What is a good bait....

Question

for river fishing for catfish in illinois????

Answer 1

From my experience, doughballs work really well. I use a size 1/0 hook with a large doughball on it, freelined on the bottom. Always cast in the same spot, and just wait for your line to start moving away from you. I use this technique in my backyard.

Answer 2

Josh,

Growing up I used worms fished on the bottom with much success, they are easy to catch or dig up. Now I use fish either whole or cut into chunks as bait. Start with the chunks as this will release the scent into the water much faster than a whole fish and the scent will get the attention of all the catfish in the area. Keep casting your bait to the same spot to keep the scent working and the fish searching for the source. If you should be fishing on a falling tide try anchoring at the mouth of a creek, the cats will be stacked up waiting for the baitfish to be emptying into the main branch of the river. Remember to fish your baits close to the bottom as these fish are primarily bottom feeders.

Hey, best of luck I know you are gonna catch a bunch!  

Answer 3

the same bait you use for catfish ANYWHERE !!

Answer 4

Going through this list of forums it seems like "Shad" is popular up in them parts.

http://brotherhood-of-catfishermen.com/c...

Answer 5

whole shad or cut chad either one is really good in river water. if the water is running pretty good try to get just downstream of an eddy. big cats lay in the calmer spots behind eddies waiting for food to drift in. good luck!

Answer 6

whole blue gill if its legal