Channel cats: chicken liver, cut shad, prepared dough baits, nightcrawlers. Blue cats: cut shad, skipjack, bluegill (where legal). Flatheads: live bluegill, sunfish, bullhead, or chub. Match bait to species size — small baits (2-3 inches) for channels under 5 lbs, larger baits (6-12 inches) for trophy blues and flatheads.
Spawn and freshwater behavior pages cover catfish patterns.
Related on Bield: Fish
More in Fishing Gear & Tackle
Cluster anchor
What size hook should I use for saltwater fishing?
What hook size for freshwater bass fishing?
What is a Carolina rig and when do I use it?
What is a popping cork and how do I fish it?
What is braided line and what are its advantages?
What is fluorocarbon leader and when do I use it?
Reading now
What is the best bait for catfish?
What is the best lure for speckled trout?
What is the best rod for inshore fishing?
What jig weight should I use for flounder?
Track tides, SST, migrations, spawn, hatches, and stocking for the water you fish. 14-day free trial, no credit card.
Start free trial →