An unlikely source of highly effective fishing bait comes from chickens. The livers of chicken are widely used in freshwater and saltwater through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Fortunately, livers are available at local grocery stores and are low in cost. When fishing with chicken liver, they are attached to hooks or dropped in traps. Catfish bait chicken livers are for more than just catfish fishing.

Where Do You Buy Chicken Livers

The most convenient place to purchase chicken liver for fishing bait is during a trip to the supermarket when you are stocking up on the week’s groceries.

When locating the chicken innards, pay close attention to the meat department and freezer section. The packages are grouped in with chicken breasts, thighs, necks, and other cuts. While you’re at the store, pick up a few packs, transfer them in small portions to ziplock bags, freeze, and grab and go for each fishing outing. 

How Do You Firm Up Chicken Livers For Fishing

The best method for firming chicken livers when casting the bait in saltwater and freshwater is by pre salting the meat. 

Purchase a large package of kosher salt or sea salt. Place the livers on a rack above a baking sheet in a thin layer and coat all sides with salt. Move the baking sheet with the salt-covered livers into the sun allow the bait to cure. Juices will drip from the rack above during the process. Test that the livers have become firm, bag them, and freeze the baits for later use. 

Remember, to avoid needing to repeat the process each time you venture out fishing, firm up an excess number of livers and store. 

How Do You Keep Chicken Liver On A Fishing Hook

Bait stealing fish cause a headache for anglers. While the firmed chicken livers are highly effective at remaining on the hook, however, when it comes to how to keep chicken liver on a hook use elastic bait thread is an added form of security.

Atlas Mikes Miracle Thread, which can be purchased on Amazon and delivered to your door, is ideal. The best way to hold chicken liver on a hook is to simply place the bait on the hook, wrap the thread around the liver and the hook’s shank five times, and pull the line tight until the thread parts. 

Is Chicken Liver A Good Bait

Fishing with chicken liver is excellent in both salt and fresh water because of the scent emitted when hooked and soaked in the water. 

Whether fishing chicken liver bait beneath a bobber or on the bottom, the smell draws fish from far distances. While catfish bait chicken livers were initially intended for catfish, many other fish species strike the bait. 

What Fish Can You Catch With Chicken Livers

Chicken for catfish bait and especially livers are ideal for catching fresh and saltwater fish. The combination of hardiness and scent makes the bait superior to other forms. 

Freshwater

When fishing chicken livers in freshwater, the two most likely fish to strike the bait are catfish and carp. 

In North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, catfish varieties are abundant. Anglers target flathead and blue catfish because they grow enormous, occasionally exceeding 100 pounds. We highly recommend chicken liver for catfish bait

 In addition to flathead and blue catfish, the three states’ lakes, reservoirs, and rivers hold channel catfish, bullhead catfish, and white catfish. Each species readily strikes chicken livers. 

Saltwater

Although the blue crab is not a fish, chicken livers placed in a crab trap lure the crustaceans into the trap or dip net. 

In addition to crabs, chicken livers draw strikes from striped bass, gafftopsail catfish, stingrays, sharks, and red or black drums. The best method of presentation is on the bottom. 

What Is The Best Hook For Chicken Liver

While treble hooks are the best overall to secure chicken liver catfish bait, they are challenging to remove when catching and releasing fish back into the water. 

When casting single hooks compared to treble hooks, match the size of the hook to the size of the fish. Small species require sizes 6 or 8, while sizes 2 or 4 are for larger fish. However, in addition to treble hooks, consider liver hooks which are specially designed to hold livers in place.

No matter what hook size you require, secure the bait to the hook well by using thread. The strike to catch conversion rate will increase dramatically compared to the livers becoming stollen by the fish. 

Catfish Bait Chicken Livers More Than Catfish

Chicken livers are not just for catching catfish. The bait is effective for catching a wide variety of fish species. Remember, the best way to hold chicken liver on a hook is to coat and dry the liver. Doing this will obtain extra holding power when placed on the fishing hook. Lastly, purchase a fishing license before casting a line. Salt and freshwater licenses are available for purchase online.