Carp & Catfish Bait

Catfish have diverse tastes.

Catfish and carp appetites are wide and diverse. This makes fishing for carp and catfish even more interesting because it is not about what works but about what works the best. The most effective baits for these fish will be those that are aromatic and cast a permeating scent through the waters. Besides smell, meaty baits also do the trick with these fish.

Crawdads

Because they are part of the diets for these fish, crawdads are a great bait. The crawdad may be used whole, but it is only necessary to use the meaty tail part of the crustacean for success. The best time of the season for crawdad fishing is in the spring or fall when they are naturally part of catfish and carp daily diets.

Shrimp

In the water, shrimp are very crawdad like and therefore are good substitutes as bait. Depending on the size of fish you are going for, you can use the shrimp whole or cut in half. It is most effective to use the shrimp without its shell. Shrimp stay attached to hooks longer than crawdads and are therefore better for fishing in stronger currents and with frequent casts.

Cut Bait

Cut bait refers to the piece of bait you get from cutting up other fish. The most common cut baits are from anchovy, shad, sardines, and mackerel. You can cut this bait into chunks or fillets. It's best to have a little skin on the chunk as it will keep the bait on the hook better.

Clams

Freshwater clams are very meaty and give off a good scent when in the water. You can use fresh clams or canned clams; however, the fresher the clam the more scent it is likely to give off and therefore is more effective in the water.

Worms

All types of worms are effective baits for catfish and carp. However, once again, the meatier the better. Although worms work year-round, it is best to use worms in the rainy season when waters are murky and muddy as this is the time when worms are a natural part the diets for catfish and carp.

References

• Catfish Baits