Plenty of catfish anglers swear by a beat-up carton of chicken livers, and there’s no denying they catch fish. But if you want to up your odds, boost your numbers, or stick a heavyweight blue, chicken liver isn’t always the best play. Do you know which bait—and which rig—shines for a flathead tucked under a ledge? What about the right choice for blues staging at a creek mouth? Or the easiest way to pile up channel cats for a weekend fish fry? That’s what this guide is for. Below, you’ll find clear picks, simple rigs, and when to use each bait so you can fish smarter and catch more.
