Bushra Griffith
Cheese is a popular food item, but can freshwater fish be tempted by it? Some anglers swear by it, claiming that it is particularly effective for catching carp, catfish, and even trout. Others joke that cheese bait is a prank suggestion given to novice anglers to keep their techniques a secret. While there is some debate about its effectiveness, several sources recommend specific rigging methods for using cheese as bait, such as cutting it into cubes or shredding it into string-like pieces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish Species that are Attracted to Cheese | Catfish, Carp, Bullhead, Suckers, Trout, Bream, Mullet, Flathead, Garfish, Tarwhine, Perch, Bass |
| Type of Cheese Used as Bait | Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, Mozzarella |
| Techniques to Prepare Cheese as Bait | Cutting into cubes, Shredding, Freezing, Wrapping in Pantyhose or Mesh, Using a Hair Rig |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Catfish and carp are partial to cheese
Cheese is a common ingredient in many commercial baits, and it is a well-known attractor of catfish. In fact, cheese is believed to be the best bait for catfish year-round. It can be used in various forms, such as mixed with eggs or as a dip bait, and it is often an ingredient in punch and dough baits. The stinkier the cheese, the better, as this will draw the fish to it.
For carp, cheese is a popular bait choice due to its strong scent and mouldability. It can be formed into a "cheeseball" or "baitball" and is especially effective when used as a paste. Crumbly cheeses like Stilton and Danish Blue are ideal, as they can be easily kneaded into a paste and moulded around a hook.
Cheese can also be cut into 1cm cubes and threaded onto a hook, leaving the point and barb exposed. This method is effective when chasing larger freshwater fish species, as multiple cubes can be used on a larger hook. Anglers have reported success using cheese to catch carp, and it is believed to work "big time".
In addition to catfish and carp, cheese is also effective in attracting other freshwater fish species such as chub, roach, bream, barbel, dace, and rudd.
The Unique Taste of Gruyère Cheese
You may want to see also
Trout are raised on cheese
Trout do indeed eat cheese, and it can be used as an effective bait when fishing for them. While it is uncertain why they are attracted to it, cheese is high in fat and protein, which are both essential parts of a trout's diet. Trout might even enjoy the taste due to the high fat content. Cheese is also a nutrient- and energy-dense food, which could be another reason why trout are drawn to it.
When fishing, any type of cheese can be used as bait, and it is readily available at any time of the year. The type of cheese only impacts how you will hook it. For example, firm cheese can be broken off into a piece and slid onto the hook, while soft cheese can be rolled in your hand to soften it and then moulded onto the hook. It is important to remember that the point of the hook should always be visible.
Some anglers like to use a single baitholder hook, as the extra barbs help prevent the cheese from falling off. Others prefer treble hooks, as the multiple points help hold the bait in place, although they are more difficult to remove if the trout swallows them.
There are several ways to modify the cheese to make it more effective as bait. For instance, you can roll a soft cheese into a ball to imitate a round fish egg or hatchery pellet, or grate the cheese to resemble a slender worm. You can also mix and mould the cheese onto ground bait or a piece of bread, or cover the bread with cheese. Adding flavours such as paprika or curry powder will increase the scent of the bait.
Mexican Cheeses That Don't Melt: The Non-Melters Like Paneer
You may want to see also
Cheese cubes are a good shape for bait
Cheese is often used as a stinkbait for catfish, and it is recommended to use a basic rig with a small circle hook. The scent of the cheese is particularly attractive to catfish. When using cheese as bait, it is important to consider its softness; if it is too soft, it may not stay intact, and you may need to wrap it in pantyhose or mesh to keep it together.
Some anglers recommend freezing the cheese before use to prevent it from melting too quickly in the water. In addition to catfish, carp, and trout, cheese has been successfully used to catch perch, bass, bullhead, suckers, and possibly even turtles. It is worth noting that the effectiveness of cheese as bait may depend on your geographic location and the types of fish in your area.
