After spending the long winter months talking to some very good catfish guides and writers from down south, it seems many of them cut the whiskers, fins and tails off of the bullheads they are using for bait.
The idea behind this is to have them struggle more and secondly to have them bleed a little to add to the cats targeting senses.
I haven’t tried these things as I’ve never really thought it was necessary. Anyone try this or use it consistently?
Any thoughts?
Why would you cut off the whiskers?
I am no catfish guide (noooooo), but I’d think all of that cutting would lead them to bleed so much or wound them enough that they would struggle a lot less. I’d think a hook in the back is going to give off enough scent and keep the guy healthy enough to fight for his life and throw off a lot of ‘noise’. IMO, the struggle is more important than the scent. Now maybe knocking one pectoral fin so it throws off their balance might be a good idea. Or maybe cutting off the entire tail fin.
I used to snipp the fins off and have fished with some good cat guys that do this on occasion. There was not any increase in the action that resulted from the fish.
I think it boils down to what you have confidence in. In theory it could make sense, injured beeding prey.
There is one factor down south where it might make a difference….. That is the water temps. They can get soooo warm that the fish can get lethargic to the point of not being able to work hard for their food. So a struggling bloody bullhead might be able to lure an overheated kitty to the table.
IMHO.
I dont do it much anymore but I used to break the spines with a a wire cutter from a needle nose but leave them attached. I dont think it makes any difference. Like pug said Having a big hook in the back is prolly all you need.
I always cut the spines off.Not so much for the blood but for every advantage I can get.I don’t want to take the chance that my 80 lber gets a little prick in his throat and decides to spit and move on. They also look kinda cool when they dry on the side of your boat 
Sally.
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I don’t want to take the chance that my 80 lber gets a little prick in his throat and decides to spit and move on.
Umm, these aren’t sissy walleyes 
I’ve seen 4 pound flatheads with 7″ bullies in their stomachs and you could see the spines poking out. I don’t think the spines bother them at all.
Sauger doesn’t like the spines…he just uses the flats as an excuse.
But then again…he’s been know to fish with Jami Ritter. 
I see no reason to mutilate a live fish in such a manner. I know a 10/0 is plenty of pain but totally unnecessary to do this. I like my bait lively when I have the luxury of flathead chasing.
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I see no reason to mutilate a live fish in such a manner. I know a 10/0 is plenty of pain but totally unnecessary to do this. I like my bait lively when I have the luxury of flathead chasing.
You kind of sound like me. I apologize to suckers before cutting them up and I give my bullheads hope before casting them out by telling them, “There is a good chance you’ll be on at the end of the trip and at that point, you get your freedom”.
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I always cut the spines off.
They also look kinda cool when they dry on the side of your boat
I use them as toothpicks to get the cut bait out of my teeth. 
Kev and Pug…weren’t you guys around in the days of the “Sylvania Sucker”. 
I think you all have been in the Memorial Day 
hooch too early.
You mean the sucker who was violated by the bobber light?
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You mean the sucker who was violated by the bobber light?
Are you refering to the other thread about the open seat 
Still trying to figure out which one was the sucker 
Yikes, sorry I dredged up that memory. Speaking of bobber lights. Friday night will see their first deployment this year. Anyone know where you can get these in bulk. The bait shop hung $5.50 a crack on them which is an increase of almost 2 dollars since last year. Walmart usually has them cheaper but I hate walmart because of their business practices.
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Sauger doesn’t like the spines…he just uses the flats as an excuse.
But then again…he’s been know to fish with Jami Ritter.
At least I don’t use plastic tongs to hold my fish….. 
I’ve got a goal for a 50lber this year BK, see you out there….
Jami
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Sauger doesn’t like the spines…he just uses the flats as an excuse.
But then again…he’s been know to fish with Jami Ritter.
At least I don’t use plastic tongs to hold my fish…..
I’ve got a goal for a 50lber this year BK, see you out there….
Jami
There is a good chance you will meet your goal as long as you choose to fish with us that walk down the hill,not run like young B.K. 
Now there’s some bull if I’ve ever heard it.
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Now there’s some bull if I’ve ever heard it.
Kids 
We bulls wobble, but we don’t fall down!
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