Corn as Fishing Bait

Canned corn from the grocery store can be used as bait. Corn as an effective bait is usually associated with carp, trout, catfish, and sunfish. If the fish is an omnivore or herbivore, corn has a chance at working. One or more kernels of corn can be placed on the hook to entice a fish to bite. Anglers will also usually chum some corn around to bring more fish in.

There is an odd fish out when using corn as bait, that being trout. Trout are generally regarded as carnivores, so why are they willing to bite corn? Nobody knows for sure. While they don't digest it well, trout have grown while only being fed corn in captivity. Corn is used as an ingredient in some fish feeds which provides a link as to why some hatchery raised fish might eat it. The fish feed can't be the whole story as you can catch wild trout on corn as well. Trout love eating fish eggs and it might just be the case that a kernel of corn is similar enough to an egg to trick the trout.

Pautzke Bait Co. also sells dyed and scent-soaked shoepeg corn. In the case of this product, you also have an increased chance of hooking more meat-oriented fish.

A word of warning before you hit the local water with your cans of corn. Some states and localities prohibit corn and/or chumming. While they are in the minority, it is always wise to check local regulations before wetting a line.