Goldfish for Bait

Goldfish or Black Salties? Either way, I've always had better luck with shad or skipjack (can't catch them here).

I know a guy that's too lazy to get up early to catch shad for stripers so he bought some Black Salties. Not only did he not catch any striper, he caught nothing. They're supposed to be hearty and live well in less than ideal situations.

I remember when it was a no no.

This video they use monster goldfish for monster bass. I wish I had access to this lake.

Giant Goldfish for Record Bass

After thinking about it more, I think you're really overthinking catfishing. Net some gizzard shad (or skipjack on a sabiki rig if they have them in your location). Keep them in a good bait tank or on ice. They're a time tested way to catch blues. If you're targeting flatheads, catch bluegill or get one of those bluegill traps.

I never buy any type of bait at a bait shop. If I go catfishing on a whim and have limited time, chicken breasts from any grocery store are a great bait for blues.

When I'm targeting big blues from October to January, I drift/drag baits. A planer board on each side of the boat to get a good spread, the third rod straight out the back dragging and 4th rod suspended straight out the back about 2 cranks off the bottom.

A drift sock helps with keeping the back of the boat from swing around from wind and current and helps you maintain a good, long drift in the depth and area you're targeting.