What is stink bait?
Stink bait typically consists of a combination of ingredients with strong smells that entice catfish. Common components include cheese, blood, garlic, shrimp, liver, and other pungent substances. These ingredients create a potent scent that catfish can detect in the water.
Types of stink bait
Stink bait is available in various forms, including dough, dip bait, punch bait, and sponge bait. Each form has its own advantages and methods of application.
Dough bait: It comes in a dough-like consistency that can be molded into balls or shapes and placed on hooks.
Dip bait: It is a liquid bait that requires a specially designed treble hook or a sponge to hold the bait.
Punch bait: This type of bait is designed to be used with a treble hook, and it has a thicker consistency than dip bait.
Sponge bait: It involves using a sponge or porous material to absorb the stink bait, which is then placed on a hook.
How to use stink bait for catfish
Depending on the type of stink bait you have, you may need to mold it into the desired shape or prepare the sponge or treble hook for application.
Catfish are typically found near the bottom of water bodies, so it’s important to fish in areas with structures like rocks, submerged logs, or channels where catfish may be hiding. Place the stink bait close to the bottom where catfish are likely to be feeding. You can use a sinker or weight to keep the bait in place.
Catfishing with stink bait often requires patience, as it may take some time for the scent to attract catfish. It can be helpful to cast your bait and let it sit for a while, periodically repositioning it if necessary.
Stink bait has a strong odor and can be messy to handle. It’s best to use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after handling stink bait to remove any lingering odors.
Remember, catfish can be attracted to various types of bait, and stink bait is just one option. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different baits and techniques to determine what works best in your fishing location and conditions.
Types of hooks for stink bait fishing
there are a few options that work well. The choice of hook depends on the type of stink bait you’re using and the fishing conditions. Here are some hook types commonly used for stink bait fishing:
Treble Hooks: Treble hooks are a popular choice for stink bait fishing. They have three sharp points and can hold a good amount of bait due to their multiple prongs. Treble hooks work well with dip bait or punch bait, as the bait can be easily secured on the hooks. They come in different sizes, so choose the hook size based on the target catfish species and the size of the stink bait you’re using.
Baitholder Hooks: Baitholder hooks have barbs or small protrusions on the shank, which help keep the bait in place. These hooks are suitable for molding stink bait dough or wrapping baits like chicken liver, shrimp, or other bait materials. Baitholder hooks are available in various sizes, so select the appropriate size based on the bait and the size of catfish you’re targeting.
Circle Hooks: Circle hooks are designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing the chances of deep hooking and facilitating catch-and-release fishing. They are a good choice for stink bait fishing when you want to set the hook automatically without much effort. Circle hooks are available in different sizes, so choose the appropriate size based on the bait and catfish species you’re targeting.
Dough Bait Hooks: These hooks are specifically designed for use with dough bait. They typically have a spring or coil on the shank that helps hold the soft dough bait securely. Dough bait hooks come in various sizes, so select the size based on the bait and the size of catfish you’re targeting.
Stink bait vs live bait for catfish
When it comes to catfishing, both stink bait and live bait have their pros and cons:
- Convenience: Stink bait is often more convenient to use since it comes pre-packaged and can be stored for a long time without refrigeration. Live bait, on the other hand, requires more effort to obtain, maintain, and keep alive.
- Availability: Stink bait is readily available at most fishing stores and can be purchased anytime. Live bait, such as worms or minnows, may not be as accessible depending on your location and may require a trip to a bait shop or collecting your own.
- Attractiveness: Catfish are known for their keen sense of smell, and stink bait is specifically designed to produce strong odors that attract them. It releases scents that mimic natural catfish food sources, making it highly enticing. Live bait also emits natural scents, but they might not be as concentrated or as long-lasting as stink bait.
- Versatility: Stink bait can be used in various fishing environments, including lakes, rivers, and ponds, and can target different species of catfish. Live bait, on the other hand, may vary in effectiveness depending on the specific water conditions and the preferences of the catfish in your area.
- Presentation: Live bait offers a more natural presentation, mimicking the movements of real prey. This can be particularly effective when fishing for more cautious or finicky catfish. Stink bait is usually used with a stationary rig, and the scent attracts catfish to the bait without relying on movement.
- Cost: Stink bait generally tends to be more cost-effective since it can be reused and doesn’t require constant replacement. Live bait, on the other hand, may need to be replenished regularly and can add up in cost over time.
Homemade stink bait recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cheese (preferably a strong-smelling cheese like Limburger or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup of blood (can be from chicken, beef, or other meats)
- 1/4 cup of minced garlic
- 1/4 cup of chopped raw shrimp or canned shrimp
- 1/4 cup of chicken livers (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of anise extract or anise oil (optional)
- 1 cup of bread crumbs or flour (to achieve the desired consistency)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, blood, minced garlic, chopped shrimp, and chicken livers (if using).
- Mix the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Gradually add the bread crumbs or flour while continuing to mix until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. The bait should be pliable enough to mold onto a hook but not too sticky.
- If desired, add anise extract or anise oil to enhance the scent. Anise has a strong licorice-like aroma that can attract catfish.
- Once the bait is well-mixed and shaped, you can either use it immediately or let it sit in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld.
*As an Amazon associate I may earn a small commission from the affiliate links above.