How to Make Catfish Bait With Corn? DIY Methods!

Using corn as catfish baits is a fantastic choice for anglers of all experience levels. Corn is not only versatile and cost-effective but also highly attractive to catfish.

In this guide, we’ll share our methods and experiences with using corn to catch catfish effectively. We’ll cover everything from the different types of corn to use, how to prepare it, and some effective chum-making techniques. We’ll also discuss fishing setups and share some homemade stink bait recipes, incorporating ingredients like dog food, garlic salt, soy sauce, and more.

Types of Corn for Catfish Bait

When it comes to catfish bait, two main types of corn stand out: feed corn (maize) and sweet corn. Each type has its own set of benefits and ideal uses, making them effective in different fishing scenarios.

Feed Corn (Maize)

Feed corn, also known as maize, is large, tough, and very affordable. Anglers love using feed corn because it’s cost-effective and the larger kernels are less likely to be stolen by small fish. However, it does require some preparation. You can usually find it in 50 lb bags at feed stores, hunting stores, and even some Walmarts. Feed corn is often called deer corn or field corn, and it’s specifically grown for livestock feed or wildlife attraction.

To use feed corn effectively, soak it in water for at least 24 hours to soften the kernels. Some anglers enhance the sponge bait by soaking the corn in flavored liquids like vanilla extract or adding sweeteners to increase its attractiveness. Once prepared, feed corn is ideal for chumming and creating a feeding area that draws catfish.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is smaller and comes in convenient, ready-to-use cans. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t have time to prepare feed corn. Sweet corn is especially effective in the winter when small fish are less active, making it easier for catfish to find your bait. The natural sweetness of the kernels is a big attractant for catfish and other freshwater species.

Using sweet corn as bait is simple. Just open the can, drain any excess liquid, and you’re ready to go. You can hook a single kernel or several kernels on a small treble hook, such as a size 8 or 10. Sweet corn works well when threaded onto a hook or used in combination with other baits to create a more enticing offering. It’s particularly useful for catching carp, sunfish, and perch, in addition to catfish.

Check our recommendations on 10 Best Catfish Hooks (Tested + Reviewed)

Preparing Feed Corn for Catfish Bait

Soaking and Boiling Feed Corn

Preparing feed corn is easy but does take some time. Here’s how we do it:

1. Purchase Feed Corn: Get a 50 lb bag from your local store. It’s usually very affordable, costing around $10-12.
2. Soak Overnight: Soak the corn in water for 6-24 hours. This helps soften it up and starts the rehydration process.
3. Boil for Several Hours: After soaking, boil the corn for a few hours until the kernels are soft and start to split. You know it’s done when you can easily squish the kernels between your fingers.
4. Store Properly: Keep the boiled corn in a cool place to prevent spoilage. We usually store ours in the refrigerator. If left out in the sun, it will go moldy and rancid in a couple of days.

We prefer this method because it ensures the corn is soft enough for catfish to eat without expanding in their stomachs, which can be harmful to the fish. Properly prepared feed corn is a safe and effective bait that catfish find irresistible.

Making Chum with Corn

Creating chum with corn is a great way to attract catfish to your fishing spot. Here are some of our favorite methods:

Boiled Feed Corn Chum

Simply use the boiled feed corn as chum. It’s effective and catfish love it. Just throw a handful or two into enough water at your fishing spot to draw them in. The scent and visibility of the corn in the water will attract catfish that want to catch it from a distance.

Alternative Chum Mixes

Poultry Grain Blocks: For just a few bucks, you can buy a poultry grain block from the feed store. Throw it into your spot, and it’ll slowly release grains to attract fish. This method is great for building up a fishing spot over several days.

Beer-Soaked Corn Mix: Soak your corn in beer and let it sit in the sun for a couple of days. This method works great for creating a strong scent that catfish can’t resist. Here’s how you do it:

• Get a 5-gallon bucket and fill it halfway with feed corn.
• Add a 12-pack of cheap beer and a packet of yeast.
• Stir well and let it sit uncovered in the sun for 2-3 days, stirring occasionally.
• Drain off excess liquid before using the corn as chum.

Chicken Guts and Cornflakes Mix: Mash chicken guts with crushed cornflakes and roll them into balls. Let them dry in the sun for a potent, smelly bait. Here’s the method:

• Gather 1 lb of chicken guts and a box of cornflakes.
• In a large bowl, mash the chicken guts until smooth.
• Crush the cornflakes and mix them with the chicken guts.
• Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and let them dry in the sun for a few hours.
• Store the balls in a sealed container until ready to use.

These chum mixes are designed to attract catfish over time, making your fishing spot more productive with each visit.

Speaking of chicken, you should also read our guide on: Chicken for Catfish Bait? Is it a Good Idea?

Basic Hook Setup

For a simple and effective method, just place corn kernels directly on your hook. This straightforward approach works well, with a few recipes, especially with sweet corn. We often use a size 6 or 8 hook and thread 2-3 kernels onto it for catfish. This setup is ideal for casual fishing trips and is surprisingly effective at attracting catfish.

