Randy Chandler
While it may seem like an unusual food for fish, cheese is often used as bait for catfish. Some anglers swear by it, while others consider it a joke. It is available in large quantities from fishing suppliers, and there are even special containers designed to hold it. However, some anglers have reported difficulty in keeping it on the hook.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Used as bait | Yes, cheese is used as bait for catfish |
| Effectiveness | Considered effective, especially when rotten |
| Scent | Wrapping or embedding cheese with bacon improves the scent |
| Other options | Chicken liver, sweetcorn, bread, dough, dip, punch, and crawfish |
| Attachment | Cheese tends to crumble or fall off the hook |
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What You'll Learn
- Catfish bait: cheese is effective bait for catfish
- Chicken livers: chicken livers with garlic salt are a good alternative to cheese
- Artificial lures: these are sometimes preferred by catfish over cheese
- Types of cheese: any kind of cheese works, but it's better when it's rotten
- Keeping cheese on the hook: cheese can be difficult to keep on the hook
Catfish bait: cheese is effective bait for catfish
Cheese is an effective bait for catfish, and many people use it for this purpose. Some anglers prefer to use artificial lures, but cheese can be a great alternative when catfish are not biting on those. In fact, cheese is such a popular bait that it is sold in large quantities specifically for this purpose.
One reason cheese works well as bait is that it is a versatile food source that catfish are attracted to. Catfish will eat just about anything they can find when they are hungry, and cheese is no exception. Additionally, cheese has a strong scent that can attract catfish from a distance. Some anglers recommend wrapping or embedding cheese in bacon to enhance its scent and make it even more appealing to catfish.
Another advantage of cheese as bait is that it can be easily obtained and prepared. Anglers can simply grab some cheese from their kitchen to use as bait, or they can purchase large quantities of cheese trimmings specifically for fishing. Cheese trimmings are available in 5-gallon pails, which hold approximately 40 pounds of cheese. This is enough cheese to last for multiple fishing trips.
However, one challenge of using cheese as bait is that it can be difficult to keep on the hook. Cheese has a tendency to crumble or fall off the hook, especially when used in small cubes or blocks. To address this issue, some anglers recommend melting the cheese slightly or using sewing thread to secure it to the hook. Despite this challenge, cheese remains a popular and effective bait for catfish.
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Chicken livers: chicken livers with garlic salt are a good alternative to cheese
Chicken livers are a popular bait for catfish, but some anglers argue that there are better options. However, if you are looking to try chicken livers as catfish bait, adding garlic salt is a good way to make them more attractive to catfish.
Chicken livers with garlic salt can be used as a homemade catfish bait. Anglers often add chicken livers to their recipes, blending or grinding the livers and adding them to a cheese-based or dough-based bait. Adding scents like garlic, anise, or vanilla to a bucket of fresh livers is a common practice to increase their appeal.
To make chicken livers with garlic salt, start by cutting fresh or frozen chicken livers into bait-sized pieces, allowing excess juice to drain. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Spread the liver pieces on the sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Sprinkle garlic salt generously over the livers until they are completely coated. Sun curing is ideal, but curing indoors also works. The curing process will cause the livers to shrink, so it is important to cut them larger than the desired bait size.
After curing, the livers can be stored in a zip-loc bag and kept cool. This will extend their shelf life to 6-8 months; otherwise, they will last a couple of weeks. Curing the livers will toughen them, making it easier to keep them on a hook without the need for thread or gauze.
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Artificial lures: these are sometimes preferred by catfish over cheese
While cheese is often used as bait for catfish, some anglers have reported that the fish are not always attracted to it. In such cases, artificial lures may be a better option for catching these elusive creatures.
Artificial lures are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of prey, enticing catfish to bite. They are crafted with attention to detail, featuring life-like shapes, colours, and textures that can fool even the wariest of fish. These lures are sometimes preferred by catfish, especially when they are feeling finicky or when other types of bait are not readily available.
The advantage of artificial lures lies in their durability and ease of use. Unlike cheese, which can be challenging to keep on the hook due to its tendency to crumble or fall off, artificial lures are securely attached and can withstand multiple casts and retrieves without disintegrating. This makes them a more cost-effective and convenient option in the long run.
