Learn What New Scent Guides Use to Catch Bigger Catfish

By: Wes “Redbeard” Jordan

The first time I used Catfish Nectar I had my reservations. Catfishing has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and there are now hundreds of bait products on the market claiming to have magical fish attracting qualities. After decades of catfishing though, I can confidently say that there is no secret bait. Catfish, like any other fish, bite better on some days than others. However, Catfish Nectar has proven to me time and time again that it produces results. On days that fish aren’t biting well, or in less than ideal water conditions, Catfish Nectar gives me the edge to help put my clients on more fish.

Unlike most other bait products on the market, Catfish Nectar is designed to be soaked into your baits and can be used with almost any bait. Whether you use cut bait or chicken livers, Catfish Nectar will enhance the smell and attractiveness of your bait. There is no right or wrong way to use the nectar. Meanwhile, I’ve been testing it for more than a year now. Below I will outline what seems to work best for me. Experiment and find what works for you.

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Where I fish, cut bait is my go to bait. Gizzard shad, crappie, white perch and bluegill can all be excellent baits depending on the time of year. If I don’t have time to catch bait the day before I always keep some frozen bait on hand. Alternatively, I have found that chicken breast works surprisingly well when soaked in nectar. Remember to check your local regulations to make sure you are allowed to use cut bait in the body of water you are fishing.

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I usually cut my baitfish into pieces the night before. I cut some of the bait into smaller chunks, about the length of my thumb. However, there are large blue and flathead catfish where I fish, so I don’t shy away from using large hand sized pieces of bait either. Bigger bait usually means bigger fish, but that isn’t always the case. My clients are often surprised that the biggest fish are caught on the smallest pieces of bait. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Just remember to match your hook size to the size of the bait you are using.

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After I have cut my bait up I put it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Shake the bottle of Catfish Nectar well before adding it to the bait. I add just enough to cover the baits, usually around half a bottle. I then place the bag in my cooler in order to keep the baits as fresh as possible. The next morning, the baits are ready to fish. It’s important to let the Catfish Nectar soak. Overnight soaks are best. You want to nectar to work it’s way into the meat of the bait. This way the scent stays with your bait and seeps out in the water creating a stronger scent trail. If you soaked it long enough you’ll be able to see the red color in the bait’s meat, even after it hits the water.

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While fishing I often place my baits back in the bag to “recharge” them when moving from spot to spot. Recharging your baits is something we’ve found success in. Following this recipe helps me put more fish in the boat. I hope it does the same for you!

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Editor’s Note: Wes “Redbeard” Jordan operates Redbeard Cats Guide Service. For more information on his guide services please visit http://redbeardcats.com.