The best tactic I know for carp is to take a can of corn and throw the corn into the lake where you are going to fish. Wait about half an hour, then use a second can of corn for bait. Bait your hook with a kernel or two and throw it out there. The chum of the first can will draw them in, and you'll catch some carp.
A trick for catfish is to "sweeten" the dough bait with some canned anchovies or sardines. Just stir them right in. Another trick (no kidding) is to squeeze a tube of Preparation-H into the dough bait. (It contains fish oil.) I've seen that work, too.
EDIT: If you're wanting to catch flathead or big blue cats, you'll need to use live bait - preferably bluegill or bream. Hook a 2"-3" bluegill under the dorsal fin. I like to clip their tail fin a little to put some blood in the water and keep them from swimming too much. I'll also score them on one side (just a little) to put some blood and scent in the water. |