When it comes to fishing for flathead catfish, the best bait options are usually live bait or fresh cut bait. Flatheads are opportunistic predators, and their diet primarily consists of live fish, so using bait that mimics their natural prey is crucial. Here are some commonly used baits for flathead catfish:
Best types of live bait for flatheads
Flatheads prefer live bait, such as small fish like sunfish, shad, or bluegill. The size of the live bait should be appropriate to match the target size of flathead catfish you are aiming to catch. Generally a larger bait is going to catch a larger fish. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try smaller bait as well.
Sunfish
Eels
Eels are known to emit a strong scent that can attract catfish. Catfish have a keen sense of smell and are attracted to the scent of prey in the water. The oily and musky odor produced by eels can be quite appealing to catfish, making them more likely to bite.
Eels also have a wriggling and lively movement in the water, which can trigger the predatory instincts of catfish. Catfish are opportunistic feeders and are attracted to live prey that exhibits natural movements. When an eel is used as bait, its wiggling action can grab the attention of nearby catfish and entice them to strike.
Additionally, eels have a slimy texture, which can help them stay on the hook better compared to other baits. This is beneficial when catfish are known for being cautious and sometimes stealing bait without getting hooked. The sliminess of eels can make it more difficult for the catfish to remove the bait from the hook, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
Crawfish or Crayfish
Flatheads also prey on crustaceans like crawfish, so using live crawfish or crayfish can be effective. Secure them to the hook using a hook threader or through the tail. The drawback with crawfish is that other species of fish love them too so you may end up wasting bait on non-target species.
Mudpuppies
A mudpuppy is a type of aquatic creature that belongs to the salamander family. It’s often called a mudpuppy because it can be found in muddy areas, such as lakes, ponds, and streams. Mudpuppies are unique because they have gills throughout their entire lives, unlike other salamanders that eventually develop lungs.
In terms of appearance, mudpuppies have a slimy, scale-less body and are usually dark brown or gray in color. They have short legs, which are more like stubby feet, and they also have a long, flattened tail that helps them swim. Their head is broad with small, round eyes, and they have external gills on either side of their head, which look like feathery tufts.
Mudpuppies are mainly nocturnal, which means they are most active during the night. They are excellent swimmers and spend their time hunting for food in the water. They primarily feed on small aquatic creatures like insects, crayfish, worms, and small fish.
To catch mudpuppies use a small minnow trap weighed down to the bottom of the river and bait the trap with some sort of natural bait like worms or minnows.
Shrimp
Flatheads are known to feed on shrimp, especially in areas where they are prevalent. But you’d be better off trying to find live bait fish over shrimp.
Other natural baits
Nightcrawlers (large earthworms), large minnows, or even live frogs can be effective in enticing flathead catfish. Other catfish like bullheads and channel cats can also be used as live bait.
Advantages of live bait for flathead catfish
Natural Appeal: Live bait such as minnows, shad, or sunfish closely resembles the natural prey of flathead catfish. They emit vibrations and movements that attract catfish, making it an enticing option for them.
Enhanced Attraction: Live bait provides an active and realistic presentation in the water, which can trigger the predatory instincts of flathead catfish more effectively. The movement and struggling of live bait can entice larger catfish to strike.
Versatility: Live bait allows you to target flathead catfish in various fishing scenarios. Whether you’re fishing in rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, live bait can be effective in enticing flathead catfish from their hiding spots.
Natural Scent: Live bait releases natural scents and oils into the water, which can attract flathead catfish from a distance. The scent trail created by live bait can help bring catfish to your fishing location.
Disadvantages of live bait for flathead catfish
Availability: Acquiring live bait can sometimes be challenging. Depending on your location and the time of year, it may not be readily available or legal to use certain live bait species. Additionally, keeping live bait alive and healthy can require additional effort and equipment.
Cost: Live bait can be expensive, especially if you need to purchase it regularly for your fishing trips. The costs can add up, particularly if you’re targeting larger catfish that require larger live bait.
Effort and Maintenance: Keeping live bait alive and in good condition requires proper care, including providing adequate water, oxygenation, and temperature control. This maintenance can be time-consuming and may distract you from focusing solely on fishing.
Species Limitations: Using live bait may restrict the types and sizes of catfish you can catch. Smaller catfish may be more likely to take smaller live bait, while larger catfish may require larger live bait, limiting your options.
Fresh cut bait
If you can’t have live bait, the next best thing is fresh cut bait. All of the live baits we mentioned above can be used as cut bait.
Advantages of cut bait for flathead catfish
Scent and Flavor: Cut bait, which is typically pieces of fish like shad, bluegill, or skipjack, releases a strong scent and flavor into the water. This scent can attract flathead catfish from a distance, even in murky or low-visibility conditions.
Availability: Cut bait is often more readily available and accessible compared to live bait. You can obtain cut bait by catching or purchasing fish and cutting them into appropriate-sized pieces. It can be a cost-effective option if you have access to suitable fish species.
Versatility: Cut bait can be used in various fishing situations and locations. Whether you’re fishing from the bank, a boat, or a pier, cut bait can be effective in luring flathead catfish from their hiding spots.
Convenience: Unlike live bait, cut bait does not require constant maintenance or special care to keep it alive. Once you have prepared the cut bait, you can store it and use it as needed without the need for additional equipment.
Disadvantages of cut bait for flathead catfish
Competition from Undesirable Species: Cut bait can attract various fish species, including non-targeted fish that you may not want to catch. For example, if you’re targeting flathead catfish but are attracting an abundance of smaller fish like bluegill or channel catfish, it may reduce your chances of catching the desired species.
Faster Deterioration: Cut bait tends to deteriorate more quickly compared to live bait. Factors such as water temperature, oxygen levels, and exposure to sunlight can accelerate the decomposition process. This may require you to change your bait more frequently to maintain its effectiveness.
Skill Requirement: Properly presenting cut bait requires some skill and experience. You need to know how to rig the cut bait securely on your hook to prevent it from falling off or spinning unnaturally in the water. A poor presentation can reduce your chances of attracting flathead catfish.
Limited Movement: Unlike live bait, cut bait does not exhibit natural movements in the water. While the scent and flavor may still attract flathead catfish, the lack of live bait’s active movements may be less enticing to larger, more cautious catfish.
Clean-up and Odor: Handling and using cut bait can be messy, and the strong odor associated with it may linger on your hands and fishing gear. Some anglers find the smell unpleasant and may prefer alternative bait options.
Conclusion
Remember, the key to successful flathead catfish fishing is to present the bait in a way that mimics natural movement and behavior. Adjust your bait size based on the target size of flatheads you are targeting, and consider the local conditions, such as water temperature and current, when selecting the best bait for the specific fishing location. Additionally, using a strong and sturdy fishing tackle is essential, as flathead catfish are powerful fighters and can put up a challenging battle once hooked.
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