When you’re catching fish the first question from other anglers is, what are you using? Well with this list you might get a puzzled look on the inquirer’s face. The general rule for catfishing bait is that if it stinks, then throw it in. If it works to catch fish then who cares how weird the bait it, right?
Soap
Starting with perhaps the strangest, catfish absolutely love soap. Chunks of soap have been used for centuries to catch lots of catfish. Homemade lye soaps work great along with brands of pure soap, such as Ivory, Dove, Dial, Zote and Octagon. Soap can be fished with rod and reel, but it seems to work even better on trotlines since they give it time to melt and attract the fish from afar.
Dog Food and Cat Food
Your furry friend’s meal choice is a weird bait that catches catfish. Both wet and dry pet food are popular choices for fishing. Another version is to take dog food mixed with corn starch, flour and water to create a doughy bait wrapped in cheesecloth is perfect for catching catfish, carp and some species of saltwater fish.
Raisins
Raisins (and other fruits) are great for catching catfish. Both regular and golden raisins can be used as bait. Their bright color and smell the make them tempting to catfish, especially for night fishing.
Chicken Livers
Chicken liver is a definite go to bait to catch catfish. Based mostly on their smell, chicken livers are appealing to catfish, striped bass and other types of fish.
Chewing Gum
If you have a pack of bubble gum you can use it to catch catfish. Chew the gum for a minute before sticking it on the hook. Catfish are especially drawn to the sweet flavor of gum.
Candy
Fish have a weakness for sweets. Anglers have had success with nearly every type of candy, from gummy fish to chocolate bars. Sour gummy worms are particularly appealing to catfish because they mimic real night crawlers and display bright colors.
Hot Dogs
Fishermen who have run out of other bait have sworn by hot dogs. Try using turkey or pork hot dogs to entice catfish. Hot dogs made from beef don’t seem to be as effective.
Bacon
Another popular bait to catch catfish is bacon. While you can have success with cooked, most people agree that raw bacon gets the most catches. The meat’s oils and pungent smell attracts catfish and other varieties of fish such as bluegills and crappies.
Cigarette Butts
If you’re a smoker, once you finish your cigarette and run out of bait, try adding the butt to your hook. Some fishermen claim to have had success fishing with the cigarette butts.
Other Catfish
Big catfish often eat smaller catfish. They are cannibalistic so use small live catfish for bait. Use smaller fish three to six inches long, snip off the barbs and dorsal fin causing the fish to bleed. They will stay alive and can be an excellent bait to use on trotlines.
Like most fisherman, when you’re skunked you’ll try anything to catch fish. Next time you’re out to catch a catfish instead of going to the bait shop, take a look around your pantry or fridge and you may end up with your limit of fish that day.
