For smaller lakes and ponds I always liked hotdogs or liver. Catalpa worms or helgamites if you can find them. The problem with liver is you'll probably catch a fair amount of snapping turtles but those better eating than catfish IMO.
For big cats, especially flatheads and blues, bluegill.
Hotdogs have always worked pretty well for me. Also the cheap frozen shrimp you buy at the grocery store.
