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. Some anglers recommend using a bait holder hook, which has small barbs on the back that help to hold the liver in place. Another common technique is to use a piece of mesh or pantyhose to wrap around the liver before hooking it, which provides extra support and keeps the liver from sliding off. Soaking the liver in salt water or non-poisonous alcohol can also help to toughen it and make it easier to hook. Additionally, some anglers suggest freezing the liver before use or mixing it with cotton to give it more body and improve its durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of hook | Normal bait holder hook, treble hook, offset worm hook |
| Type of liver | Fresh liver, mixed tub of livers and gizzards in blood |
| Liver preparation | Soak in saltwater, soak in non-poisonous alcohol, mash and mix with cotton, cut into strips, freeze, cure |
| Other items | Pantyhose, zip ties, dental floss, cheesecloth, thread, gauze, mesh, sponge, waxed floss |
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What You'll Learn
Using pantyhose and zip ties
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Liver
Start by cutting the chicken liver into small pieces using a sharp knife. It is important to use fresh, cold liver as it tends to get mushy when exposed to heat. You can also add a little salt to the liver to enhance its attractiveness to the fish.
Step 2: Cut the Pantyhose
Take a pair of pantyhose and cut it into small squares or rectangles, approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in size. You can use the toe portion of the pantyhose, as it is easier to manage and cheaper.
Step 3: Create Liver Pouches
Place a small piece of chicken liver in the centre of each pantyhose square. Gather the corners of the fabric and tie them securely with a piece of thread or dental floss. You can also use a clove hitch or any other suitable knot to secure the liver inside the pantyhose pouch.
Step 4: Attach the Zip Ties
Take an offset worm hook and place the liver pouch on it. Adjust the position of the pouch so that it covers the barb of the hook, ensuring it doesn't slide off. Then, take a small zip tie and secure it above the top bend of the hook, just below the pouch. This will hold the pouch in place and prevent it from sliding down.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Check that the zip tie is tight and secure. You can cut off any excess material from the zip tie and pantyhose to ensure a neat presentation. Now you are ready to cast your line and start fishing!
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Soaking in saltwater
Soaking chicken liver in saltwater is a popular method for keeping the bait on a fish hook. The saltwater helps to toughen the chicken liver, making it less likely to fall off the hook when casting and more durable in the water. This method is particularly useful when fishing for catfish, as they are attracted to the scent of chicken liver but the bait can easily come off the hook.
To prepare the chicken liver, start by removing the desired amount from its container and placing it on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous amount of curing or sea salt over the chicken liver, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Leave the salted chicken liver in direct sunlight or a warm, dry place for about two hours, then turn over the pieces, re-salt, and leave for another hour. This process helps to draw out moisture and toughen the liver.
After the initial curing process, place the chicken liver in an airtight container and add another layer of salt. Store the container in the refrigerator until you are ready to go fishing. The chicken liver will continue to cure and toughen in the refrigerator, and this step also helps to preserve the bait.
When you are ready to go fishing, simply remove the chicken liver from the container and thread it onto your fishing hook. The saltwater curing process will have toughened the liver, making it easier to handle and less likely to fall off the hook. This method can also be combined with other techniques, such as using pantyhose or cheesecloth to secure the chicken liver onto the hook.
In addition to saltwater, some anglers also recommend adding other ingredients to the curing process, such as sugar, cayenne, grain alcohol, butyric acid, or powdered milk. These additional ingredients can enhance the scent and flavour of the chicken liver, making it even more attractive to fish. Experimenting with different curing mixtures can help anglers find the perfect combination that keeps the bait on the hook and entices the desired catch.
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Using dental floss
Chicken liver is a cheap and solid bait to use for fishing, especially for catfishing. However, it can be challenging to keep the liver on the hook. One effective method to secure chicken liver on a fish hook is by using dental floss, following these steps:
First, select a suitable type of dental floss. Flat, waxed, and non-scented dental floss is recommended to avoid imparting any unwanted flavours or scents to the bait.
Next, prepare the chicken liver. It is important to use fresh liver, as the ones packaged in a plastic cup tend to be mushy and more difficult to keep on the hook. If possible, choose liver that comes on a flat meat tray, as these pieces tend to stay on the hook better. You can also opt for a mixed tub of livers and gizzards in blood. Gizzards are tougher and can withstand casting, although they may not have as strong of a scent.
Now, it's time to assemble the bait. Take your fish hook, which can be a simple baitholder hook or a treble hook, and pierce the chicken liver with it. Ensure that the hook goes through the fat of the liver securely. If using a treble hook, push it up through the liver, catching the eyelet and the barbs, then place it back on the swivel. This method provides stability and eliminates the need for additional thread.