While cheese can be a successful bait for freshwater fish, it is often used sarcastically as a joke among anglers when asked what they are using as bait. However, this does not detract from its potential effectiveness when used appropriately.
Birds and Blue Cheese: A Tasty Treat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Soft cheese can be wrapped in pantyhose
Cheese can be an effective bait for freshwater fishing, and wrapping it in pantyhose can be a great way to keep it on your hook. Soft cheeses, such as Gouda or Swiss cheese, can be cut into small squares and secured in a piece of pantyhose, creating a simple yet effective bait presentation. This method allows the cheese to remain on the hook while still releasing its scent, which can attract catfish, bullhead, suckers, carp, and even turtles, depending on your location.
When using cheese as bait, it is important to consider the size and type of hook, as well as the weight of the sinker, to ensure your setup is well-balanced. A basic rig consisting of a 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. sinker with a 12-30 inch leader and a small circle hook can be a great starting point. Cast your line, let the bait sink to the bottom, tighten the line, and then prop your pole up to wait for a bite.
The scent of the cheese can be a powerful attractant, and by wrapping it in pantyhose, you can extend its effectiveness. The pantyhose will help to hold the cheese together, preventing it from falling off the hook while still allowing its scent to permeate the water. This technique is especially useful for fishing catfish, as they are known for their keen sense of smell and attraction to strong-scented baits.
Additionally, the use of pantyhose can add a visual stimulus to your bait presentation. The sheer, delicate fabric can create a subtle movement and shimmer in the water, mimicking the appearance of small aquatic creatures or struggling prey. This visual attraction, combined with the scent of the cheese, can increase your chances of enticing a bite from hungry freshwater fish.
When preparing your cheese bait, simply cut a small square of soft cheese and place it in the centre of a piece of pantyhose. Gather the fabric around the cheese and secure it tightly with a knot or by twisting and wrapping the excess fabric around the base of the hook. This will create a small, compact package that is easy for fish to bite and helps to keep your bait in place. With this simple and effective method, you'll be ready to cast your line and enjoy a successful day of freshwater fishing.
Harbison Cheese: A Creamy, Tangy, and Woody Flavor Adventure
You may want to see also
Chicken livers are a popular alternative to cheese
There are some challenges to using chicken livers as bait. One of the main challenges is keeping the liver on the hook, as they can be messy and difficult to secure. Some anglers have tried different methods to keep the liver on the hook, such as the egg loop knot or curing the livers into leathery medallions, but these have not proven to be very effective. Another issue is that chicken livers can be torn off the hook by the fish, especially if they have been frozen and refrozen, which makes them "mushy".
To make the most of chicken livers as bait, some anglers recommend adding red food colouring, as this is thought to increase their effectiveness in attracting catfish. Additional scents, such as garlic, anise, vanilla, or asafetida, can also be added to the chicken livers to enhance their appeal. While chicken livers may not be the most durable or cost-effective option, they can still be a good choice for anglers looking for a quick and easy bait that doesn't require any complex preparation.
It's worth noting that chicken livers are not just used as bait for catfish, but can also be added to homemade catfish bait recipes or used as a base for other types of bait. Anglers have reported success in using chicken meat, garlic powder, and cherry or berry Kool-Aid as an alternative to chicken livers, as this combination is thought to be more durable and longer-lasting. Overall, while chicken livers may have some drawbacks, they remain a popular and effective option for anglers, especially those targeting catfish.
The Mystery of Ammonia-Scented Cheese Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese can be good bait for certain species of freshwater fish, such as carp, catfish, and trout.
Some good options for cheese bait include Kraft cheddar, gouda, and swiss.
There are a few different ways to prepare cheese as bait. You can cut it into small cubes and thread it onto a hook, or you can shred it to create a "'chumming'" effect that will attract fish. If the cheese is too soft, you can wrap it in pantyhose or mesh before threading it onto the hook.
