How to Catch Large Delta Catfish

My Secret Weapon is a homemade "Chum" packed with irresistible channel catfish baits.

Things You'll Need

• Container w/screw on top
• ½ lb Chicken Liver (incl blood)
• 1 1/2 cup Yellow Cornmeal
• 1 pk Shad 10-15
• 1 oz Salmon Eggs
• 12 oz Cheese Dip Bait
• Blue Gil scraps 4-5 small
• 2 cans Cat Food
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• Oil from 1 can of Sardines (do not use the sardines)

Instructions

1. Begin by building your Chumming container. I suggest using a large, screw-on top, type container. 2 lb containers from various protein drinks, and weight gaining products seem to work well. Simply drill a small hole in the cap, insert and tie-off rope with knot on the inside. Tie a line with 10-12 oz weight to the inside cap. This makes it easier to retrieve your weights when changing chum later in season. Drill 10-12 small holes in the container base to allow the chum to seep out, and for draining excess water when not in use. Chum should be frozen after every use and gets better over time. Occasionally add only "blue gill" fish scraps to increase the volume in between new fresh batches. However, this original batch should last for the entire Catfish season.

2. 

   Make your Chum Container. I attached some weights to the inside to prevent from floating.

3. Roughly crush together with a stick, to mix the ingredients do not crush to small/fine. The large chunks will last larger and less will escape the container. You want mostly the liquids to come out. If you notice after a few usages it becoming finer, consider dumping the contents into ladies stocking (ask wife/partner first), knot and place back into container.

4. Using the mix - (wear plastic surgical gloves) Place 10-12 cotton balls in a bowl, along with some mix. Mix together, and then separate each ball. Add cornmeal until the individual balls no longer stick to your hands. Roll into 1" size balls and place the balls on a plate and freeze until ready to use as "hook bait." Toss the container in the water about 15-20 yards out(boat or shore) and allow to remain in the water for 30-45 minutes only, BEFORE you cast and start fishing. Then, remove entire container, drain and set it aside.

5. 

   Fishing Tip - Best to catch Channel catfish is at night, warmer Summer-Spring-Fall time. Cast out near where the chum was or with 10 yards. Loosen the line and simply wait . . . should have a hit within 30 min. If not, take your line out, and wait 15 min then re-cast etc. Try not to re-chum unless you haven't caught a fish for about 1 hour thereafter. This system is designed to catch "Busters" so if you catch small fish,keep them but remove your line, have an adult cocktail and wait 30 minutes. The larger fish will eventually chase the smallies away. Good Fishin . . .

Tips & Warnings

• Tackle Tip - Use smaller size 2/0 hooks in Winter or Colder Weather, and large 4/0 in Spring-Summer to Fall.

• If you get hits and are missing fish, increase the hook size, or change to a treble hook.

• Do not eat chum contents.

• Use cloves when mixing and applying.