-aid powder.

No matter what you are using those bullhead won’t leave your bait alone. I even target them a few time for my Asian friend.

[scaleface]

I like punch baits . Take a number 4 treble hook , punch it  to the bottom with a stick then pull it out . It will make a big wad of catfish bait that stays on the hook . Danny Kings is good .

[DitchPanda]

8 minutes ago, scaleface said:

I like punch baits . Take a number 2 treble hook , punch it  to the bottom with a stick then pull it out . It will make a big wad of catfish bait that stays on the hook . Danny Kings is good .

So I originally said I didn't want to use worms because they get pestered by everything and I stand by it. So today I used cutbait and the gar drove me nuts. Next time I'm going with some form of stinkbait ...should help select for cats.

[Team9nine]

Might try some soft cheese (Velveeta, etc.) just balled up/molded on a small treble hook on a spinning rod. Can pitch weightless or with a small shot. Also, those cheese injected hot dogs cut into small chunks/strips and fished on a single worm hook (modified Texas rig - lol). Those fresh/shrimp tails they sell in the grocery store will also work. Been many, many years ago, but all worked for me in the past.

[J._Bricker]

I’d go with a package of cheap hotdogs, especially if there’s a swimming area at the pond you’re fishing. Soak a couple in your favorite red Kool Aid mix as a different attractant. A lot of those hotdogs BBQ’d for kids at weekend picnics at the lake seem to get dropped into water there. Chicken livers are a little bit more of a mess, but they work well. Good luck 

[Bluebasser86]

Catch a couple bluegill, cut them into quarter sized chunks, put on a #1 kahle hook, cast into the blue stuff and wait, channel cats will come. I don't use any leaders, swivels, weights, bobbers, nothing. Put it on a spinning reel with 10-20lb braid and give it a little toss out there and leave your bail open if using more than 1 reel. 

 

I was cheating in this video, going to where their food is handed to them, but it's the same thing in a regular lake scenario, just a little more waiting usually involved. 

 

[ThatZX14Fella]

Cut bait is your best bet, but if you don’t have any, Secret 7 dip bait will work fine. I use it all the time because getting live bait this year has not gone well. I don’t target channels, but they always seem to find the Secret 7.

[TnRiver46]

Channel cats like minnows and night crawlers where I fish 

[Bankbeater]

I haven't targeted cat in a number of years but cut bait and dead minnow threaded on the hook always produced where I fished.

[DitchPanda]

I caught 3 cats yesterday morning...threw a rod out in the bottom while I bass fished. Fresh shad did the trick. My local lake is full of them and I've got a small cast net so getting bait this time of year is easy...and enjoyable. Gar just about drive me insane with shad but at least I get lots of action.

[Basser2021]

On 7/31/2022 at 8:36 PM, J._Bricker said:

I’d go with a package of cheap hotdogs, especially if there’s a swimming area at the pond you’re fishing. Soak a couple in your favorite red Kool Aid mix as a different attractant. A lot of those hotdogs BBQ’d for kids at weekend picnics at the lake seem to get dropped into water there. Chicken livers are a little bit more of a mess, but they work well. Good luck 

The hot dog and kool aid works believe it or not. I tried it in the river last month and I couldn't keep my lines in the water. It is hard to keep drum off them though

[MassBass]

On 7/30/2022 at 3:29 PM, Bird said:

 

 

Was just at a BPS this past week and noticed they had a HUGE section of catfish baits.

 

Does anyone use this stuff with success? I saw some at Dicks and those products seem easy, clean and convenient, if they work, not sure. 

[bowhunter63]

Triple s dipbait . Really good bait for channels 

[Eric 26]

@J._Bricker Do you just soak the hotdogs at room temperature or are you cooking/simmering them? I know this seems like a slightly dumb question. 

[J._Bricker]

3 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

@J._Bricker Do you just soak the hotdogs at room temperature or are you cooking/simmering them? I know this seems like a slightly dumb question. 

Not at all @Eric 26, just right out of the package.

[Kirtley Howe]

I just use raw chicken breast or chicken thigh meat. You can use it plain, soaked in jello, or if you don't mind the smell on your hands, use some vegetable or olive oil and garlic. It stays on the hook great. Some people around here add some salt to, but I have never bothered. Always works great for me. Only problem is that snapping turtles like it a lot also.  Nice thing is that the leftover chicken can be frozen and used next time. The smellier it gets the better the cats seem to like it. I end up tossing some out...not because it no longer works, but just because it gets nasty to use.

[mrpao]

On 8/15/2022 at 9:18 PM, bowhunter63 said:

Triple s dipbait . Really good bait for channels 

^^^^That's some good channel catfish bait. That's what I use when I'm targeting channels.

 

I also catch a bunch of channel cats on berkley gulp minnows.

Either drop shot or under a float on a jighead.