
Chicken liver is a popular bait for fishing, especially for catching catfish. However, chicken liver can be challenging to keep on the hook. One method to overcome this is to use pantyhose to hold the bait in place. Fishers have reported varying levels of success with this technique, with some finding it effective and others struggling with issues such as the pantyhose coming off the hook or being eaten by turtles. Some have suggested alternatives such as sewing thread, cheesecloth, or spawn netting. Preparing the chicken liver by marinating, curing, or processing it into dough balls can also improve its performance as bait.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why use chicken liver and pantyhose? | Chicken liver is a good bait for catfish and hybrids, but it can be hard to keep on the hook. |
| Pantyhose can be used to hold the chicken liver on the hook. | |
| Chicken liver wrapped in pantyhose can be cast a long way without the liver flying off. | |
| It also works well in heavy currents. | |
| How to prepare the chicken liver | Cut the chicken liver into small 1" cubes. |
| Marinade the chicken liver overnight. | |
| How to prepare the pantyhose | Cut the pantyhose into squares big enough to cover the chicken liver completely. |
| Twist tie the pantyhose shut or sew it shut with a needle and thread. | |
| Slide the hook through the pantyhose and liver, ensuring the barbs are sticking through the hose. | |
| Other methods | Use sewing thread to wrap around the liver and hook. |
| Use cheesecloth or spawn netting as a substitute for pantyhose. | |
| Cure the chicken liver with garlic salt and leave it in the sun for a few hours to toughen it up. |
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What You'll Learn

Chicken liver dough balls
Ingredients
Preparation
To prepare the chicken livers, cut them into small 1" cubes and leave them to marinate overnight. The next day, blend the chicken livers with other ingredients of your choice, such as garlic, bread crumbs, or Wheaties. Once you have a dough-like consistency, form small balls and attach them to the fishing hook.
Using Pantyhose
Some fishermen like to wrap their chicken liver dough balls in pantyhose to keep them on the hook. To do this, cut the pantyhose into squares and place the dough ball in the centre. Then, pull the pantyhose tight around the dough ball and hook, and secure it with a bread tie or sewing thread.
Pre-made Chicken Liver Dough Balls
Pre-made chicken liver dough balls can be purchased online or at some outdoor supply stores. Catfish Charlie offers a 5-piece variety pack of dough balls in different flavours, including chicken liver.
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Using thread to secure chicken liver
Chicken liver is a great bait for catfish and hybrids, but it can be challenging to keep it on the hook. One way to secure chicken liver to a hook is by using thread. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Preparing the Chicken Liver:
Before using the thread to secure the chicken liver, it's essential to prepare the liver properly. Cut the chicken liver into small cubes, about 1 inch in size. You can also add marinades or spices like garlic salt to the liver and let it sit overnight to enhance its flavour and toughness.
Setting Up the Thread:
When using thread to secure chicken liver, it's recommended to use sewing thread or elastic thread. You can find elastic thread at craft stores or Walmart, and it's typically used for making bead bracelets. Before starting, cut a piece of thread about 12 inches long. You can also use regular sewing thread, but ensure it's strong enough to hold the liver securely.
Tying the Knot:
Place the chicken liver on the hook, above the barbs. Take the thread and wrap it securely around the liver and the hook multiple times. You can also try a technique suggested by a fisherman, which is to tie a bait loop on the hook, slide in the liver, and then cinch it closed. This method ensures the liver stays in a nice ball around the hook, and the fish doesn't feel the hook until you set it.
Final Steps:
Once you've wrapped the thread around the liver and hook, work the liver down to the bottom of the hook. You can also try dipping the threaded liver into a tub of chicken livers or marinade to enhance the scent and attract more fish. Finally, store your threaded chicken liver baits in a cooler or freezer until you're ready to go fishing.
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Marinating chicken liver
Chicken liver is a popular bait for catfish, but it can be difficult to keep on the hook. One solution is to use pantyhose to hold the liver in place. However, this method can be cumbersome and time-consuming. To use chicken liver as bait, it is important to use fresh, preferably unfrozen, liver.
- Cut the chicken liver into small, 1" cubes.
- Place the liver cubes into a zip lock bag or container.
