I would sure think you could catch trotline size sunfish down there in Choke in some shallow 2-4' water along weed lines or in a creek using long shank size 12 cricket hooks and a little piece of night crawler or red worms. Or crappie nibbles, or small crickets. Maybe not but it sure seems probable to me.

For the carp, the wheaties or bran flakes and big red sure always worked good for us. Raisin bran with the raisins picked out was the favorite I guess. I think we added a little flour to it to stiffen it up some.

Go on the Rough Fish / Carp section and inquire about best way to bait an area to draw some carp in to your fishing spot. Call that spot a swim and those guys will think you're one of them LOL. (You don't have to mention you're going to use the carp or buffalo for bait)
Hope you guys have a good trip!!

Just to warn you, the Calliham store is now closed and I don�t think the pond sells bait anymore. Pretty much a ghost area now. There is a bait shop in 3 Rivers called Buds Tackle Shop (or something like that), they have some bait, might just be minnows. I�ll see if my bro in law has the carp catchers number still and I�ll shoot you a PM.


Nice store, they usually have frozen shrimp too in case you want to go after gaspergoos & catfish by rod/reel. You might call tomorrow and ask what they carry. Sending a PM now with the carp catchers number.


buds tackle shop. +1 (361) 784-2389

Try chicken. Go to Walmart but cheapest fresh chicken breast. Cut it up in 1/2 inch chunk. That's what I do when can't get bait. You can do it a day or to early and soak some in garlic powered in plastic tub I use coffee can. Anyway good luck

TGalyon thank you. I have used chicken breast in calaveras before, and drifted it for blue cats. It seems to produce pretty good. So that will be a good option as well. Thank you for that.

Do any of you guys know if there are any places to buy minnows down there? I know about the place right when you get into three rivers on the right, but is there anywhere else? I knew of a gas station when you exit 99 of of 37, but I�m not sure if they still sell them there. Any insight would be great, and thank you.

I'll add here too that I started out from advice on this forum using chicken breast also, Two years ago I started using just plain no flavored thigh or drumsticks and have had the same success with them.
In fact I have caught 3 flatheads (small) with the drumsticks and thighs, that may have been just a coincidence don't know.
But I don't spend the money on breast anymore.