Best Catfish Bait Survey

[CLINTC]

What is in your opinion the best bait for rod and reel monster catfish? Mine is blue back herring for flatheads,tred fin shad for blues, and old fashioned nite crawlers for channels. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks Clint

[GoodFisher]

We've caught many big Blues with the strip of red meat that comes from the center of a striper.

[CLINTC]

We've caught many big Blues with the strip of red meat that comes from the center of a striper.

I'v used that myself a few times

[ozark trout fisher]

What is in your opinion the best bait for rod and reel monster catfish? Mine is blue back herring for flatheads,tred fin shad for blues, and old fashioned nite crawlers for channels. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks Clint

I don't spend that much time on catfish, but I've had great luck for big Channel Cats using live sunfish, right up to the maximum length you can use.I caught a 17 pounder that way a couple years back and a bunch of 5-7 pounders. Nightcrawlers and chicken livers work well too, especially for the eating size ones. I find more than what bait you use, it's important to get back there in the rootwads and rock crevices where the big boys live.

I only fish for catfish in lakes and relatively small streams, so I know nothing about Blues or Flatheads.