Reel in the Big One: A Complete Guide to Using Cheese as Fish Bait

Cheese as fish bait? It may sound crazy, but using cheese to catch fish is actually an effective technique that many anglers swear by. As an avid fisherman myself, I was skeptical at first. But after testing it out numerous times, I can confirm that cheese really works to attract fish and help you reel in the big one!

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using cheese for fishing. We’ll cover the best cheese types, fish species it works on, tips for rigging it on your line, and plenty of other cheesy details. Grab some cheddar cubes and let’s get started!

What Kind of Fish Like Cheese Bait?

The first question many anglers have is what fish actually like cheese? It may surprise you, but cheese attracts a very wide variety of freshwater and saltwater species. Here are some of the top fish that cheese bait works great for:

• Catfish – Catfish have a keen sense of smell and love stinky baits like cheese It’s one of the best baits for catching channel cats, blue cats, and flatheads

• Carp – Carp are attracted to strong, pungent smells which makes cheese an appealing bait choice. It’s especially effective in the colder months

• Trout – Trout may turn their noses up at cheese above water, but below the surface they find it irresistible. It’s a top bait for rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

• Tilapia – Tilapia have a diverse palate and actively feed on plant and animal material including cheese baits.

• Bass – Cheese isn’t just for cats! Largemouth and smallmouth bass will strike cheese baits, especially soft cheese like brie.

• Panfish – Bluegills, crappie, yellow perch and other panfish species can’t resist the scent of cheese in the water.

So as you can see, cheese isn’t just for catching catfish as many assume. It works on a wide range of freshwater game fish as well as some saltwater species.

Best Cheese Types for Fishing Bait

Okay, we’ve established that fish like cheese. But what specific cheese types work best? The most effective options are soft, stinky cheeses that give off a strong scent in the water. Here are some top choices:

• Limburger – This famously stinky cheese is soft, gooey, and extra fragrant. It’s a top pick for catfish, carp, and trout.

• Blue Cheese – The pungent aroma of blue cheese is irresistible to many fish. Try Stilton or Danish blue cheese.

• Brie – This soft, creamy cheese makes a great bait. The interior gets nice and gooey to attract fish.

• Cheddar – For a more affordable option, cheddar cheese works very well. Go for an aged, sharper cheddar.

• Swiss – Swiss cheese has a milder scent but still attracts fish effectively. It stays on the hook well.

• Cream Cheese – Both regular and flavored cream cheese varieties work nicely on baits.

Go for the stinkiest, softest cheeses you can find. I also recommend mixing in grated Parmesan or other hard cheeses to firm up soft cheeses when making dough baits (more on this later). Avoid processed cheese slices – they just don’t give off enough scent.

Cheese Fishing Tips and Tricks

Now that you know what fish like cheese and the best cheese types to use, let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to rig it up. Here are my top tips for successfully using cheese for fishing:

• Use fresh cheese – Old, dried out cheese won’t release much scent. Use freshly cut cheese right before fishing.

• Watch the temperature – If it’s hot out, keep cheese chilled until ready to use so it doesn’t melt off the hook.

• Cut cheese into cubes – Cut cheese into 1/2 to 1 inch cubes and thread them directly onto the hook.

• Tip: Use rind pieces – Don’t waste the cheese rind, fish love this part! Cut into strips.

• Make dough baits – Knead cheese with breadcrumbs, flour, or eggs into a firm dough to mold onto hooks.

• Add flavorings – Mix in garlic, fish oils, or salt and paprika to boost the cheese scent.

• Use mesh bags – Place chunks of cheese in mesh bags and attach to line to disperse scent.

• Tip: Skewer cubes – Thread multiple cheese cubes onto a bait holder or treble hook.

• Bottom fishing – Cheese shines when bottom fishing, slowly dissolving and releasing scent.

• Check often – Occasionally lift the cheese out of the water to make sure it’s still there. Re-bait if needed.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll have cheese rigged up and ready to catch fish in no time. It really is an effective and affordable bait that’s worth having in your tackle box.

Making Homemade Cheese Bait

You can save money and customize your cheese baits by making them at home. Here are some of my favorite homemade cheese bait recipes:

Cheesy Dough Bait

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp fish oil (optional)

Mix everything together, kneading into a firm dough. Pinch off pieces and mold onto hooks.

Cream Cheese Balls

• 1 package cream cheese
• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Garlic salt to taste

Mix ingredients and roll into 1-inch balls. Thread onto hooks or place in mesh bags.

Cheese Cubes

• 1 block sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt, pepper, paprika to coat

Cut cheese into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle with seasoning mix and thread onto hooks.

Get creative with different cheese flavors and added ingredients! The options are endless.

Best Places to Use Cheese Bait

Now that your cheese bait is ready to go, where are the best spots to toss it? Here are some top locations I’ve had success using cheese:

• Rivers – Drift cheese-baited rigs in rivers for catfish, bass, walleye, and more. Target pools, current breaks, and eddies.

• Lakes – Fish cheese under bobbers or bottom rigs around docks, submerged trees, and weed edges.

• Creeks – Small creeks are cheese hotspots. Target shaded overhangs, submerged structure, and bends.

• Tailwaters – Drift cheese-baited rigs below dams for trout and stripers. Use extra weight in current.

• Docks – Drop cheese straight down around docks in lakes and reservoirs for catfish, panfish, and perch.

• Holes – Let cheese baits settle into deep holes in rivers and creeks.

Wherever current, shade, or structure attracts feeding fish, cheese will produce bites. Drift it, float it, or bottom fish it in your favorite honey holes.

Answering Common Cheese Bait Questions

I get a lot of questions from readers about using cheese for bait, so let me tackle some of the most common ones:

Does cheese work in saltwater?

Yes! Cheese attracts saltwater bottom fish like redfish, sheepshead, black drum and flounder. Just be sure to re-bait more often.

What’s the best time of day to use cheese?

Early morning and late evening are prime times, but cheese produces bites all day.

How long can you store cheese bait?

Keep refrigerated in sealed bags for 1-2 weeks. Let it warm up to room temp before using.

Can you use spray cheese?

Yes, spray cheese like Easy Cheese works great! Mist it right onto baits.

Do you tip hooks with cheese?

You can, but threading cubes onto the hooks helps keep it in place better. Cheese also works well molded onto hooks.

Wrap Up

As you can see, cheese isn’t just a great snack – it’s dynamite fishing bait too! From catfish to carp and crappie to trout, it attracts almost every species. With the right cheese type, rigging method, and location, you’ll land more fish.

So don’t be afraid to get a little cheesy with your bait. On your next fishing trip, grab some cheddar cubes, creamy brie, or stinky Limburger. Follow the tips above and the fish in your area will be saying cheese! Tight lines!