I was wondering if cut bait would work well for channel catfish. I have used all kinds of prepared baits with decent success but I wanted to try something new.

All I use for channels is carp cut into 1x2 or 1x3 chunks. Works like a charm and drum like it as well.

Catch channels all the time on Calaveras Lake using cut shad and cut talapia.
The cut bait allows the oils to flow which attracts the cats, and the heads work the best.

Shad will catch everything.

Shad is the best, but cut-up bluegill and drum are also good. Unlike baits like worms, minners, or dip bait, you can toss out a chunk of cut bait and not have to worry about bait stealers as much.

Yup.

Cut baits are great for channels.

cut bluegill is the best channelcat bait I"ve found .. cut shad is good too. the fresher the better too ... cut from live and the bigguns won't turn it down... bluegill is the main forage for channelcat in ponds too so ya can't go wrong with that . gotta fish where the channelcat are though .. I target logs and root balls in 2 ft or less water when I go after channels as they don't like direct sunlight and prefer that shallow water compared to the deeper water