Jake Harper
Chicken liver is a popular bait for fishing, especially for catfish. However, it can be challenging to keep the liver securely on the hook. One common method to address this issue is to use a type of cloth, such as pantyhose, cheesecloth, or mesh, to wrap or contain the liver, which can then be tied or secured to the hook. Another approach is to cure the liver with salt, borax, or alcohol, which toughens the liver and helps it stay on the hook. Additionally, some anglers recommend using a treble hook or a circle hook, which provides more points of contact to keep the liver in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of hook | Circle hook, bait holder hook, worm hook, treble hook |
| Type of chicken liver | Fresh, cured |
| Other items | Sewing thread, pantyhose, mesh sacs, cheesecloth, dental floss, sponge, cornmeal, salt, borax, cotton |
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What You'll Learn
Using pantyhose or cheesecloth
Preparing the Chicken Liver:
Before using pantyhose or cheesecloth, some anglers suggest preparing the chicken liver to make it firmer and reduce the chances of it falling off the hook. One method is to cure the chicken livers with garlic salt and set them in the sun for a few hours. Alternatively, you can sprinkle unflavoured gelatin (jello) on the chicken livers, which will stiffen them without adding water.
Using Pantyhose:
Pantyhose can be used to secure chicken liver on a hook and are preferred by some anglers due to their availability and ease of use. Here are the steps to use pantyhose effectively:
- Cut a piece of pantyhose: Cut a section of pantyhose, preferably the foot portion, to create a smaller piece that is easier to manage.
- Prepare the chicken liver: Place the desired amount of chicken liver in the centre of the cut pantyhose.
- Tie a knot: Gather the edges of the pantyhose around the chicken liver and tie a knot at the top, securing the liver inside.
- Attach to the hook: Take your circle hook and pierce it through the knotted pantyhose with the liver inside. You can also use a treble hook and slide the liver over it before pulling the pantyhose tight and tying it with a bread tie.
- Secure with thread (optional): Some anglers suggest wrapping the pantyhose-covered liver with thread or elastic thread for added security. You can use any type of knot, such as a clove hitch, to secure the thread.
Using Cheesecloth:
Cheesecloth is another effective option for keeping chicken liver on a circle hook. It is inexpensive and customizable. Here are the steps to use cheesecloth:
- Cut a piece of cheesecloth: Cut a square or round piece of cheesecloth, approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in size.
- Prepare the chicken liver: Place the chicken liver in the centre of the cheesecloth. You can cut the liver in half to make it easier to work with.
- Wrap the liver: Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and wrap it around the liver to form a marble-sized ball.
- Secure with thread: Use thread to wrap and secure the cheesecloth around the liver. You can use any type of knot to tie the thread, ensuring it is tight.
- Attach to the hook: Pierce the circle hook through the wrapped ball of cheesecloth and liver. You can also use dental floss to secure the cheesecloth and liver before attaching it to the hook.
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Threading and wrapping
Preparing the Chicken Liver:
Before threading and wrapping, you can prepare the chicken liver to make it more durable and attractive as bait. Here are some options for preparation:
- Soaking the chicken liver in salt and borax curing solution: Lay the livers on a piece of cardboard, sprinkle both sides with iodized salt and borax, transfer them to a ziplock bag, add more borax, and shake vigorously. Place the coated livers on a mesh surface to dry. Curing toughens the liver, making it easier to thread and wrap, and it also extends the bait's life.
- Freezing the chicken liver with the hook: Mount the hook on the liver and freeze it. This will help the liver stay on the hook longer.
- Using fresh chicken liver: Fresh livers tend to stay on the hook better than those packaged in plastic cups, which are mushier. Look for livers packaged on flat meat trays.
Once you have prepared your chicken liver, you can use various threading and wrapping techniques to secure it to the circle hook:
- Using pantyhose or tulle: Cut the pantyhose or tulle into small squares. Place the chicken liver in the centre, gather the cloth around it to form a marble-sized ball, and then tie a knot at the top. Put the hook through the ball, and you're ready to cast.
- Using cheesecloth: Cut a square of cheesecloth, place the chicken liver in the centre, and wrap the cloth around it. Twist and secure the end with thread, and then pierce the cloth with the hook. You can also add a circle hook by threading the bag onto the hook and tying it on.
- Using sewing thread: Break off an 8-inch piece of sewing thread and lay one end on the liver. The thread will cling to the liver, allowing you to wrap it around multiple times. Bring the thread over the inside belly of the hook to ensure the liver stays on. You can also loop the thread over loose strands of the liver on the backside of the hook and then wrap it towards the bend of the hook to create a tight ball.
- Using elastic thread: Wrap elastic thread a few times around the chicken liver and the hook to secure it.
- Using a combination of thread and mesh: Cut small squares of mesh used for wrapping salmon eggs (spawning cloth) and a 6-inch piece of thread for each square. Wrap the chicken liver in the mesh, tie it off with the thread, and then pierce the mesh with the hook.
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Using mesh sacs or bait bags
When using mesh sacs or bait bags, it is important to consider the size of the bag and the tightness of the knot. The bag should be large enough to fit the chicken liver comfortably, but not so large that it becomes bulky and difficult to cast. The knot used to secure the bag should be tight enough to prevent the liver from falling out, but still allow the bag to be opened or cut open once the liver has been cast.
