Utilizing Catfish Dips

Utilizing Catfish Dips

By Shannon Rivers

Growing up, some of my best memories are catfishing with my dad and my older cousin, Chet. As soon as school was done, and summer break started, then I knew it was time to hit the rivers and find the catfish. I remember one particular June evening, the fog started to settle in the low area, the Iowa air was humid as Dad, my cousin, and I lugged our gear down the familiar path to our favorite catfish hole on the Des Moines River. This trip felt a little different, though. Instead of the usual commercially bought stink bait, we had a secret weapon: Dad’s latest concoction. My dad had been working on a custom catfish dip bait brewed in the garage that afternoon. The recipe was a closely guarded secret, involving everything from aged cheese scraps and leftover chicken liver. He even reused a peanut butter jar, and I think there was some remaining peanut butter still hanging around. This night felt like it could be a good night, a night where our homegrown bait would lure in a big catfish.

Commercial Baits

Commercial catfish baits explode with a huge range of flavors and smells, all strategically designed to attract catfish. You’ll find the classics like super-stinky cheese, pungent blood, garlic, and liver leading the pack. For those wanting to mimic natural prey, shad and other fish-based scents are readily available. Then you’ve got the “punch” and “fiber” baits, often featuring those same popular flavors like shad, blood, garlic, and cheese, but in a sticky, fibrous form that clings stubbornly to a treble hook. Dough baits offer a moldable alternative in flavors like cheese, garlic, blood, and liver.

When it comes to presenting dip bait, the fishing tackle market has come up with several specialized rigs, and the “dip bait worm” stands out as a favorite. These aren’t your typical fishing worms; they’re usually made of soft, flexible plastic with deep ribs along their body and a treble hook at the end, sized appropriately for the worm. You might also find designs that use clusters of strings or even a hollow tube to hold onto the stinky concoction. The beauty of these ribbed worms lies in their ability to grab and hold onto the dip bait, letting it slowly leach its scent into the water, hopefully drawing in a curious catfish. As for packaging the dip bait itself, you’ll most often find it in jars, which make it super easy to just dip your rig right in and reapply as needed. Another common option is a tube, which lets you squeeze the bait directly onto or into your chosen rig, offering a slightly less messy application.

Beyond the mainstays, you’ll encounter more unique options like anise with its licorice twist, surprisingly sweet concoctions like strawberry, and a plethora of commercial scent enhancers you can add to any bait. These are fun to try and can grab the interest of a curious catfish. Of course, many companies boast their own secret, proprietary blends too, and they’re worth a try. What’s popular often boils down to the specific region, the target catfish, the water conditions (stronger smells in warm, murky water), and ultimately, individual angler preference based on past success. The real key is to experiment with a variety of scents to discover what gets those whiskers twitching in your local fishing holes.

Homemade Bait

Whipping up your own catfish dip bait comes with a few cool perks. For starters, it can be pretty cost-effective, especially if you’re a frequent catfisher. You’re often using ingredients you might already have around or can get cheaply, rather than constantly buying commercial tubs. Plus, there’s a definite fun factor in experimenting with different smells and concoctions in your garage or kitchen (just maybe keep it away from your food prep area!). But perhaps the biggest advantage is the customization. If you stumble upon a particular scent or combination of ingredients that the catfish in your local waters just can’t resist, you’re not limited to what’s on the store shelves. You can tweak your recipe, amplify that magic smell, and create a truly personalized bait that gives you a unique edge.

Quick & Easy Homemade Catfish Dip Bait

Soften the Cheese: Microwave about ½ to 1 pound of soft cheese (like Velveeta) for roughly a minute until it’s melted and easy to stir. This will be your sticky base.
Prep Your Protein: Finely chop up 5 to 9 ounces of your chosen protein. Good options include raw pork, fish scraps, chicken or beef liver. Feel free to use just one or a mix of these.
Add the Garlic: Mince one whole head of garlic. This adds a strong scent that catfish often find appealing.
Boost the Aroma: Stir a pinch of garlic salt into one can of wet dog food. This adds a meaty smell and helps with the bait’s texture.
Include the Fish Factor (Optional): Roughly chop up about a dozen minnows and add them to the mix for a natural, fishy scent.
Mix and Thicken: Combine all the ingredients in a non-food-grade bowl. Gradually add flour (or alternatives like crushed crackers, oatmeal, or cornmeal) while mixing until you get a thick, dough-like consistency that will stick well to your dip worm or other rig. You might need to add a little water to reach the right texture – not too stiff, not too runny.

Using a food processor (that you don’t use for food!) can make mixing easier and help break down the ingredients for a smoother bait. Remember, this is just a starting point – feel free to experiment with different amounts and ingredients to create your own secret catfish-catching formula!

No matter if you buy your catfish bait, or choose to make your own. Be sure to make some time to go out and fish with your friends or family this summer.