Catfish bait options

  • fishfreak
    Shakopee MN
    Posts: 43
    February 10, 2013 at 4:14 pm #1222891

    Hi all,

    First time starting a new topic here. I am really getting geared up to try for cats in the MN River this year and I have a question about live / cut bait. I cannot find hard print information, perhaps I am looking in the wrong spot, but what can you use for bait in MN? I understand that you can use bullheads, alive or cut. Reading through this section of forum I have noticed mention of other species being used for cut bait. Could someone please clarify this for me?

    Also, any starter tips for someone fishing from shore? I was planning on using a slip wieght with a circle hook.

    Thanks
    Brent

    Brian Klawitter
    Keymaster
    Minnesota/Wisconsin Mississippi River
    Posts: 59992
    February 10, 2013 at 9:54 pm #1140132

    Hi Brent,

    Suckers by far is the most common cut bait. Creek chubs would likely be in the #2 spot.

    No “game fish”, carp or gold fish.

    I would encourage anyone to use some type of dip bait as well. I would point you towards Sudden Impact fiber bait or Secret 7, but there are other brands as well.

    I’ll let the guys that fish the MN point you towards some shore locations. I didn’t see if you have a location listed in your profile, but it would help to know what area of the MN you’re looking at fishing.

    fishfreak
    Shakopee MN
    Posts: 43
    February 11, 2013 at 1:20 am #1140194

    Hi Brian,

    Thanks for the info. I have never tried dip bait but it is something that I have read about a few times. I hear early spring is good for the dip baits?

    I am located in Shakopee and live 5 min from the 101 crossing. I would love to explore this river as I hear, and see on You Tube, that it is a great fishery. This year I had some fantastic 12 inch crappie days on a backwater of the MN and would like to expand my fishing experiences on this river.

    Brent

    Brian Klawitter
    Keymaster
    Minnesota/Wisconsin Mississippi River
    Posts: 59992
    February 11, 2013 at 2:05 am #1140231

    The MN can be deceiving. Some say it doesn’t look like much but it’s an awesome fishery for many species and I believe it’s getting better all the time.

    Dip baits work well all year from channels. I have a YT video of a channel nailing Sudden Impact on a treble hook in 39 degree water. Last August when the Mississippi River was in the high 80’s, the channels were on fire!

    It’s a great “spot” locater. Cast it out towards a current seam and give it 15-20 minutes. If you don’t have a bite, move and then repeat. Continue this until you find fish and the right size fish your looking for.

    Cut bait will generally catch the largest fish, but there’s nothing wrong with the fight of a 4 to 10 pounder either.

    nick-nutter
    Posts: 64
    February 11, 2013 at 7:23 am #1140272

    I fish the Shako/Chaska stretch religiously during open water for cats. As long as you’re not an axe murderer I could probably haul you out on the boat this coming season.

    dfresh
    Fridley, MN
    Posts: 3053
    February 11, 2013 at 12:06 pm #1140290

    Hey Brent! Welcome to the dark side!

    I agree with BK about the dip baits. If you put one down and don’t have a bite in 15-20 minutes, you can pretty much just move. If they are in the area feeding, they’ll find it. Team Catfish products are awesome, but so is Sonny’s, which you can find at Fleet Farm, Cabelas, maybe even Walmart.

    Big chunks of cut sucker are your next go to bait for channels.

    The MN is a great fishery for cats and you’ll have a lot of fun exploring it. If you can get out on a boat, you can find some spots that have very little fishing pressure.

    Good luck!

    fishfreak
    Shakopee MN
    Posts: 43
    February 11, 2013 at 12:23 pm #1140297

    LOL….axe murderer…..no….shhhhh……

    ex military, paramedic, and was a diver on the Carver Sheriff’s Dive team for 2 yrs so…..hopefully that counts for the positve!! We could meet for burgers and beer before hand.

    Would love to come on out and learn, fish with you.

    I apreciate the offer.

    Brent

    Brian Klawitter
    Keymaster
    Minnesota/Wisconsin Mississippi River
    Posts: 59992
    February 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm #1140301

    Quote:

    ex military, paramedic, and was a diver on the Carver Sheriff’s Dive team for 2 yrs so

    Translated, that means we’ll never find your body Nick.

    Whiskerkev
    Madison
    Posts: 3835
    February 11, 2013 at 12:46 pm #1140303

    Has he seen any of the monster cats that live by the dam?

    fishfreak
    Shakopee MN
    Posts: 43
    February 11, 2013 at 4:04 pm #1140414

    HA!! Now all my secrets are out……

    I never did have the “pleasure” of diving the MN for training. From what I heard it was some scary stuff and I am thinking I am lucky not to have done so. I also heard from some of the othr divers that there are some pretty big aligator gar that like to check out divers in there……

    I have read and seen some pics and there seems to be some monsters around in those waters. Looking forward to perhaps hooking into some.

    dfresh
    Fridley, MN
    Posts: 3053
    February 11, 2013 at 4:40 pm #1140433

    Drum the size of Volkswagens, I tells ya!

    sgt._rock
    Rochester, MN
    Posts: 2517
    February 12, 2013 at 2:24 am #1140717

    we’re going to need a bigger boat

    nick-nutter
    Posts: 64
    February 12, 2013 at 2:40 pm #1140825

    Quote:

    ex military

    That’s all you had to say … Thank you for your service, you’re welcome on my boat anytime!

    fishfreak
    Shakopee MN
    Posts: 43
    February 12, 2013 at 4:19 pm #1140884

    Although not needed or expected, I apreciate the offer and words.

    Look forward to fishing with you!

    Brent

    dr._flathead
    Posts: 220
    February 13, 2013 at 1:34 am #1141201

    IDO = Nutters new online dating site….. awesome.

    nick-nutter
    Posts: 64
    February 13, 2013 at 4:04 am #1141272

    Ill take you out too Dave, no need to be jealous

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