Also, read: How to Hook a Bluegill For Bait? Step By Step Guide

Advanced Rigging Methods

Hair Rig: Ideal for keeping the hook free from obstructions and ensuring a good hook set. It’s perfect for both carp and catfish. To set up a hair rig:

1. Thread a few corn kernels onto a baiting needle.
2. Attach the bait to the hair loop on the hook.
3. Secure the bait with a bait stop.
4. Cast out and wait for the catfish to bite.

Check our recommendations on Best Rigs for Catfish Fishing

Method Lead: This rig holds dough bait and releases the scent slowly, drawing fish in effectively. To set up a method lead rig:

1. Mold a ball of dough bait around the method feeder.
2. Attach the feeder to your main line.
3. Place a few kernels of corn on the hook.
4. Cast out and wait for the catfish to come to the bait.

You might want to read: How to Rig Live Bluegill for Catfish? Our Proven Tips

Homemade Catfish Bait Recipes and Methods

Here are some more flour some of our tried-and-true recipes for homemade catfish bait using corn:

Corn Dough Balls

Ingredients: 2 cups cornmeal, 1 cup flour, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Method:

1. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water and stir until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Roll the dough into small balls.
4. Boil the dough balls for 3-5 minutes until firm.
5. Let them cool before storing in a sealed container.

These corn dough cheese balls are easy to make and very effective at attracting catfish. The combination of cornmeal onion salt and vanilla gives off a scent that catfish find irresistible.

Cornflake Chicken Guts Mix

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken guts, 1 box cornflakes.

Method:

1. Mash the chicken guts in a large bowl.
2. Crush the cornflakes and mix them with the chicken guts.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Let the balls dry in the sun for a few hours.
5. Store in a sealed container until ready to use.

This mix is potent and has a strong scent that attracts catfish from a distance. The whole chicken livers guts provide bait recipe a rich aroma, while the cornflakes help the bait hold together.

Beer-Soaked Corn Chum

Ingredients: 1 gallon feed corn, 12-pack beer, 1 packet yeast (optional).

Method:

1. Pour the feed corn into a large bucket.
2. Add the beer and optional yeast to the bucket.
3. Let the mixture sit in the sun for 2-3 days, stirring occasionally.
4. Drain off excess liquid before using the corn as chum.

This beer-soaked corn chum is excellent for creating a strong scent that draws catfish to your fishing spot. The fermentation process enhances the scent of corn meal itself, making it more attractive to fish that smell it.

Garlic Corn Nuggets

Ingredients: 2 cups corn kernels (canned or boiled feed corn), 1 tbsp garlic powder or minced garlic.

Method:

1. Mix the corn kernels with garlic powder or minced garlic in a bowl.
2. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to absorb the garlic flavor.
3. Use the garlic-flavored corn directly on your hook or as part of a bait mix.

Garlic is a powerful attractant for catfish, and these garlic corn nuggets are simple to make and very effective as cat food. The strong garlic scent of cat food helps to draw catfish from a distance.

Grape-Flavored Corn

Ingredients: 2 cups corn kernels (canned or boiled feed corn), 1 cup grape-flavored drink mix (such as Kool-Aid).

Method:

1. Place the corn kernels in a small container.
2. Pour the grape-flavored drink mix over the corn, ensuring all kernels are covered.
3. Seal the container and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Use the flavored corn on a hair rig or directly on the hook.

This grape-flavored corn adds a sweet scent that trout and catfish find attractive. The propylene glycol in the drink mix helps preserve the corn and keep it fresh.

Oatmeal-Corn Dough Bait

Ingredients: 1 cup corn kernels (canned or boiled feed corn), 1 cup instant oatmeal, 1 cup instant mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup water.

Method:

1. Mix the corn, oatmeal, and mashed potatoes in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add water until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls.
4. Use the dough balls on a method lead rig or directly on the hook.

This oatmeal-corn dough for tuna as bait recipe is sticky and holds together well in the water. The combination of ingredients creates a bait that both carp and catfish can’t resist.

In the case, you want to buy commercial baits, check our recommendations on Best Catfish Baits

Some Proven Tips and Recommendations

Storage and Maintenance

Keep prepared bait in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. This is especially important for bait that includes perishable ingredients like chicken guts or beer-soaked corn.

Avoid storing bait in direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. Sunlight can cause the bait to go bad quickly, reducing its effectiveness.

Fishing Tips

Fish in areas with known catfish populations. Look for spots where catfish are likely to congregate, such as deep holes, under bridges, or near submerged structures.

Use heavier weights to keep bait near the bottom. Catfish are bottom feeders, so keeping your bait on or near the bottom will increase your chances of a bite.

Regularly check and refresh bait to maintain its effectiveness. Bait can lose its scent and appeal over time, so it’s important to keep it fresh and attractive to fish.