by Ron Sparks
Catfish anglers know that success often hinges on having the right bait. While you can purchase pre-made catfish bait at any fishing supply store or bait shop, crafting your own at home allows for customization, cost savings, and a touch of creativity. With a bit of time and a few household ingredients, you can whip up irresistible bait that will have catfish flocking to your line. Here are some tried-and-true recipes and instructions to get you started.
Why Make Your Own Catfish Bait?
Homemade catfish bait is not only budget-friendly but also highly customizable. You can tailor the scent, texture, and ingredients to match the preferences of the catfish species in your area. Additionally, experimenting with recipes can be a fun and rewarding part of the fishing experience. Many people have their own family catfish bait recipes that have been passed down generationally and are considered top secret. Here are a few that are not so secret. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and make a recipe all your own.
Most catfish bait recipes revolve around a few key elements:
1. Base: Provides the bulk and texture. Common bases include
flour, cornmeal, oatmeal, or cat tail tops.
2. Binder: Keeps the bait together. Cheese, gelatin, or peanut
butter often work well.
3. Attractants: Adds scent and flavor to lure catfish. Options
include chicken liver, blood, garlic, anise, or fermented
ingredients (see Chum recipe below).
4. Liquids: Adjusts consistency. Water, oils, or beer can be used.
Recipe #1: Basic Dough Bait
This simple dough bait is easy to make and effective for channel catfish.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and gelatin.
2. Gradually add water while kneading the mixture until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Mix in the garlic powder for added scent.
4. Roll the dough into small, marble-sized balls.
5. Store the bait in an airtight container (Cool Whip tubs work perfect) or zip-lock bag in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Recipe #2: Chicken Liver Paste
Perfect for those who want a bait packed with scent and flavor.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound chicken liver
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon anise extract
Instructions:
1. Blend the chicken liver in a food processor until smooth.
2. Transfer the liver puree to a mixing bowl and gradually add cornmeal and flour to create a thick paste.
3. Stir in the anise extract to enhance the aroma.
4. Form the mixture into small balls or use it as a dip bait.
5. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Recipe #3: Stinky Cheese Bait
This recipe is a go-to for targeting blue catfish, known for their attraction to pungent smells.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (aged for stronger smell)
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• half cup of birdseed chum
• 1/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)
Instructions:
1. Melt the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan until soft.
2. Add the chum, cornmeal, flour, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly.
3. Gradually add water to achieve a pliable consistency.
4. Shape the bait into small balls or use it to coat treble hooks.
5. Store in a sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Tips for Using Homemade Catfish Bait
• Storage: Most homemade baits should be refrigerated and used within a week or two to maintain freshness.
• Application: Dough baits work well on treble hooks, while paste-like baits can be used with bait tubes or sponges.
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to tweak recipes by adding unique scents or ingredients to see what works best in your local waters.
• Safety First: Always wash your hands after handling bait to avoid lingering odors.
Bird Seed Chum
In a 5 gallon bucket, add 2 gallons bird seed, 1 beer, 1 cup sugar, enough water to cover the seed by 3 or 4 inches. Put a top on the bucket and set it in the sun for a week or so. Be sure to set the bucket away from the house as the smell will get quite rancid.
This chum is great to scatter in your honey hole before you fish, or as an added ingredient in your homemade bait.
Crafting homemade catfish bait is a rewarding way to enhance your fishing adventures. With a little experimentation and patience, you can develop the perfect recipe to reel in your next big catch. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create bait that’s as effective as it is satisfying to make. Happy fishing!
