How to Bait a Catfish Hole

By Brian M. Kelly

Catfish are known for their keen sense of smell. Anglers in pursuit of this popular game fish need to use this know-how to their advantage, with fresh cut bait that will get catfish in a feeding mood. Since catfish are opportunistic feeders, they will dine on readily available food sources that suit their taste buds. Read on to learn how to properly bait a catfish hole.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

Fresh, Dead Sucker Minnows
Sharp Fillet Knife
Cutting Board

Step 1

Place the fresh, dead sucker minnows on the cutting board and cut them into chunks, including the entrails.

Step 2

Throw a handful of the cut bait into the hole; this will create a scent that the catfish will pick up on.

Step 3

Allow the bait to settle in the hole for a few minutes and then rig a chunk of bait on your fishing line. Cast the bait in the hole and let it settle.

Step 4

Once the fish begin to bite, continue to throw chunks of fresh bait into the hole to keep the catfish interested in feeding.

Tips & Warnings

If you cannot get fresh sucker minnows from your local bait store, try using chunks of oily fish fillets such as mackerel, anchovy or sardines. The fish oil that permeates from these fish will entice even the wariest of catfish to feed.

Do not throw out too much bait when you start fishing a hole, as the fish will get too full and ignore your offering.

Resources

Team Catfish

About The Author

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

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