Catalpa worms are a good catfish bait. I have caught catfish by simply hooking the worm onto a hook, but that doesn't work nearly as well as:

1. Purchase or gather a couple dozen catalpa worms.
2. Attach a #4 bronze hook to your line.
3. Pinch the small black head off of the catalpa worm.
4. Grasp the worm between the thumb and forefinger of your left hand.
5. With your right hand place the bend of the hook into the v shaped space between the worms hind "feet".
6. Push the hook into the worm turning it inside out on your hook.
7. This greatly increases the catalpa "aroma" that catfish can't resist!