catfish bait

I was curious where you guys find bullheads for bait? Also what type of cut bait you use. I’m just a catfish rookie trying to learn something.

The best way that I found to get them is to ask a commercial fisherman. They will usually sell you a bucketful for 10 bucks. If it is legal to use them where you are, I find a bluegill about the size of your hand works as good as anything. I don’t even bother with cutbait anymore.

Gator Hunter – You can usually check out a lake’s fish population on the MN DNR website, if it list bullheads you can probably catch them fairly easy. I found a local little lake and tried it out for bullheads. Turns out it is full of them. I can catch a dozen decent bullheads in about 20 minutes. I use little redworms I catch in my neighbors mulch pile for bullhead bait. I use my ultralight with a small hook, split shot, light bobber about 2 feet up. Toss it out and pull in those bullheads. If you can take the barb off the hook I recommend it – it is easier on the bullheads and makes taking them off a lot easier. Lately the bullhead fishing has been kind of the only action part of the catfish trip. Last time out I caught a couple of jumbo bullheads – I used them for cut bait.

For cut bait I usually use suckers although I have been cutting up bullheads and they work OK too. I usually buy a half dozen large suckers and then chunk them out for cut bait. I try to leave as much blood and crud on the cut bait pieces as I can. I change out cut bait fairly often, usually no longer than 15 minutes or less if the water is real dirty.

Can anyone please give me some info on where to catch some nice bullheads for biate… or send me a p.m I promise I will not overharvest!!! I love to use bluegills but when I go to the Minnesota river that is not an option / please help!! I live near Redwing so anywhere near or around there.

You could always talk you buddy from Rochester into bringing you some from Silver Lake. That little hole was loaded with small bullheads the last time I played around down there years ago. I’m sure it still is.

bring em on BUDDY!!! Lets make a Minnesota River RUN!!!!!!! WHAT DO YA SAY!!! I can’t get a hold of dirk(north Dakota), Steve got married and is on the honeymoon…… You me a couple of beers and a night on the river…. that sounds kinda wierd!! give me a jingle or a p.m when you get a chance!!

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate it.

FYI. Was on the MN yesterday in the afternoon for a few hours and landed a nice 15lbs flat. caught him on a live 5″ bullhead. Only bullhead I had. We used cut bait(carp) but didn’t catch a thing on it. Caught a carp, 2 sheepies, a dogfish and 2 pike about 3lbs ea. on night crawlers. No other cats. Only fished 2 spots. Will be going out next week after work to try for more cats. Will definately be getting more bullheads if I can catch more. I have never fished the MN for cats so was pretty excited to nail a nice one on the first trip.

More FYI…..Was above the Bloomington Ferry Bridge in Shakopee and below it at one spot in Bloomington above the 35W landing. Looked for feeder creek with deep/fast water downstream from it. That was the ticket.

FYI carp are illegal to use as bait in MN. If you are going to use them anyways please only take small ones and let those trophies go, just a thought.