When it comes to catfishing, having the right bait can make all the difference. If you’re looking for the best catfish bait in the world, look no further.
I’ve selected the best bait for catfish that are unmatched.
In Short: The Best Catfish Bait in the World are Nightcrawler, Gizzard Shad, White Suckers, Stinkbait, Asian Carp, Bluegills, Punchbait & Chicken Livers.
List Of 14 Best Catfish Baits: Personally Used To Catch Fish
In the below table, we have mentioned the 14 best catfish baits that I’ve personally used to catch catfish.
Catfish Bait | Description | Best Time to Use |
Nightcrawler | Active bait that moves in water | Night |
Gizzard Shad | Freshwater baitfish, oily flesh | Evening |
White Suckers | Natural prey for catfish, found in rivers | Dawn and Dusk |
Skipjack Herring | Oily fish, a strong scent | Night |
Stinkbait | Strong-smelling, specifically for catfish | Evening |
Asian Carp | Large &and oily | Night |
Bluegills | Panfish with vibrant colors | Evening |
Punch Bait | Sticky bait that stays on the hook well | Night |
Chicken Livers | Highly aromatic, easily available | Evening |
Shrimp | Strong scent, versatile | Night |
Cow’s Blood | Highly attractive to catfish | Dawn and Dusk |
Green Apple Bubble Gum | Unusual bait, sweet scent | Anytime |
Garlic & Chicken Skin | Homemade bait, strong scent | Night |
Crawfish (Dead or Alive) | Natural food for catfish | Evening |
1. Nightcrawler
![Nightcrawler](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Nightcrawler.webp)
Nightcrawlers are the best catfish bait because they can attract catfish due to their natural scent & movement in the water.
- Natural Scent: Nightcrawlers smell good to catfish, so they come close to eating them.
- Movement in Water: Nightcrawlers move around in the water to look like real food, which can attract catfish.
- Versatility: Nightcrawlers are worms that you can buy at a store & use for fishing. They are a good option for catching catfish because they are easy to find & work well.
2. Gizzard Shad
![Gizzard Shad](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Gizzard-Shad.webp)
The Gizzard Shad is the best bait for catfish because it has a strong smell & feels oily. You can use this fish because it attracts catfish very well.
- Scent: The smell of Gizzard Shad is very appealing to catfish, so it is a good bait to use when fishing for them.
- Oily Texture: The oily feeling of Gizzard Shad makes a smooth path in the water that attracts catfish to the bait.
- Natural Prey: Catfish like to eat Gizzard Shad because it is a common food for them. This makes it easier for catfish to catch their prey.
3. White Suckers
![White Suckers](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/White-Suckers.webp)
Catfish like to eat white suckers because they smell strong & are oily. You can use them as bait by keeping them alive or cutting them into pieces to catch catfish easily.
- Strong Scent: White suckers have a strong smell that catfish cannot resist.
- Oily Texture: The oils in white suckers make a path in the water for catfish to follow easily.
- Live or Cut Options: You can use white suckers whole or cut into pieces for different types of fishing.
4. Skipjack Herring
![Skipjack Herring](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Skipjack-Herring.webp)
Skipjack Herring is the best bait for catfish because it smells strong & has oily meat. It can attract big catfish & is easy to cut into pieces to put on hooks.
Many people have caught a lot of catfish using this bait.
- Strong Odor: Skipjack Herring releases a strong smell that attracts catfish from far away.
- Oily Flesh: Skipjack Herring has a greasy feel that leaves a scent in the water for catfish to track and follow.
- Versatile: Skipjack Herring can be used in different forms to catch various types of catfish.
5. Stinkbait
![Stinkbait](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Stinkbait.webp)
Stinkbait is a strong-smelling bait that is good catfish bait. It is made from ingredients like fermented blood and fish oils that attract fish.
- Strong Odor: Catfish cannot resist the strong smell of stink bait, which makes them want to eat it.
- Long-Lasting: Stink bait slowly spreads its smell, so that catfish can smell it and be attracted to it from far away.
- Versatile: Stinkbait works in many types of fishing spots like lakes, rivers & ponds. It’s great for catfish fishing no matter if you’re a beginner or experienced.