Finally, use the dental floss to secure the chicken liver in place. Wrap the dental floss in all directions around the liver and hook assembly. This will ensure that the liver remains firmly attached to the hook, even during casting. By following these steps and using dental floss, you can effectively keep chicken liver on a fish hook and increase your chances of catching fish.
Additionally, some anglers recommend soaking the chicken liver in saltwater before use, as it helps to toughen the liver and improve its durability on the hook. This can be done by adding a small amount of salt to water and soaking the liver for a period of time before fishing.
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Using cheesecloth
Chicken liver is a great bait for fishing channels, but it can be challenging to keep it on the hook. Here's a step-by-step guide on using cheesecloth to secure your chicken liver bait:
Preparing the Cheesecloth
Cut a piece of cheesecloth into a square or circle approximately 2.5 to 3 inches in size. This size is not critical, but it should be large enough to wrap around your chicken liver. You can also cut slightly larger pieces if you have a bigger chicken liver or want to create a more secure package. Keep the cheesecloth sterile and avoid using synthetic materials, as these can be harmful to fish if they ingest them.
Wrapping the Chicken Liver
Place the chicken liver in the centre of the cheesecloth. Fold the cloth around the liver, forming a marble-sized ball. Ensure that the liver is securely wrapped and there are no loose ends of cloth that could unravel in the water. You can trim off any excess cheesecloth if needed.
Securing the Package
Gather the cheesecloth at the top, where it comes together, and tie it securely with thread. You can use any type of knot that you're comfortable with, such as a clove hitch, to secure the thread. Make sure the knot is tight and won't come undone in the water.
Attaching to the Hook
Now that your chicken liver is securely wrapped in cheesecloth, it's time to attach it to your fishing hook. Pass the hook through the ball of chicken liver and cheesecloth. You can pierce the hook through multiple times to ensure it is securely attached. If you're concerned about the thread coming undone, you can also wrap the thread around the hook a few times for added security.
Optional: Using "Magic Thread"
Some anglers recommend using a product called "Magic Thread," which has a bit of elasticity and can help prevent slicing through the liver or bait. This product can be useful if you're concerned about the thread cutting through your chicken liver or cheesecloth. You can find "Magic Thread" at fishing supply stores or online.
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Freezing liver strips
Freezing chicken liver strips is a good way to keep them on your hook. It is recommended that you cut the liver into strips and leave some connective tissue on each strip before you go out on the water. You can then freeze the strips the night before you go fishing. This method helps to keep the liver on the hook, and it is also easier to prepare chicken liver at home where the light is good and the cleanup is easier.
There are several other methods to keep chicken liver on a hook. One way is to use an offset worm hook, pantyhose, and a zip tie. First, hook the liver, then put the pantyhose over it, and finally, zip tie it above the top bend in the hook. Using offset hooks ensures that the zip tie doesn't slide. You can also cut up sections of pantyhose, tie off one end, stuff some liver in, and tie off the other end, then attach it to your hook.
Another method is to use a baitholder hook and cast gently. Fresh liver works better than the ones that come in a plastic cup, as they are mushier. If you need to cast further, you can buy a mixed tub of livers and gizzards in blood. Gizzards are much tougher and cannot be pulled off the hook easily, but they don't smell as strong.
You can also try soaking the liver in saltwater before use, as this toughens them up. Soaking in salt water for a few hours will stiffen them and make them "rubbery", which helps them stay on the hook. You can also try curing the liver with borax, salt, and garlic powder. This method will make the liver dry up a little and stay on the hook better.
Other methods include using a treble hook and wrapping thread, floss, or string around the liver, or using a circle hook with waxed, non-scented dental floss.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to keep chicken liver on a fish hook. One way is to use a baitholder hook, which has small shanks in the neck of the hook to hold the bait in place. Another way is to use an offset worm hook, pantyhose, and a zip tie. First, hook the liver, then put the pantyhose over it and zip tie it above the top bend in the hook.
Fresh chicken liver works better than frozen. The fresh liver that comes on a flat meat tray is also better than the ones in a plastic cup, as the latter tend to be mushy.
If you are fishing for catfish, you can use other types of bait such as cut-bait or a bait fish.
You can soak the chicken liver in salt water to toughen it up and make it easier to hook. You can also cut the liver into strips before rigging it, which can be messy and is best done at home.
When casting, lob the bait gently and avoid trying to throw it too far. You can also try using a treble hook or wrapping the liver in cheesecloth or mesh before hooking it.
