How to Fish With Stink Bait for Catfish
Freshwater anglers who go after catfish know that these big bruisers feed by sense of smell. Unlike the delicate bouquet of a fine wine or the flavor of a grilled steak that might appeal to most people, the bottom-feeding catfish prefers foods that smell; the stinkier, the better. These foul-smelling baits often are shaped like dough balls for easy rigging on a hook. Fishing with stink baits will consistently produce results, although the smart angler also brings along disposable, moist towelettes to remove the smell from their hands and fingers.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Stink bait dough balls, either homemade or bought at a tackle shop
- Rod and reel spooled with 20 to 30 pound line
- Size 6 to 8 treble hooks or 6/0 to 8/0 single hooks, pre-snelled (already tied with fishing line looped at the end)
- Egg sinker weights
- Swivels rated for 20 to 30 pound fishing line
- Moist towelettes
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the stink baits in the freezer for half an hour before fishing, or keep them in a cooler on ice. The dough balls hold to the hook better when cold.
-
2
Thread an egg sinker on the main line. Weight size depends on fishing conditions. Use 1 to 2 oz. of sinker weight to hold the bottom in river currents, or 1/2 to 1 oz. of weight when lake fishing for catfish.
-
-
3
Tie a swivel to the main line using a clinch knot. Instructions for tying the knot are linked in the resource section. This rigging holds to the bottom while allowing the bait to flutter and release its stink into the water to attract catfish.
-
4
Attach a snelled treble or single hook to the swivel using a clinch knot. Make sure the hook hangs 8 to 12 inches below the main line and the sinker.
-
5
Place a dough ball on the treble hook and form it around the barbs, or bury the barb of a single hook inside a dough ball.
-
6
Cast into the mouths of lakes and the rivers that feed them. Catfish cruise the bottom of these areas, looking for a morsel to tumble within their line of sight or range of smell.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Check local regulations governing use of treble hooks. Some areas may only permit the use of single hooks.
Bring a pack of moist towelettes or wipes to keep your hands clean and fresh while fishing.
