Catfish Bait Cont.

Gizzard Shad

Characteristics - bright silvery blue on back, silvery sides and dusky white belly; deep oblong body that is laterally compressed; maximum size range in Iowa is about 9-14 inches Distribution - statewide Foods - plankton Expert's Tip - Shad make great bait for catching channel catfish!

Northern Hog Sucker

Characteristics - the body is mottled brownish with a large, bony head, squarish in cross section with the interspace between the eyes broad and curved inward, this species is the host of the glochidial stage of the elk toe mussel. Distribution - locally abundant in the rivers and streams in Ohio. Foods - immature aquatic insects, small mollusks and crustaceans.

Quillback Sucker

Characteristics - brown back with silvery reflections, sides tinged golden yellow with dark edged scales, belly white, scales large, no nipple-like extension on lower lip. Distribution - common in most rivers and streams. Foods - bottom ooze, plant materials, and aquatic insect larvae. .