Fishing for Flathead Catfish can be fun and challenging at the same time. Catfish will put up a fight and won’t be reeled in easily. That’s why we wrote this article best bait for flathead catfish so that you, the catfish angler, can get a leg up on catching these feisty fish.
In this article, you will learn the best baits to catch catfish. We will also explain the best practices and tips and tricks to help you catch more of these bottom-feeding creatures.
Best Bait For Flathead Catfish
Some of the best bait for catching flathead catfish include live bait such as bluegills, perch, shad, or herring. Other good choices include chicken livers, live frogs, and nightcrawlers.
Flathead catfish are also attracted to baitfish imitations, so lures that resemble shad or minnows can be effective. Whatever bait you use, ensure it is properly sized for your target flathead catfish. Using too small of bait will result in lost fish, while too large of bait will make it more difficult to hook the fish.
How to Use Live Bait for Flathead Catfish
Live bait is often the best for flathead catfish, as they naturally attract live prey. Minnows, shad, and herring are all good choices for live bait. It is important to hook the baitfish through the lips or nose to avoid gut-hooking the fish when using live bait. This will help ensure the fish stays alive longer and remains attractive to the flathead catfish.
Using Live bait Rigs
Live bait rigs are a type of fishing rig that can be used to fish with live bait. Live bait rigs typically feature a lead weight, a swivel, and a hook.
The live bait is attached to the hook and allowed to swim freely. Live bait rigs can effectively catch flathead catfish but are not always easy to use. The live bait can often become tangled in the rig, making it difficult to fish effectively.
How to Use Chicken Livers for Flathead Catfish
Chicken livers are another popular choice for bait when targeting flathead catfish. They are easy to find at most bait shops and relatively inexpensive.
Chicken livers can be used whole or cut into small pieces. When using chicken livers as bait, it is important to keep them fresh. This means keeping them on ice or in a cooler until you can use them. Otherwise, the livers will start to rot and will not be as effective at attracting fish.
How to Use Live Frogs for Flathead Catfish
Live frogs can be an effective bait for flathead catfish, but they are not always easy to find. If you can find live frogs, hooking them through the lips or nose is best to avoid gut-hooking the fish.
This will help to keep the frog alive longer and make it more attractive to the fish.
How to Use Nightcrawlers for Flathead Catfish
Nightcrawlers are a popular choice for bait when targeting flathead catfish. They can be easily found at most bait shops or fishing tackle stores.
Nightcrawlers can be used whole or cut into small pieces. When using nightcrawlers as bait, it is important to keep them fresh. This means keeping them on ice or in a cooler until you can use them. Otherwise, the worms will start to rot and will not be as effective at attracting fish.
How to Use Artificial Baits for Flathead Catfish
Artificial baits are a type of fishing lure that can be used to catch flathead catfish. Artificial baits come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. They are designed to mimic the appearance and action of live bait.
When using artificial baits, it is important to fish them near the bottom, where flathead catfish are most likely to be found. Artificial baits can be fished with various techniques, including slow-rolling, casting, and jigging.
Using Jigs
Jigs are artificial bait that can be effective for catching flathead catfish. Jigs typically feature a lead head with a plastic or rubber body.
They are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. When using jigs, it is important to fish them near the bottom, where flathead catfish are most likely to be found. Jigs can be fished with various techniques, including slow-rolling, casting, and jigging.
Using Crankbaits
Crankbaits are another artificial bait that can be effective for catching flathead catfish. Crankbaits are typically designed to mimic the appearance and action of baitfish. They are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles.
When using crankbaits, it is important to fish them near the bottom, where flathead catfish are most likely to be found. Crankbaits can be fished with various techniques, including slow-rolling, casting, and trolling.
Using Cut Bait to Catch Catfish
Cut bait is a popular choice for catching flathead catfish, and there are a few different ways to use it. One method is simply cutting the baitfish into small pieces and threading it onto the hook. Another method is to use a baitfish head or tail as bait.
This can be effective because the scent of the fish will be concentrated in these areas. Whichever method you choose, be sure to cut the bait into small pieces to fit into a flathead catfish’s mouth. If the pieces are too large, the fish will swallow them, and you will not be able to get a good hookset.
How to Use Cut Bait Rigs for Flathead Catfish
Cut bait rigs are a type of fishing rig that can be used to fish with cut bait. Cut bait rigs typically feature a lead weight, a swivel, and a hook. The cut bait is attached to the hook and allowed to sink to the bottom.
Cut bait rigs can be effective for catching flathead catfish but are not always easy to use. The cut bait can often become tangled in the rig, making it difficult to fish effectively.
Conclusion – Best Bait For Flathead Catfish
Flathead catfish are a popular target for many anglers. They can be caught using a variety of different baits and techniques.
The best bait for flathead catfish will depend on the fish’s conditions and preferences. However, some of the most popular baits for flathead catfish include live bait, cut bait, artificial baits, and jigs.
Cory Haasnoot
Cory is a content writer-editor and founder of Tackle Box Talk. Favorite Quote: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."