I traditioanlly used the natural food source (modified). I will round up some shad and use them sometimes cutting them enough that they bleed. However, I will occasionally mix in some shrimp and chicken breast - as I did on this trip. I will say that the bigger the shad the bigger the cat's. Hope this helps out a bit. Don't forget to review the Fish and Wildlife laws and requirements on jug fishing before heading out. I useally get stopped out at T-Ville and verified that I'm following all the laws, including the new ones that were added this year.