They like REALLY stinky stuff, the stinkier the better. Chicken livers are a good bait to use, as well as cut bait. I have had a good amount of luck recently on dip bait with those dip worms too (just be sure to change the hook and leader on those dip worms. I lost a big one because the knot gave way on me, stupid cheap leader...lol).
You can get a few in the sunset and sun-up times, but the best time is the middle of the night. I start getting my first real bites about 10:30pm. Last night I started dropping my dip worms down at 10pm, by 10:30pm the area must have smelled up really good with that dip bait, because as fast as I could refreshen my bait and drop it back down again I had another bite. Remember that catfish are bottom feeders, so if you want to catch them you have to get your bait within two feet of the bottom.
I haven't had to use chum to catch the catfish, but if you want to in order to increase your chances, something as simple as cat food would work because it would draw baitfish to the area, which would in turn attract the bigger fish. Cut up pieces of fish, chicken, or shrimp would work well too. But since they are bottom feeders, then just getting your stinky bait down to the bottom is all you REALLY have to do.
As far as hook, I've found medium treble hooks or size 3/0 or 4/0 Kahle hooks well. You might could even try circle if you have trouble hooking them up with the others.
Good luck. I hope you catch the BIG one!!  | 
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