Cut Skipjack Herring
An exceptionally oily, bloody baitfish that big blue catfish travel for - chunked skipjack is the trophy-cat bait of big river systems, prized for its powerful scent.
Skipjack herring are among the oiliest, bloodiest baitfish a catfish angler can offer, and big blue catfish find them nearly irresistible. On the big river systems where trophy blues live, cut skipjack is the go-to bait: a chunk or fillet leaks a heavy scent trail that pulls giant cats from across a hole. Skipjack are a bit of work to catch (usually taken on tiny lures or sabiki rigs in current), but that oily, high-scent flesh is exactly why serious trophy-cat hunters go to the trouble.
What it catches
Blue catfish first and foremost, especially trophy-class blues, along with flathead and channel cats and other scent-feeders. The intense oil and blood content makes skipjack a standout for big blues in particular - many trophy-cat anglers consider it the premier cut bait where it's available.
Getting & keeping it
Catch skipjack on small spoons, jigs or sabiki rigs in current below dams and in river tailwaters, since they're rarely sold. Fish them fresh for the strongest scent, or freeze them - skipjack freeze reasonably well and remain effective, though fresh is best. Keep fresh ones on ice, and cut pieces as needed so the bait stays oily and juicy.
How to rig it
Cut skipjack into chunks, fillets or steaks sized to the target, and hook a piece firmly on a stout circle hook. The head and the bloody body sections are prime for big blues. Fish on a slip-sinker or three-way bottom rig on the bottom in current, where the heavy scent trail spreads. Match bait and hook size to trophy expectations - big baits for big fish.
When it shines
Trophy blue catfish fishing on big rivers and reservoirs, especially in current and around structure where big cats hold. It shines in cooler months when blues feed heavily, and any time you're specifically after a giant and want the highest-scent cut bait available. Tailwater and deep-hole fishing are classic settings.
Field tips
Catch a supply fresh below dams before you fish, and keep it iced. Cut fresh, oily pieces and rebait once the scent soaks out. Use the head and bloody sections for the biggest cats. Fish in current so the scent disperses widely, and scale up bait and tackle when targeting trophies. Freeze any surplus for the next trip.
Common mistakes
Fishing washed-out, scent-spent pieces, letting the bait sit until it dries instead of cutting fresh, tackle too light for a trophy blue, and overlooking current placement - skipjack's whole edge is its scent, so it must be fished where that scent can spread to feeding fish.