If you’re an avid fisherman or hunter, you may have heard of beef melt bait.
But what exactly is it?
Beef melt is actually the spleen of a steer, and it can be sliced into small pieces, dredged in seasoned flour, and fried with onion in heated oil.
It’s a popular bait for catching alligators and catfish in the bayou, but it can be difficult to find in some areas.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of beef melt bait, including how to prepare it and where to find it.
So grab your fishing gear and let’s dive in!
What Is Beef Melt Bait?
As mentioned earlier, beef melt bait is made from the spleen of a steer. This cut of meat is not commonly used for human consumption, but it has become a popular bait for catching alligators and catfish in the bayou.
To prepare beef melt bait, the spleen is sliced into small pieces and dredged in seasoned flour. It is then fried with onion in heated oil until it is cooked through. The cooked beef melt can be used as bait on a fishing line or as chum to attract fish to a specific area.
How Is Beef Melt Bait Made?
To make beef melt bait, you will need to start with several pounds of beef melt. Begin by removing the outer membrane from the spleen and slicing it into small pieces. Dust the pieces in seasoned flour and fry them with onion in heated oil until they are cooked through.
Once the beef melt is cooked, you can use it in a variety of ways to attract fish. For example, you can use it as bait on a fishing line or chop it up into small pieces and use it as chum to attract fish to a specific area.
It is important to note that beef melt bait is not commonly used for freshwater fishing and is primarily used in the bayou for catching alligators and catfish. Additionally, it is important to check with local regulations and guidelines before using any type of bait when fishing.
What Types Of Fish Can Be Caught With Beef Melt Bait?
While beef melt bait is commonly used for catching alligators and catfish in the bayou, it can also be effective for catching other types of fish. The strong odor and bloody content of the bait make it attractive to many fish species.
Some anglers have reported success using beef melt bait for catching sharks, although this may not be the intended target for most fishermen. Additionally, beef melt bait has been known to attract carp, gar, and even bass.
It’s important to note that while beef melt bait may work well for some fish species in certain areas, it may not be effective in others. It’s always a good idea to research the types of fish that are commonly found in the area you plan to fish and to experiment with different baits to see what works best.
Where Can You Find Beef Melt Bait?
Beef melt bait can be found in most meat markets and butcher shops. Some grocery stores may also carry it, but it is best to ask the butcher if they have it in stock. In the Baton Rouge area, there are several options for purchasing beef melt bait. Local meat markets and butcher shops such as Tony’s Seafood Market and Deli, Iverstine Farms Butcher, and Bergeron’s Boudin and Cajun Meats are known to carry this type of bait. It is important to note that beef melt bait is not always readily available, as it is a less common cut of meat. It may be necessary to call ahead or check with multiple locations before finding a store that carries it. Additionally, some fishermen prefer to make their own beef melt bait at home using fresh spleen from a local butcher.
Tips For Using Beef Melt Bait In Your Fishing Or Hunting Trips
If you are planning to use beef melt bait on your next fishing or hunting trip, here are some tips to help you make the most out of this unique bait:
1. Use a sturdy hook: Beef melt bait can be quite tough, so it’s important to use a sturdy hook that can handle the weight and texture of the bait. A J-hook or treble hook can be a good choice.
2. Add some flavor: While beef melt bait has a natural scent that can attract fish, adding some extra flavor can make it even more enticing. You can try adding some food dye to improve visibility or darken the color of the bait. Frying the bait with some spices or herbs can also help to seal in flavors and make it more attractive to fish.
3. Use it as chum: Beef melt bait can also be used as chum to attract fish to a specific area. Simply chop it up into small pieces and toss it into the water around your fishing spot.
4. Keep it fresh: Like any other type of bait, beef melt can spoil if not stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it.
5. Experiment with different techniques: Beef melt bait can be used in a variety of ways, from fishing on the bottom to suspending it under a bobber. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success when using beef melt bait on your next fishing or hunting trip. Just remember to always follow local regulations and guidelines when using any type of bait or chum.
Alternatives To Beef Melt Bait: Other Types Of Bait You Can Use.
While beef melt bait may be a popular choice for some fishermen, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Here are some alternatives to beef melt bait that you can try:
1. Soap – Believe it or not, unscented soap can be a decent fishing bait. Ivory soap seems to work best, and it can be melted down and remolded into ice cube trays for easy use.
2. Shad and Minnows – These small fish are a solid bait choice, especially when targeting smaller catfish.
3. Catalpa Worms and Nightcrawlers – These crawling critters can be found in your own backyard and make great bait. They can be pulled up from the dirt and transported without issue.
4. Cheese – Any kind of cheese can be used as bait, but cheddar, Colby, and Jack are popular choices. It is recommended to use at least 40 pounds of cheese for the bait to be effective.
5. Fiber Thickeners – For punch baits, fiber thickeners like cattail threads or synthetic fibers can be used to cling to the treble hook.
6. Sweeteners – Adding sweeteners like cherry or strawberry Kool-Aid or even blood can make your bait more enticing to fish.
Remember that different types of bait work better in different conditions and for different types of fish. It’s important to experiment and find what works best for you in your specific fishing location.
