You will know if you have over loaded your bait, if you only start getting takes after your bait has been in the water for a long term. Catfish are also sensitive to excretions given out by fish, ie. Stressed fish are normally injured, weak or diseased fish, and consequently easy prey. It can be said that a live bait kept in a keep net or similar will excrete a lot in the keepnet and surrounding water, so when eventually use as bait, will be not as effective. It can therefore be said that for maximum attraction the live baits should be caught when needed, so the bait excretes in the vicinity where it is fished.
Particle displacement is sensed by the lateral line.
The lateral line is outlined by pores, which let in water and link the outside environment with a subcutaneous canal, which is situated underneath this line of pores. Inside this canal are many neuromasts. Neuromasts are a basic sensory cell found in the lateral line and inner ear. Inside these neuromasts are a number of hair cells, which are free to move within the gelatinous cupula. For the final attack the catfish will use all its combined senses to locate the prey, and catch it.