Do Catfish Like Cheese? An Angler’s Guide
No, generally catfish do not naturally like cheese. While some anglers have reported success using cheese as bait, it is not a preferred or natural food source for catfish, and its effectiveness is largely attributed to added attractants or readily available oils.
Understanding the Catfish Diet
Catfish are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll eat just about anything they can find. However, their natural diet consists primarily of:
- Small fish
- Insects
- Crayfish
- Decaying organic matter (detritus)
- Algae (in some species)
Their sophisticated sense of smell and taste allows them to locate food in murky waters. Catfish possess chemoreceptors all over their bodies, not just in their mouths, enabling them to detect even the faintest traces of attractants. This adaptability is key to understanding why unconventional baits, like cheese, sometimes work.
Why Cheese Might Work (Sometimes)
The perceived success of cheese as catfish bait hinges on several factors that mask its inherent lack of appeal.
- Strong Smell: Many cheeses, particularly aged or strong-flavored varieties, emit a pungent odor that can attract catfish.
- Added Attractants: Anglers often enhance cheese with ingredients like garlic powder, anise oil, blood meal, or commercially available catfish attractants. These additives drastically increase the bait’s allure.
- Oily Consistency: Some cheeses, like processed cheese, are high in fat content. The oil released into the water creates a scent trail that catfish can follow.
- Novelty Effect: In heavily fished areas, catfish may become accustomed to common baits. Offering something different, like cheese, can sometimes trigger a feeding response based on curiosity.
However, it’s crucial to note that these factors are not inherent to the cheese itself. Rather, they are the result of manipulating the cheese or the environment.
The Types of Cheese and Their Effectiveness
Not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to attracting catfish. Some varieties are simply more effective (or less ineffective) than others.
| Cheese Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Processed Cheese | Readily available, inexpensive, oily consistency, easy to mold. | Weak natural scent, often lacks strong attractants without additives. |
| Aged Cheese | Strong natural scent (e.g., Limburger, Blue Cheese), can release more attractants in the water. | Can be expensive, may crumble easily, scent might be too strong/unpleasant for some catfish. |
| Flavored Cheese | Incorporates pre-added attractants (e.g., garlic and herb), potentially increasing effectiveness. | Quality and effectiveness vary widely depending on the specific cheese and added ingredients. |
| Cream Cheese | Soft and pliable, sticks well to hooks, can absorb added attractants effectively. | Dissolves quickly in warm water, lacks inherent scent, requires careful bait presentation. |
Common Mistakes When Using Cheese as Catfish Bait
Many anglers experience limited success with cheese due to common mistakes.
- Using the Wrong Cheese: Choosing a bland cheese with little or no scent is a recipe for failure.
- Over-Scenting: While attractants are helpful, overpowering the cheese with too much scent can actually repel catfish.
- Poor Hook Presentation: Cheese is often soft and easily dislodged from the hook. Using the right hook and baiting technique is essential.
- Fishing in the Wrong Location: Cheese is unlikely to attract catfish in areas where they are not already present. Target known catfish hotspots.
- Ignoring Natural Bait: In many situations, natural baits like nightcrawlers, minnows, or cut bait will significantly outperform cheese.
Enhancing Cheese for Catfishing: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re determined to try cheese, here’s how to improve your chances of success:
- Choose a Strong-Scented Cheese: Start with a naturally pungent cheese like aged cheddar or Limburger.
- Add Attractants: Mix in garlic powder, anise oil, fish oil, or commercially available catfish attractant.
- Shape the Bait: Mold the cheese around a treble hook, ensuring the barbs are exposed.
- Secure the Bait: Use bait elastic or cheesecloth to prevent the cheese from falling off the hook.
- Fish Near Structure: Target areas where catfish are likely to congregate, such as submerged logs, rocks, or bridge pilings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it true that catfish will eat anything?
While catfish are opportunistic feeders and have been known to consume a wide variety of items, it’s not entirely true that they will eat anything. They have preferences and are more likely to target food sources that provide them with essential nutrients and are easily accessible.
Can I use Velveeta cheese for catfishing?
Velveeta, while readily available and oily, is generally not the best choice. It lacks a strong natural scent and can dissolve quickly in warm water. It requires significant enhancement with attractants to be effective.
What are the best attractants to add to cheese for catfish?
Popular and effective attractants include garlic powder, anise oil, blood meal, fish oil (such as menhaden oil), and commercially available catfish attractant scents. Experimentation is key to finding what works best in your local waters.
What is the best hook size and type to use with cheese bait?
Treble hooks in sizes 4-8 are commonly used with cheese bait. Circle hooks can also be effective, especially for catch-and-release fishing. Ensure the hook is sharp and properly positioned to hook the fish.
Does the color of the cheese matter?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that the color of the cheese significantly impacts its effectiveness as catfish bait. The scent and added attractants are far more important factors.
Can I use cheese on a jug line or trotline?
Yes, cheese can be used on jug lines or trotlines, but it’s essential to secure the bait properly to prevent it from being dislodged. Using cheesecloth or bait elastic is highly recommended.
Is it legal to use cheese as bait in all locations?
Always check your local fishing regulations before using cheese as bait. While generally legal, some areas may have restrictions on the types of bait allowed.
Is it better to use fresh or aged cheese for catfishing?
Aged cheese, with its stronger scent, is generally considered more effective than fresh cheese. The aging process releases more volatile compounds that attract catfish.
How often should I recast my cheese bait?
Recast your bait every 20-30 minutes, or sooner if you suspect it has been dislodged or the scent has dissipated. Fresh bait is always more appealing to catfish.
Can I freeze cheese bait for later use?
Yes, you can freeze cheese bait. This can help extend its shelf life and make it easier to transport. However, freezing may slightly alter the texture of the cheese.
Is cheese a good bait for catching big catfish?
While possible, cheese is not generally the best choice for targeting large catfish. Larger, more substantial baits like cut bait, live bait, or commercial stinkbaits are typically more effective.
Are there any ethical concerns associated with using cheese as bait?
There are no inherent ethical concerns associated with using cheese as bait, as long as it is used responsibly and in accordance with local fishing regulations. However, some anglers may argue that using natural baits is more ethical.