Some anglers also recommend treating the chicken liver before placing it in the mesh sac or bait bag. This can be done by soaking the liver in garlic powder or salt, or by freezing it to make it firmer and less messy. Cured livers can also be stored in the fridge for future trips, although they may not be as effective as fresh livers.
It is worth noting that some anglers have reported mixed results when using mesh sacs or bait bags. While some find that this method keeps the chicken liver securely on the hook, others have found that the liver can still be pulled off by the fish. Additionally, the use of mesh or cloth may affect the casting distance and force that can be applied, so it is important to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your specific setup.
Overall, using mesh sacs or bait bags can be an effective way to keep chicken liver on a circle hook, but it may require some experimentation and adjustment to find the right technique for your fishing style and conditions.
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Curing the liver
Curing chicken liver can be a great way to keep the bait on your hook for longer. Chicken liver is a popular bait for fishing, particularly for catfish, but it can be soft and slippery, and it is often eaten by fish too quickly for it to be effective. Curing the liver makes it tougher, more durable, and longer-lasting, while also making it more attractive to fish and reducing its strong scent.
There are several methods for curing chicken liver, but most involve using salt and/or garlic powder. One method is to cut the liver into bait-sized pieces and place them on a tray or screen, ensuring there is space for air to circulate underneath. Sprinkle the liver generously with non-iodised salt and garlic powder, and leave it to cure. The liver will shrink by around 25-30% as it cures, so it is recommended to cut the pieces slightly larger than your desired bait size. Sun curing is a popular method, but it can also be done inside a garage or another enclosed space. The curing process can take several weeks, and the liver will be ready when it reaches a moist jerky-like texture.
Another method for curing chicken liver involves using a commercial curing product such as Pro-Cure UV Glow Egg Cure. This product was originally designed for curing salmon eggs, but it can also be used for chicken liver. Place the chicken liver in a ziplock bag and drain off any excess moisture. Add several tablespoons of the Pro-Cure mixture to the bag, shake it until the liver is coated, and then let it marinate for 1-4 hours. After marinating, place the liver on a drying rack or mesh to allow air to circulate.
Cured chicken liver can last for months in a refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer, making it a convenient and long-lasting bait option for fishing enthusiasts.
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Using a treble hook
While there are many ways to keep chicken liver on a circle hook, using a treble hook is one of the most effective methods. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a treble hook to keep chicken liver securely in place:
This method involves using a treble hook in combination with pantyhose and zip ties. Start by hooking the chicken liver onto the treble hook. Then, take a small piece of pantyhose, place it over the liver, and secure it with a zip tie above the top bend of the hook. Using offset hooks will ensure that the zip tie stays in place. This method provides a secure hold and is also cost-effective, as pantyhose and small zip ties are inexpensive.
Using Treble Hook with Cheesecloth:
Cheesecloth is another useful material for keeping chicken liver on a treble hook. Cut a square of cheesecloth slightly larger than the liver. Place the chicken liver in the centre of the cheesecloth and wrap it securely, twisting the ends of the cloth. Then, take a piece of thread or dental floss and wrap it tightly around the cheesecloth-covered liver, making sure to include the treble hook in your wraps. This method ensures that the liver stays intact and releases its scent in the water.
Using Treble Hook with Mesh and Thread:
Mesh, similar to the type used for wrapping salmon eggs, can also be employed with a treble hook. Cut squares of mesh, approximately 2"x4" in size. Roll up a piece of chicken liver in the mesh and secure it with a few wraps of thread. Then, pierce the mesh-covered liver with the treble hook, ensuring the barb of the hook holds the mesh in place. This method provides a secure hold and allows for easy release when needed.
Using Treble Hook with Cotton and Saltwater:
A more natural approach involves mashing up the chicken livers and mixing them with cotton. The cotton adds structure to the mixture, making it easier to keep on the treble hook. Additionally, soaking the chicken livers in saltwater before mashing them can help to toughen them, further improving their ability to stay on the hook. This method leverages the scent of the chicken liver to attract fish while providing a more sustainable option.
Using Treble Hook with Treble Hooks and Sewing Thread:
A simple yet effective method is to use treble hooks in combination with sewing thread. Hook the chicken liver onto the treble hook and then wrap sewing thread tightly around the liver multiple times. This compresses the liver onto the hook, creating a secure hold. This method is straightforward and can be adjusted by adding more or less thread as needed.
These methods utilising treble hooks provide various options for keeping chicken liver securely on your hook. Each technique has its advantages, so experiment to find the one that works best for your fishing needs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to keep chicken liver on a circle hook. One way is to use a treble hook as the three hooks help to contain the liver. You can also try using a circle octopus hook for bigger catfish.
One way is to use sewing thread. Break off an 8-inch piece of thread and lay one end on the liver. Wrap the thread around the liver and hook, looping over loose strands at the backside of the hook. You can also use an offset worm hook, pantyhose, and a zip tie.
Yes, you can cure the chicken liver with salt and borax to toughen it up. Lay the livers on cardboard, sprinkle with salt and borax, and transfer to a Ziploc bag. Shake vigorously and then lay out on a mesh surface to dry.
Yes, you can use a product like Pro-Cure Bait Scents to add scent and flavour to the liver while also drying and toughening it. You can also try wrapping the liver in cheesecloth or pantyhose, or using mesh bait bags.
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