What’s the best bait for catching catfish in RDR2?

Catching catfish in Red Dead Redemption 2 requires the right bait, knowledge of fishing mechanics, and understanding where to find these elusive fish. Catfish are one of the larger fish species in the game, and they can be found in specific bodies of water. To maximize your success, you’ll need to use the correct bait and follow a few key steps.\n\nFirst, the best bait for catching catfish is the **Special River Lure**. This lure is specifically designed for larger fish found in rivers, including catfish. You can purchase the Special River Lure from bait shops, such as the one in Lagras, or from the general store in Rhodes. If you’re early in the game and haven’t unlocked the ability to buy lures, you can also use **Crawfish** or **Swamp Bait**, though these are less effective than the Special River Lure.\n\nTo use the Special River Lure, equip your fishing rod and select the lure from your bait inventory. Cast your line into deep, slow-moving water where catfish are known to spawn. Catfish are most commonly found in the **Lannahechee River** and **Flat Iron Lake**, particularly near the southern regions of the map. Look for areas with calm water and avoid fast-moving currents, as catfish prefer slower, deeper waters.\n\nOnce your line is in the water, wait for a bite. Catfish are strong and will put up a fight, so be prepared to reel them in carefully. When the fish bites, press the appropriate button to hook it (R2/RT on most controllers). Then, use the left stick to pull the rod in the opposite direction of the fish’s movement while reeling in with the right stick or button. Avoid reeling too quickly, as this can cause the line to break.\n\nA common challenge players face is losing the fish due to a snapped line. To prevent this, ensure your fishing line is in good condition and avoid reeling when the fish is thrashing. If the fish pulls hard, stop reeling and let it tire itself out. Patience is key when fishing for catfish, as they are one of the tougher fish to catch in the game.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that fishing requires a fishing rod, which is unlocked during the mission **A Fisher of Fish** in Chapter 2. This mission is given by Abigail Marston at Clemens Point. Once you have the rod, you can start fishing anywhere in the game. Experienced players can optimize their fishing by using Eagle Eye to spot fish in the water, making it easier to target catfish specifically.\n\nIn summary, the best bait for catching catfish is the Special River Lure, which can be purchased from bait shops. Focus on fishing in deep, slow-moving waters like the Lannahechee River or Flat Iron Lake. Use patience and proper reeling techniques to avoid breaking the line. With these tips, you’ll be able to catch catfish consistently and add them to your collection or sell them for a decent profit.