Trails » Fishing » Fishing Bait & Lures » Homemade Fish Bait » Homemade Cat Fish Bait

Homemade Cat Fish Bait

Homemade Cat Fish Bait

catfish image by tomcat2170 from Fotolia.com

Catfish use their sense of smell to locate food, which is why many bait recipes contain rotten food as an ingredient. While these recipes, often referred to as stink bait, are effective, they are also unpleasant to make and transport because of the odor this type of bait emits. Create a bait that appeals to catfish and doesn't offend your nose by mixing up a batch of lye soap. Lye soap contains animal lard, which will gradually melt in the water and attract catfish to your line.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Safety glasses
  • Rubber Gloves
  • 5 cups cold water
  • Large plastic container
  • 18 oz. lye
  • 6 lb. lard
  • Cardboard box
  • Towel
  • Knife
  • Zip-top bags
Step 1
Pour 5 cups of cold water into a large plastic container. The container should be large enough to hold at least one gallon of water to prevent spills.
Step 2
Slowly pour 18 oz. of lye into the water. Stir the mixture slowly with a long wooden spoon.
Step 3
Wait until the outside of the container is warm to the touch. The lye and water will react chemically and cause the water temperature to increase. Do not test the water with your hand, as the lye can cause burns.
Step 4
Melt 6 lbs. of lard in a large pot over low heat. Lard can be purchased from some grocery stores or butcher shops. You can also save fat drippings from bacon or other meats in a large jar until you have enough to make this recipe.
Step 5
Pour the melted lard slowly into the warm lye and water mixture. Stir until the outside of the container is cool to the touch.
Step 6
Line the bottom of a cardboard box with a towel or a piece of scrap cloth. A 12-inch square box works well, but you can use other sizes as well. Keep in mind that the larger the box is, the thinner your finished soap bait will be.
Step 7
Pour the soap mixture into the cardboard box. Allow it to set overnight on a flat surface.
Step 8
Remove the hardened soap from the cardboard box. You might need to rip apart the box to remove the soap.
Step 9
Cut the soap into 1-inch cubes. Store the cubes in zip-tip bags in a cool place.

Tips & Warnings

 
Wear thick rubber gloves and safety glasses when working with lye to avoid chemical burns and eye irritation.

Article Written By Kittie McCoy

Kittie McCoy has been a freelance writer since 2008. She is also a part-time personal trainer and licensed entertainer in Las Vegas. She enjoys sharing her love of physical fitness and experience in the entertainment industry via her writing.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword