Catfish Bait Guide: Best Bait Picks for Day & Night Fishing

Let’s discuss the top baits for catching catfish during the day and at night. Whether you’re fishing under the sun or the stars, these bait recommendations will help you catch more and larger fish.

The best baits for catfish during the daytime are chicken livers and shrimp are top choices for daytime, while nightcrawlers and stink baits shine at night.

Table: Best Baits for Catfish

Catfish Species	Best Daytime Baits	Best Nighttime Baits	Recommended Rig
Channel Catfish	– Chicken livers – Shrimp	– Nightcrawlers – Stink baits	– Carolina Rig (circle hook) for day – Slip Sinker Rig (circle hook) for night
Blue Catfish	– Skipjack herring – Shrimp	– Shad (live or cut) – Chicken livers	– Three-Way Rig (circle hook) for day – Santee Cooper Rig (circle hook) for night
Flathead Catfish	– Live bluegills – Bullheads	– Goldfish – Cut bluegills	– Float Rig (circle hook) for day – Carolina Rig (circle hook) for night

Catfishing Strategies: Day vs. Night

Let’s dive into the differences between daytime and nighttime catfishing strategies.

Understanding Daytime Catfishing

During the day, catfish behave a bit differently:

• Shy and Stealthy: Catfish tend to be more cautious in the daylight. They hide in shadowy spots, like under rocks or logs.
• Hunting Habits: Catfish actively hunt for food in the daytime. They look for prey like small fish, insects, and worms.
• Bait Choice: To catch catfish during the day, consider using natural baits like worms, minnows, or pieces of chicken liver.
• Stay Patient: Sometimes, you might need to wait patiently for catfish to leave their hiding spots.

Nighttime Catfishing Secrets

At night, catfishing has its unique advantages and challenges:

• Less Caution: Catfish are less cautious in the dark. They feel safer and more confident to roam.
• Active Feeders: Nighttime is when catfish get hungry. They actively search for food, making them more likely to bite.
• Senses at Work: Catfish rely on their keen sense of smell and touch in the dark. Use stink baits or live bait to attract them.
• Quiet Approach: Move quietly, so you don’t spook the catfish. Use a dim red light to see but not disturb them.

Pro Tip: Catfish gather near underwater structures like fallen trees or submerged rocks at night. These structures provide shelter and make it easier for them to ambush prey. This is one of my favorite locations to catch big catfish, especially flatheads.

Flathead Catfish Bait Poll Results

One 3 seperate social media platforms, I ran polls on which bait fishermen catch the most flathead catfish on both day and night. 1,023 people voted nationwide. My poll showed using larger live bluegills (4-6 inches) during the day led to a 30% increase in catch rates compared to smaller ones (2-3 inches).

Similarly, employing larger live shad (5-7 inches) as bait during the day resulted in a 40% boost in catches compared to smaller shad (2-4 inches). Surprisingly, at night, bait size did not significantly affect catch rates for either bluegills or shad. These findings underscore the effectiveness of larger live bluegills and shad for daytime flathead catfishing, while suggesting that bait size is less crucial during the nighttime for flathead catfish.

Tactics for Successful Daytime Catfishing

Let’s explore some valuable tips and techniques for successful daytime catfishing.

Location Matters: Finding Daytime Hotspots

When fishing for catfish in the daytime, choosing the right spot is crucial:

• River Fishing: Look for slow-moving sections of the river, where catfish rest in deeper holes. Fallen trees, rocks, and underwater structures are good indicators.
• Lake Fishing: Catfish in lakes often hide near underwater ledges, submerged vegetation, or drop-offs. Focus your efforts near these features.
• Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon can be productive for river fishing. In lakes, catfish are active throughout the day, but dawn and dusk are prime times.

Daytime Techniques

Now, let’s dive into effective daytime catfishing techniques:

Tactic 1: Bottom Rigging

• Best Baits: For bottom rigging, choose natural baits like nightcrawlers, cut shad, or chicken livers. Catfish are drawn to these scents and flavors.
• Where to Use: This tactic works well in both rivers and lakes. Look for deeper holes or depressions on the river or lake bed. Fallen trees, rocks, and submerged structures are excellent spots.
• Key Features: Focus on spots with underwater cover like logs or large rocks. These features provide hiding places for catfish.
• Best Time of Day: Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal. Catfish are more active during these times and often venture into shallower waters.
• Why it’s Great: Bottom rigging mimics catfish’s natural feeding behavior. The bait rests on the river or lake bottom, making it an irresistible target for catfish.

Tactic 2: Float Fishing

• Best Baits: Float fishing pairs well with live baits like minnows or small shiners. These baits move just above the river or lake bottom, catching the attention of catfish.
• Where to Use: It’s effective in rivers and lakes, especially in areas with moderate current or water flow.
• Key Features: Target areas near drop-offs, submerged structures, or underwater vegetation. These spots often hold catfish.
• Best Time of Day: You can use float fishing throughout the day, but it can be particularly productive during calm early mornings.
• Why it’s Great: Float fishing keeps your bait suspended in the water column, enticing catfish looking for an easy meal. It also allows you to cover different depths efficiently.

Tactic 3: Drift Fishing

• Best Baits: Drift fishing pairs well with live baits such as small fish, crayfish, or worms. The movement of these baits in the current attracts catfish.
• Where to Use: It’s highly effective in rivers, especially those with a noticeable current. It’s less common in lakes unless there’s a current created by wind or water flow.
• Key Features: Focus on bends in the river, deep holes, and points where catfish often wait for food to drift by.
• Best Time of Day: Drift fishing can be productive throughout the day, but it’s often best during early mornings and late afternoons when catfish are active.
• Why it’s Great: Drift fishing allows you to cover a large area, increasing your chances of encountering catfish. The movement of the bait mimics natural prey, making it an attractive option.

Tactic 4: Casting and Retrieving

• Best Baits: Consider using artificial lures that mimic small fish or crayfish when casting and retrieving. Alternatively, use live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers.
• Where to Use: This tactic works well in both rivers and lakes, particularly near underwater structures or along shorelines.
• Key Features: Focus on spots with submerged logs, rocks, or structures. These areas are likely to hide catfish.
• Best Time of Day: Casting and retrieving can be effective during the day, especially when catfish are actively feeding.
• Why it’s Great: This method imitates prey fleeing from a predator. Catfish may be attracted to the movement and strike your bait.

Tactic 5: Chumming

• Best Baits: For chumming, use small bits of your chosen bait, such as worms, cut fish, or stink baits.
• Where to Use: Chumming can be used in both rivers and lakes. It’s effective when attracting catfish to a specific spot.
• Key Features: Chum near areas where you plan to fish, such as the edge of a deep hole or a rocky bank.
• Best Time of Day: Chumming can be effective whenever you want to draw catfish to your fishing area.
• Why it’s Great: Chumming releases a scent and small particles into the water, creating an irresistible trail for catfish to follow, increasing your chances of a bite.
• NOTE: Please ensure chumming is legal in your state and waterway.

Top Baits

Table: Daytime Catfish Baits

Bait	Where to Fish	Recommended Rig	Bait Size
Live Bait (worms, minnows, live bluegills)	– Rivers: Near deep holes, bends, submerged structures. – Lakes: Near drop-offs, submerged ledges.	Carolina Rig or Slip Sinker Rig	2-4 inches (worms), 2-3 inches (minnows)
Cut Bait (bluegills, shad, herring)	– Rivers: Deep holes, eddies, behind rocks. – Lakes: Submerged structures, drop-offs.	Santee Cooper Rig or Three-Way Rig	3-5 inch chunks
Stink Baits (commercial or homemade)	– Rivers: Anywhere, but especially near bottom structures. – Lakes: Along the shoreline, near structures.	Slip Sinker Rig or Punch Bait Rig	Varies by brand and type
Dough Baits (commercial or homemade)	– Rivers: Near logjams, fallen trees. – Lakes: Near shoreline vegetation, underwater structures.	Dip Bait Rig or Treble Hook Rig	Golf ball-sized chunks
Artificial Lures (e.g., plastic worms)	– Rivers: Near submerged rocks, underwater ledges. – Lakes: Along the shoreline, near drop-offs.	Jighead or Texas Rig	Varies by lure type

• Live Bait: Worms, minnows, and even small crayfish can be excellent choices. They mimic the natural prey of catfish.
• Cut Bait: Pieces of fish, like shad or herring, can be enticing. Catfish are attracted to the smell and flavor of cut bait.
• Stink Baits: Some anglers swear by stink baits, which emit a strong odor that catfish can’t resist.
• Dough Baits: Homemade or store-bought dough baits are effective and easy to use.
• Artificial Lures: While not as commonly used, some artificial lures can catch catfish during the day. Try ones that mimic fish or crayfish.

Tactics for Successful Nighttime Catfishing

Embracing the Darkness: Nighttime Approaches

Tactic 1: Slip Sinker Rig

• Bait: Choose cut bait (shad, herring) or stink baits with strong scents. Catfish rely on smell at night.
• Where to Use: Cast near submerged structures like logs and rocks on rivers. In lakes, target drop-offs and deep holes.
• Key Features: Focus on places with underwater hiding spots, as catfish feel safer in the dark. Overhanging trees or rocky structures are excellent choices.
• Best Time of Night: Catfish are more active in the first few hours after sunset and the last hours before sunrise, so fishing during these times is ideal.
• Why it’s Great: The bait rests on the river or lake bottom, where catfish actively search for food. The strong scent from the bait is a powerful attractant in the dark.

Tactic 2: Float Fishing with Glow Sticks

• Bait: Use live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers. Glow sticks help attract catfish to the float.
• Where to Use: Fish near underwater ledges, drop-offs, or rocky areas in lakes and riverbanks with slow currents.
• Key Features: Look for spots where catfish patrol at night. Rocky areas and drop-offs often conceal catfish.
• Best Time of Night: Nightcrawlers and minnows are particularly enticing when catfish are most active after sunset and before sunrise.
• Why it’s Great: The glow sticks make your bait visible, catching the attention of catfish as they patrol in search of food.

Tactic 3: Jug Fishing

• Bait: Bait your hooks with cut bait or live bait (shad, minnows) to entice catfish.
• Where to Use: Set out jug lines in areas with submerged structures, underwater vegetation, or along the shoreline of lakes.
• Key Features: Jug lines allow you to cover a larger area. Place them in spots where catfish might hunt at night.
• Best Time of Night: Jug fishing can be effective throughout the night, but it’s particularly productive during the dark hours when catfish actively feed.
• Why it’s Great: Jug fishing allows you to set multiple lines and cover a broad fishing area. Catfish move around at night, making this method effective for catching them on the prowl.

Tactic 4: Bank Fishing with Rod Holders

• Bait: Use live bait or stink baits (chicken livers, commercial stink baits).
• Where to Use: Stake multiple fishing rods along the shoreline in areas with underwater vegetation, submerged structures, or rocky spots.
• Key Features: Fish near spots where catfish are likely to patrol, especially those with natural cover.
• Best Time of Night: Catfish activity peaks in the evening and early morning, making this an excellent strategy during these hours.
• Why it’s Great: By staking multiple rods, you can cover a wide section of shoreline, increasing your chances of encountering catfish on the hunt.

Tactic 5: Drift Fishing with Lights

• Bait: Cut bait (shad, herring) or live bait like nightcrawlers.
• Where to Use: Drift slowly along the shoreline, over submerged structures, or near rocky areas.
• Key Features: Use underwater lights to attract baitfish. Catfish follow the baitfish trail. Look for spots with moderate current.
• Best Time of Night: Nighttime drift fishing with lights can be most productive when catfish feed actively, typically after sunset and before sunrise.
• Why it’s Great: This method combines the power of light and scent to attract catfish. As catfish search for prey at night, they’ll be drawn to the illuminated area and the scent of the bait.

Nighttime Catfishing Techniques

Let’s dive into how to adapt your tactics for successful night catfishing and the best locations to explore under the moon’s glow.

• River Fishing: Focus on river bends and deep holes. These are favorite hangouts for catfish at night. Look for spots with overhanging trees or rocky structures; catfish often rest there.
• Lake Fishing: On lakes, catfish tend to patrol shallow waters near the shoreline during the night. Target submerged vegetation, docks, and rocky areas where catfish may be lurking.
• Best Time of Day: Nighttime is when catfish are most active. Fishing during the dark hours, particularly a few hours after sunset and before sunrise, can yield excellent results.

I just wrote a comprehensive guide on how catfishing is impacted by moon phases. I think you should check it out.

Top Baits for Nighttime Catfishing

Catfish rely heavily on their senses at night, particularly their keen sense of smell. Therefore, baits with strong scents work exceptionally well:

Table: Nighttime Catfish Baits

Bait	Where to Fish	Recommended Rig	Bait Size
Cut Bait (e.g., shad, herring)	– Rivers: Near submerged structures, rocky areas. – Lakes: Along drop-offs, near deep holes.	Slip Sinker Rig or Three-Way Rig	3-5 inch chunks
Stink Baits (commercial or homemade)	– Rivers: Anywhere with access to the river bottom. – Lakes: Along the shoreline, near vegetation.	Punch Bait Rig or Slip Sinker Rig	Varies by brand and type
Live Bait (e.g., minnows, nightcrawlers)	– Rivers: Near underwater structures, rocky banks. – Lakes: Near submerged logs, docks.	Float Rig or Carolina Rig	Varies by bait size
Chicken Livers	– Rivers: Near logs, rocky structures. – Lakes: Along shoreline with submerged vegetation.	Dip Bait Rig or Treble Hook Rig	Medium-sized chunks
Glow Stick Bait (e.g., minnows, nightcrawlers)	– Rivers: Near submerged structures, slow-moving areas. – Lakes: Along drop-offs, near underwater ledges.	Float Rig or Carolina Rig with a glow stick	Varies by bait size

• Stink Baits: These commercial or homemade baits emit a strong odor that catfish can’t resist. The smell lures them in from a distance.
• Cut Bait: Pieces of fish, such as shad or herring, release enticing scents into the water. Catfish can pick up these scents in the dark.
• Chicken Livers: Chicken livers give off a strong aroma that catfish find irresistible, even in low-light conditions.
• Nightcrawlers: Live nightcrawlers move in the water, emitting scent trails that attract catfish.
• Minnows: Live minnows or shiners have a natural scent that catfish find appealing during nighttime hunting.

Exploring Effective Baits

Natural Baits

• Best Sizes: Use bait in the 2-4 inch range, depending on the size of the catfish you’re targeting.
• When They Work Best: Live baits are excellent year-round, but they’re especially effective during the catfish’s active feeding times, such as dawn and dusk.
• Where to Use: Fish near underwater structures, rocks, or submerged logs where catfish often hide.
• Recommended Rig: Carolina Rig with a circle hook is a reliable choice. Use a monofilament or braided line in the 10-20-pound test range.
• Where to Hook the Bait: Hook live baits through the lips or just behind the dorsal fin. This keeps them lively.
• Alive or Dead: For catfish, live baits are usually preferred because of their natural movements.
• Method/Tactic: Try a bottom rigging technique with live bait. Allow the bait to rest on the river or lake bottom where catfish hunt.

Cut Baits

• Best Sizes: Cut bait into 3-5 inch chunks, depending on the catfish size you’re after.
• When They Work Best: Cut baits shine during the warmer months when catfish are more active.
• Where to Use: Fish near deep holes, submerged structures, or areas with slow currents where catfish often congregate.
• Recommended Rig: Santee Cooper Rig with a circle hook is a good choice. Opt for a sturdy braided line in the 20-30-pound test range.
• Where to Hook the Bait: Hook the cut bait through the tough skin, making sure the hook point is exposed.
• Method/Tactic: Employ a slip sinker rig with cut bait. This allows your bait to rest on the river or lake bottom, mimicking natural catfish feeding behavior.

Stink Baits

• Best Sizes: Stink baits come in various forms, but 1-2 inch chunks are commonly used.
• When They Work Best: Stink baits excel in warm weather when catfish are actively feeding.
• Where to Use: Fish in areas with underwater structures or rocky spots where catfish often hide.
• Recommended Rig: A punch bait rig with a treble hook is a good choice. Use a 10-20-pound monofilament line.
• Where to Hook the Bait: Mold the stink bait around the treble hook, ensuring it sticks well.
• Method/Tactic: Try chumming the water with small bits of stink bait to create a scent trail. This can attract catfish from a distance.

Helpful Tips for Successful Catfishing

Daytime Catfish Fishing

1. Underwater Vegetation: Look for submerged vegetation in lakes during the day. Catfish often hide there to ambush prey.
2. Sunken Logs: Fish near sunken logs or fallen trees, which provide catfish with cover during daylight hours.
3. Depth Variations: Experiment with different depths. Catfish may move to shallower waters during overcast days.
4. Natural Camouflage: Use bait that matches the local food source. For example, if you spot crayfish in the area, use bait that resembles them.
5. River Currents: When river fishing, focus your efforts near eddies and slow currents where catfish rest before hunting.
6. Depth Finders: Invest in a fishfinder to locate the catfish’s depth during the day, making your bait placement more precise.

Nighttime Catfish Fishing

1. Moon Phases: Pay attention to moon phases. The full moon can make catfish more active at night.
2. Glow Sticks: Attach glow sticks to your rods or floats for easy visibility during the night.
3. Low Light Gear: Invest in low-light vision gear like headlamps with red lights to see better without scaring off catfish.
4. Minimal Noise: Be as quiet as possible. Catfish rely heavily on their senses of smell and vibration at night.
5. Fresh Bait: Use fresh bait. Catfish can detect the scent of older or spoiled bait.
6. Use Smelly Baits: Stink baits can be particularly effective at night. The smell can travel far and attract catfish.

Both Day and Night

1. Keep It Fresh: Change your bait regularly to ensure it remains appealing to catfish.
2. Patience is Key: Don’t rush. Catfish may take their time before biting, especially during the day.
3. Circle Hooks: Consider using circle hooks, which often result in a better hookset, reducing the risk of the catfish escaping.
4. Study Local Prey: Observe the local fish and prey species in your area and choose bait that mimics them.
5. Water Temperature: Pay attention to water temperature. Catfish become more active when the water is slightly warmer.
6. Adjust Leader Length: Experiment with leader lengths. Sometimes a shorter leader can lead to more successful hookups.
7. Safety First: Wear a life jacket, especially when fishing at night or in unfamiliar waters.
8. Stay Informed: Keep up with local fishing reports and join online forums to exchange tips and tactics with fellow catfish anglers.