As the name suggests, this bait stinks. It is one of the most popular baits to use for catfishing. I know a few people who make their own stink bait rather than buying the stuff in the stores or bait shops.
While I haven’t gotten as involved in it as my fellow fishers, I have created some on the fly while out fishing. For me this was much easier and faster without having to stink the house or garage up in the process.
Considering the few times I have done this, it was when I was fishing with my husband who likes to use shad sides and livers for catfishing. I also like to take along a few minnows to do some crappie fishing while waiting on the catfish to bite.
With this in mind, sometimes the minnows start to die before they are used or die on the hook from the nibbles of fish and turtles. Rather than wasting the minnows, I have turned them into a stink bait for smaller catfish that can be pan fried. Not that we go this route often, but on occasion we do.
My homemade stink bait on the fly.
I use the blood from his liver or shad sides as the stink for the minnows. I dip the minnow in the container and let it become covered with the blood. The odor of the blood when on the minnow and cast out will attract catfish, crappie, bass, and turtles.
I have also used hotdogs cut into chunks dunked into the blood as a quick stink bait. When I first did this, my husband and his friend thought I was nuts until I landed the first fish of the trip; which was a keeper by the way. They weren’t too happy with me.
Why use stink bait for catfishing?
Honestly, I don’t know, but some people I have talked to swear by it over cut bait. As mentioned above, I have used it on the fly. I have also tried the store bought stink bait. It does seem as if the odor of it does work when it comes to catfish looking for food.
If you feel real adventurous, there are two stink bait recipes listed below to give it a whirl on your next catfishing trip. Be aware though, take plenty of soap and water with you to wash your hands after each application. You could also use plastic gloves to bait your hooks instead of your bare hands.
Resources:
Polka Dot’s Stink Bait
How to Make Your Own Surefire Catfish Stink Bait
More by this Contributor:
How to Cook Catfish
How to Catch Catfish