Additionally, artificial lures offer a more ethical approach to fishing. By avoiding the use of food items such as cheese, anglers can reduce the risk of unintentionally attracting and harming non-target species. This helps maintain the balance of the aquatic ecosystem and ensures that only the intended catch is hooked.
When selecting artificial lures for catfish, it is essential to consider the species-specific characteristics and behaviours. Catfish are known to be opportunistic feeders, so lures that mimic their natural prey, such as crawfish, nightcrawlers, or small fish, can be particularly effective. Combining these lures with enticing scents or adding a piece of chicken liver, as some anglers suggest, can further increase the chances of a successful catch.
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Types of cheese: any kind of cheese works, but it's better when it's rotten
Cheese is an effective bait for catfish, and it seems that almost any type of cheese will work. However, some types of cheese are more attractive to catfish than others, and the smellier the cheese, the better. For example, strong-smelling cheeses such as Limburger and Stinky Linberger are popular choices for catfish bait. Processed cheese, such as Velveeta, is also commonly used and is known to stay on the hook well.
Some people have found that a mixture of different types of cheese works best for catfish bait. For instance, one fisherman claimed that a mixture of various cheese trimmings was excellent for catfish traps. Another person stated that a mixture of Parmesan cheese, canned tuna, Wheaties, liquid infant formula, and raw eggs was effective.
While it seems that any kind of cheese can be used as catfish bait, some people have found that certain types work better than others. For example, one fisherman found that plain old cheddar cheese, cut into small chunks, worked the best for catfish. This may be because cheddar cheese has a strong enough smell to attract catfish without being too overpowering for the fisherman.
In addition to the type of cheese, the presentation of the cheese bait can also make a difference. For example, some people use a dough made from cheese and liver, which they form onto a treble dough bait hook. This combination has been known to work well when fishing for catfish. Another option is to use a treble hook with rubber tubing filled with easy cheese. This allows you to easily dispense the cheese onto the hook and ensures that it stays in place.
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Keeping cheese on the hook: cheese can be difficult to keep on the hook
Cheese is a great bait for catfish, but it can be challenging to keep it on the hook. One of the most common issues is that the cheese crumbles and falls off the hook, which can be frustrating and impact the success of your fishing trip. Here are some tips and tricks to keep cheese on the hook and improve your catfish catch:
Use the Right Type of Cheese:
Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to bait. Opt for softer, more malleable cheeses that can be easily moulded around the hook. Harder cheeses, like blocks of cheese, are more likely to crumble and fall off. Cheeses that come in spreadable forms or softer varieties can be easier to work with and will stay on the hook better.
Prepare the Cheese Properly:
Before placing the cheese on the hook, try softening it further by bringing it to room temperature or slightly warming it. This will make the cheese easier to manipulate and mould around the hook. Additionally, consider mixing the cheese with other ingredients to create a more cohesive bait. For example, you can combine cheese with bread or dough to create a firmer consistency that will stay on the hook better.
Use a Secure Technique:
Experiment with different hooking techniques to find the most secure method for keeping the cheese on the hook. Try embedding the hook within the cheese rather than just piercing it through. You can also try wrapping the cheese around the hook multiple times to increase the surface area of contact, which will help keep it in place.
Consider Using a Bait Holder:
Invest in a mesh bag or a small container designed to hold bait. These can be tied securely to the hook, providing a more stable platform for the cheese. This method is commonly used for other soft baits, such as roe or salmon eggs, and can be very effective in keeping the cheese in place.
Experiment with Different Cheese Combinations:
As mentioned earlier, combining cheese with other ingredients can improve its consistency and make it easier to work with. Experiment with different combinations, such as mixing cheese with bread paste or sweetcorn, or even embedding it within a piece of bacon. These combinations can create a more enticing scent trail for catfish while also improving the cheese's ability to stay on the hook.
Remember, while cheese can be a great bait for catfish, it may take some trial and error to find the best method for keeping it on your hook. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and cheese varieties to find what works best for you. Happy catfishing!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese is a great option for catching catfish. It is often used as bait for catfish traps and hoop nets.
Some anglers recommend using small cubes of cheese as bait, similar to how you would use meat. You can also try melting the cheese slightly and balling it up, or wrapping it around a piece of bacon for added scent.
In addition to cheese, catfish can be caught using artificial lures, bread, chicken thighs, hearts, liver, nightcrawlers, or cut bait made from something fresh and local.