- Add your choice of marinade to the bag or container. You can use anything that you think will soak into the chicken well. For example, garlic salt is a popular option.
- Thoroughly mix the contents so that the meat is completely covered by the marinade.
- Seal the bag or container and store it in the fridge for 12-24 hours.
- After the waiting period, heat some lard or coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken liver for 10-15 minutes. Don't worry if some of the marinade get's into the pan; you can even use it to cook the liver or make a sauce.
Some people choose to cure their chicken livers with garlic salt and leave them in the sun for a few hours to toughen them up. You can also try adding some garlic to a food processor with the chicken liver and processing it to the desired consistency. Then, add some breadcrumbs to make chicken liver doughballs.
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Chicken liver pouches
Chicken liver is a great bait for catfish and hybrids, but it can be challenging to keep them on the hook. Here is a detailed guide on creating chicken liver pouches with pantyhose to solve this problem:
Preparing the Chicken Liver
Before creating the pouches, you can choose to prepare the chicken liver in various ways. Some anglers suggest cutting the liver into small cubes and marinating them overnight. Others blend the liver with garlic or garlic salt and breadcrumbs to create a dough-like consistency. You can also cure the liver by laying it out in the sun for a few hours on a cookie sheet to toughen it up.
Creating the Chicken Liver Pouches
To create the pouches, you will need pantyhose, preferably new or clean ones. Cut the pantyhose into squares large enough to cover the chicken liver completely. You can use a single square or double it up for extra durability. Place the prepared chicken liver in the centre of the pantyhose square. Gather the corners of the pantyhose above the chicken liver and secure it tightly with a bread tie, twist tie, rubber band, or by tying a knot. Ensure that your treble hook's barbs are sticking through the pantyhose and not underneath.
Alternative Methods
Some anglers have suggested alternative methods to using pantyhose. These include using sewing thread, elastic thread, cheesecloth, or spawn netting. The thread is wrapped around the liver and hook multiple times to secure the bait. Cheesecloth and spawn netting act as substitutes for the pantyhose, providing a similar function.
Tips
- Chicken liver pouches are excellent for keeping the bait on the hook and can be cast long distances without the liver falling off.
- If you are using fresh chicken liver, freezing the pouches before use helps them hold together better.
- Adding canned cat food or mashed sardines to the liver creates an underwater chum slick, helping catfish find the bait faster.
- Using chicken hearts and gizzards is another option, as they stay on the hook longer.
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Chicken liver and pantyhose for catfish
Chicken liver and pantyhose can be used together to catch catfish. The pantyhose keeps the chicken liver together and on the hook.
To use this method, cut the pantyhose into squares big enough to cover the chicken liver completely. You can then twist-tie the pantyhose shut or sew it shut with a needle and thread. You can also use elastic thread to hold the liver on a circle hook. Slide the hook through the pantyhose so that the barbs are sticking through, instead of underneath the hose. This will allow you to cast it a long way without the liver flying off, and it also works well in heavy currents.
Some people prefer to use sewing thread or fishing string to keep the liver on the hook, as they find it less hassle than using pantyhose. Others have suggested using cheesecloth as a substitute for pantyhose, as it is better for the water if it comes off the hook.
If you are using chicken liver as bait, it is recommended to cut the chicken into 1" cubes and marinate it overnight. You can add anything you think may soak into the chicken well. Some people also cure their chicken livers with garlic salt and leave them in the sun for a few hours to toughen them up.
Another method for using chicken liver as bait is to put the livers into a food processor and add garlic or other ingredients. Then, add breadcrumbs to form a dough. These "liver doughballs" can be fished on hooks designed to hold this type of bait.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the pantyhose into 1" or 2" squares, then put the liver inside. Pull the pantyhose up tight around your hook and liver, and use a bread tie or sewing thread to tie it onto your hook.
You can add garlic or garlic salt to the chicken liver, or cure it in the sun. You can also put the liver in a food processor and add breadcrumbs to make doughballs.
Rooster livers, chicken hearts, and gizzards are all good alternatives.
You can use sewing thread, elastic thread, cheesecloth, or spawn netting to hold the liver onto the hook.











































