The above image shows the cast net I use. It's an inexpensive net; however, I go thru several in a year. It's easy on the budget. The net has a 3 1/2 foot radius, with 3/8" mesh, and is made of monofilament. The net is great for catching shad, the number one bait for channel cats. Shad also works great on flatheads and can be used either live or cut. I have found one of the best places to catch shad is in spillways. They can also be caught in lakes and rivers in large numbers. My next favorite bait are bluegill. They can be caught rather easily with a rod and reel. Waxworms on a size 8 hook seem to get the job done. Nightcrawlers, crayfish, and catalapa worms are also good catfish bait. If you are just targeting flathead's, a live bait fish, such as a sucker or bluegill, will often outfish cut baits.
Fall is a great time to stock up on Shad. I filled these 10, 1-gallon ziplock bags in no time at all.This is enough Shad to last me thru the winter, and early spring cattin season!
I netted them, below a spillway where Shad congregate before winter. I have said it many times, fresh Shad is best. However frozen Shad does catch fish! And is very convenient, as it is always ready.
Suckers make great bait For Flatheads and Channels. The ones I catch the most are, Quillbacks, and Redhorse. The above pic shows a Quillback I caught in a castnet. You can also catch them with Rod and reel, use small hooks and worms. Use the Suckers live for flatheads, and cut for Channel cats.
Skipjack herring are another great catfish bait. Buckeye Tom caught this one, along with dozens of others on a Sabaki rig.. Hit big rivers such as the Ohio in search of Skipjack. Try fishing in the tailwaters of dams, along with hotwater power plant discharges. Take a cooler of ice, and put the fresh caught skippies on ice, and freeze them when you get home.
One good throw with a cast net can get you dozens of shad, in all sizes.
My son Steven, has mastered the art of throwing a castnet.The results are below.
Plenty of Shad for cat bait!
I always catch enough Shad to keep several bags in the freezer, fresh Shad is best, but I have caught many fish with frozen Shad. Just make sure you place them in freezer storage bags and seal tight!
Where legal, White Bass are a great "live" Flathead bait. I have not had much luck with "cut" White Bass, But use them live for Flatheads. I catch mine mainly on 1/4-oz jigs, with 3-inch white grubs.
