catfish bait

Question
hi,my question is what kind of bait should i use in rivers and lakes. i always buy fresh shrimp and every know and then frozen shrimp and shad. it works sometimes. i fish with an 8ft ugly stick and 6500 abu garica, is this to much? i like fishing for blue cats. any advice would to be greatly apperciated.      thanks

Answer
Sorry i didnt answer sooner, but the system messed up somehow and i couldnt click on your question.

I like to use live creek chubs, nightcrawlers, chicken livers, and hot dog weiners.  The rig you use is almost exactly like the ones is use.  I also use a 6500 C3 and a 7 foot ugly cat.  This is not too much in my opinion, although you could use a 5500 C3 if you wanted. I have a few of each one.