Do fully cooked turkey breasts work as catfish bait?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Ah, the age-old question of whether you can entice catfish with a Thanksgiving delicacy! While it might sound a bit unconventional, using fully cooked turkey breasts as catfish bait *can* actually work, though it's not the most common choice.

### Why Turkey Breast Could Work
Catfish have a keen sense of smell and are known to be opportunistic feeders, which means they might take a liking to the savory scent of turkey. The oils and fats in cooked turkey can release scents that attract catfish, especially if the turkey is seasoned well. However, there are a few things to consider before you raid your fridge for leftovers:

- **Texture**: Turkey breast, especially when cooked, can become quite soft. This might make it difficult to stay on your hook. You might want to use a bait thread or elastic to secure it properly.
- **Scent**: While the aroma of turkey can be alluring, it might not be as potent as other baits specifically designed for catfish. You might want to consider enhancing the scent with a fish attractant.

### Tips for Using Turkey as Bait
1. **Cut into Chunks**: Make sure to cut the turkey breast into bite-sized chunks that are easy to manage and hook.
2. **Use a Treble Hook**: This type of hook can help keep softer baits in place better than a single hook.
3. **Add Scents**: Consider using a product like [Baitmate Live Catfish Scented Fish Attractant](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PQE1JFA?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) to amplify the scent of your turkey bait.

### Alternative Baits
If turkey doesn't seem to hold up well, there are plenty of other baits you can try. For instance, [Catfish Pro Chicken Liver Fishing Bait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074WJ4DFB?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) is a popular choice among anglers and is designed to stay on the hook.

![Catfish Pro Chicken Liver Fishing Bait](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51utikKIcRL._SL160_.jpg)

### Practical Tip
When experimenting with unconventional baits like turkey, always have a backup plan with more traditional baits. This ensures you won't leave the water empty-handed if your experiment doesn't pan out.

### Weather-Specific Fishing Tip
During early summer, catfish are more active as they prepare for spawning. The warmer water temperatures enhance their metabolism, making them more likely to go for larger meals, like your turkey bait. Just remember, the weather can change the game, so always check the conditions before heading out.

In conclusion, while turkey breast isn't a go-to bait, it can be a fun experiment if you're feeling adventurous. Just be prepared with a backup plan and enjoy the process of discovering what works best for your local fishing spot.

Happy fishing, and may your lines be tight and your catches plentiful! 🎣

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