6. Asian Carp
![Asian Carp](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Asian-Carp.webp)
Asian carp are fish from Asia that are dangerous for the environment & other fish. They are big and eat a lot, which makes them good catfish bait.
- High Protein Source: Asian carp have a lot of protein in them, so catfish like to eat them because it makes them want to eat more.
- Strong Smell: The strong smell of Asian carp can attract catfish from far away, making it easier to catch them.
- Durable Texture: Asian carp have strong skin & meat that catfish want to eat for a long time which makes them a good bait option.
7. Bluegills
![Bluegills](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bluegills.webp)
Bluegills are the best bait for catfish because they smell & taste good to the catfish. They are easy to find in lakes & rivers and be on the hook for a long time.
- Natural Scent: Bluegills have a strong smell that brings catfish closer and makes them want to bite.
- Easy to Find: Bluegills are easy to catch in many lakes & rivers, so you can use anglers as bait.
- Durable: Bluegills help catch more catfish because they stay on the hook for a longer time compared to other baits.
8. Punch Bait
![Punch Bait](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Punch-Bait.webp)
Punch bait is the best bait for catfish that works well & is easy to use. It has a strong smell that attracts catfish & makes them bite.
You can easily put punch bait on hooks or dip tubes, which makes it easy for different fishing situations.
- Strong Scent: Catfish love the strong smell of punchbait and will come to eat them.
- Easy to Use: Punchbait can be easily put on hooks or dip tubes, so anyone can use it without any problems, no matter their fishing experience.
- Versatile: Punchbait can be used in many different fishing spots like rivers, lakes, and ponds. This makes it a good choice for people who like fishing for catfish.
9. Chicken Livers
![Chicken Livers](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chicken-Livers.webp)
Many fishermen use chicken livers to catch catfish because they smell strong and are soft, making them good catfish bait.
- Strong Scent: The strong smell of chicken livers can attract catfish from far away.
- Soft Texture: Catfish can easily eat chicken livers because they are soft, which makes it easier for them to catch prey.
- Cost-effective: Chicken livers are easy to find and cheap, so they are a good choice for catfish bait if you want to save money.
10. Shrimp
![Shrimp](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shrimp.webp)
Shrimp is the best bait for catfish because it smells and tastes good to them. Catfish like the oils and flavors in shrimp.
It’s easy to find shrimp at the store or bait shop, so it’s a convenient choice for people who like to fish.
- Strong Scent: Catfish are attracted to the bait because they like the smell of shrimp.
- Natural Oils: When shrimp are in the water, they release oils that create a smell that helps catfish find them easily.
- Easy Availability: Shrimp is available in most grocery stores and bait shops for fishermen to buy easily.
11. Cow’s Blood
Many people use cow’s blood to catch catfish because it has a strong smell that fish like.
It works well in attracting big catfish. You can buy it from a butcher or slaughterhouse for a low cost.
- Strong Scent: The strong smell of cow’s blood can be sensed by catfish far away, and it attracts them to come closer.
- Natural Appeal: Catfish really like the smell of blood, so they’ll come to eat them.
- Affordable & Easily Accessible: Cow’s blood is a cheap and easy option that can be found nearby.
12. Green Apple Bubble Gum
![Green Apple Bubble Gum](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Green-Apple-Bubble-Gum.webp)
Catfish love Green Apple Bubble Gum because it smells sweet & tangy, making it a good catfish bait.
- Strong Scent: The smell of green apple bubble gum attracts catfish from far away because they like it.
- Chewy Texture: The soft and chewy bubble gum makes it easier for catfish to bite the bait.
- Long-lasting Flavor: Green apple bubble gum smells & tastes good for a long time, which keeps catfish attracted and focused until they get hooked.
13. Garlic & Chicken Skin
![Garlic & Chicken Skin](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Garlic-Chicken-Skin.webp)
Garlic & chicken skin have a strong smell which makes them the best bait for catfish. When you put them together, they make a powerful bait for catfish.
- Strong Scent: The strong smell of garlic and the delicious scent of chicken skin attract catfish from far away.
- Durable Texture: Chicken skin is strong enough to handle a catfish bite, so it’s a good bait for catching them.
