Gulp! Sinking Minnows cut in half is a best bang for the buck, pack of 10 = 20 when cut. Slightly longer than the stated 5" I end up with 10 each 2-1/4" head sections and 3" tails. The longer tapered tails have an enticing shimmy, and surprisingly the double ended short stubs get bit well also considering their lack of inherent action. This AM in the dark had to rock creep further out on the dam than usual to get beyond the crowd and it was well worth it with larger fish out there, average 5-7# with a few smaller and a few bigger. Jig choice was entirely light 1/13 oz 1/0 hook pinned with the 2-1/4 stub. The Sinking Minnow used was an ancient long discontinued white pearl color that was turning brown and lost some luster. Still got bit by 16 mostly chunks.
Catfish are under appreciated as a sport fish here, mostly targeted dunking bait on heavy gear. Altho my choice of 6' MF rod 2500 reel 20# braid isn't exactly light, the bigger fish sure put up a tussle and don't come in EZ, kinda like smallies. In fact one chunk I applied a bit too much pressure on the fight and the line snapped. Big water with abundant forage is the ticket for em to grow big and plentiful.