Livebaits, Cutbaits, Worms And More

What passes through the tiny brain of a catfish sitting in a hole on a river bottom, as the current passes along its streamlined form? Prior to the spawn, it might consider finding a fine mate with long barbels and a sleek tail. At all other times, though, a catfish uses its uniquely powerful sensory systems to sample the water for potential prey.

Scientific studies show that channel cats can detect several amino acids (which comprise all foods) at concentrations of just one part per 100 million. This sharp sense of olfaction also occurs among bullheads, whereby they can identify and remember other bullheads through unique odors emitted by their mucous coating. So, catfish can smell and taste the difference between a creek chub and a baby carp at 50 paces. In rivers, current carries both attractive and displeasing scents and tastes to cats. In still water, cats tend to move more, sampling the water for potential food. They disregard most sensations, just as our ears, eyes, and noses tune out most incoming stimuli.

What grabs their interest are preferred prey or certain flavors that may hold innate attraction for certain catfish species. Channel catfish are omnivores, consuming nearly all forms of animal and vegetable matter of appropriate size. Yet all savvy catmen know that the right bait can mean the difference between a few fiddler cats and loading the boat.

In our travels around the country, perhaps the most constant rule for bait selection is to use live or cut fish native to the river or reservoir we’re fishing. That’s what the cats are accustomed to feeding on. Yes, at times hot dogs, chicken livers, soap, and Uncle Stinky’s gua-run-teed formula outproduce nature’s own, and we can’t, from a scientific or angling perspective, say why. But knowing about natural baits and how to present them is essential to being a well-rounded catfisherman.

Cutbait versus Livebait

When choosing natural baits, one constant question is whether to use a whole live critter or cut sections. Many predators at times clearly prefer active livebait. Among catfish, flatheads, particularly big ones, often prefer livebaits that live for hours on the hook and struggle to escape. Bait like that attracts the big bites.

Sure, we’ve caught flatheads on deadbaits and cutbaits, but some of the season that’s a low-percentage call. Channel, blue, and white cats, however, seem to prefer baits that are easy to catch over those that are lively. Channel cats dine on the stenchiest of winterkilled shad and carp, in addition to artificial formulas that imitate those aromas.

Cutting a baitfish frees the proteins and amino acids in the flesh, along with blood, a sure attractant. Similarly, inserting hooks in worms, frogs, crickets, crayfish, and maggots lets natural juices seep out to be sampled by the olfactory and gustatory organs of nearby catfish. Cats, sensing something they like, approach the source, then use taste buds located on their barbels and throughout their skin, as well as in the mouth, to make a final assessment of edibility.

Catfish accustomed to eating a particular prey type quickly detect its scent and taste, readily accepting it as food. They seem to innately prefer certain baits, though—cats raised in ponds on artificial feed quickly turn to goldfish, suckers, and other unfamiliar prey, if made available.