- Versatile: Garlic and chicken skin are easy to get and can be used for catching catfish in different places. This makes them a good choice for catfish fishermen.
14. Crawfish (Dead or Alive)
![Crawfish (Dead or Alive)](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Crawfish.webp)
Crawfish are good catfish bait because they smell and look like real food to them. Catfish can’t resist them, whether they are alive or not.
Their strong smell and the way they move in the water make them a popular choice for fishermen trying to catch big catfish.
- Realistic Scent: Crawfish smell like the food that catfish like, so catfish will come to eat them.
- Natural Movement: When crawfish are alive, they move like prey in the water, which attracts catfish because they like to eat similar things.
- Versatility: Crawfish can be used in different ways to catch catfish, like live bait, or as a smell to attract catfish to your hook. They are the best baits for catfish.
Read More:
Can You Catch Catfish with Catfish?
Why Can Catfish Survive Without Water?
Can Catfish Live in the Ocean?
Are Blue Catfish Bad for a Pond?
Conclusion
In short, the best catfish bait depends on what you like and the kind of catfish you want to catch.
Live baits like shad, worms & minnows are good choices because they smell & move naturally. Stink baits like chicken liver & cut bait also work well because they have a strong smell.
It’s best to fish at dawn or dusk when catfish are most active. Trying out different baits and fishing times can help you catch more catfish.
FAQs
What is the best bait for blue catfish?
The best bait for blue catfish is fresh-cut bait such as shad, herring, or mullet.
What is the best catfish bait for night fishing?
When night fishing for catfish, the best bait to use is live bait such as nightcrawlers or cut bait like chicken liver.
What is the best catfish bait in Texas?
The best catfish bait in Texas is fresh, live bait such as shad or perch.
What is the best catfish bait for Paylakes?
The best catfish bait for paylakes is live bait such as nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or cut bait like shad or perch.
What is the biggest catfish bait?
The biggest catfish bait is large-cut bait such as shad or carp.
What is Secret 7 catfish bait?
Secret 7 catfish bait is a specially formulated bait designed to attract and catch catfish in various bodies of water.
What is a sweet bait for catfish?
Jelly doughnuts are a sweet bait that catfish like to eat.
What smell attracts catfish the most?
Catfish are attracted most by the smell of decaying organic matter, such as rotten fish or shrimp.
What is the best ground bait for catfish?
The best ground bait for catfish is a mixture of maize, breadcrumbs & fishmeal to attract and hold their attention.
Do catfish smell bait?
Yes, catfish have a sense of smell and can find bait in the water.
Are fish attracted to blood?
Fish are not attracted to blood, as they are more likely to be drawn to the movement or scent of their prey.
Do catfish like chicken liver?
Yes, catfish are known to be attracted to and enjoy eating chicken liver.
What is the best bait for catfish in a river?
The best bait for catfish in a river is chicken liver or live nightcrawlers.
What is the best catfish bait for bank fishing?
The best catfish bait for bank fishing is live bait such as worms, nightcrawlers, or shad.
What is the best bait for channel catfish?
The best bait for channel catfish is chicken liver or nightcrawlers.
What is the best catfish bait for ponds?
The best catfish bait for ponds is live bait such as crawfish or worms, as catfish are known to be attracted to movement and scent.
Which is the best catfish bait for lakes?
The best catfish bait for lakes is live bait such as worms or nightcrawlers.
Which is the best catfish bait from grocery store?
The best catfish bait from a grocery store is fresh chicken liver or punch bait.
Which is the best catfish bait for rivers?
The best catfish bait for rivers is live bait such as worms, minnows, or cut bait.
Which is the best channel catfish bait?
There is some debate among fishermen, but many agree that chicken liver is the best channel catfish bait.
What time and bait is best for catfish?
The best time for catfishing is late evening or early morning, using stink baits such as chicken liver or cut bait.
![Nitish Kumar](https://animalquick.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1711610265602.jpg)
I love animals & want to know more about different creatures & sharing their stories with everyone. From my childhood, I’ve been exploring forests & watching animals in their homes.
Now, I write about my adventures & all the amazing things I learned. My blogs are easy to understand & make you want to know more about animals. I teach about why animals are important & why we should take care of them.
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