There is almost no limit to the type of bait that can be used to catch catfish. Catfish are scavengers and will eat a large variety of things. But to catch the large catfish you need to use those baits properly.
Catfish can be caught by using many different types of bait. Catfish are not that picky they will eat almost anything. The question is, are you using this bait correctly?
Finding those areas where they come to feed is harder than what bait to use. If you’re not catching anything it might be the spot you picked, not the wrong bait. Catfish are evasive and like to hide behind things in the water. For the best results you need to examine the area you’re planning to fish to find its hiding spots for catfish.
Don’t be afraid to move to a better spot when your catfishing. When you notice something sticking up out of the water, sneak over and throw a fresh shad head by it. Current eddies are good spots also. It won’t take long for you to find out if there’s fish in that particular area or not. Give it 20 minutes, and then move on.
You want to keep the bait as still as possible so the catfish can smell it. Leave the bait stationary for the catfish to find. If you have skills and techniques and equipment relevant to this activity, you have chances of catching a larger number of catfish.
Catfish are likely to be more active after a hard rain. The flooded vegetation attracts the catfish. Here, use fresh shad heads and cut Bluegill.
Although you can go catfishing any time of the day, the best time to go catfishing is early in the morning and later in the evening. In between these times, catfish settle at the bottom of the body of water. After sunset they come back to the shallows for food. When it is raining out the catfish are more active during the day. You are more likely to catch catfish all throughout the day when it is cloudy. The rising water levels in spring and early fall make them the ideal seasons for channel catfish. During this time these catfish are very active and easier to catch.
Catfish are fun to catch and are great fighters when you try to reel them in. Don’t forget to move to a different spot if the one your at isn’t hot. If you’re using baits like fresh cut shad, Bluegill, perch, small frogs, chicken liver, night crawlers, etc. and it’s been a half an hour since you caught something then its time to move. Remember to test out a good current eddy. Catfish will go up and down the cannels looking for food. If you search out the catfish instead of having them find your bait your fishing trip will be more successful.
