What do you guys typically use for bait?  I'll mostly be focusing on channel cats.

I'm thinking dough bait will probably be my best bet.  Its probably the easiest and cleanest.

yeah,  I'm thinking dough bait chunks and a circle hook.  This is out of my realm of fishing though.

Any of you ever use cut bait?

I do have a cast net.  I might take that with me or try and get some bluegill.

If all else fails or other items are not practical for some odd reason, go to your local grocer and get some bloody chicken livers.

G I have had some good success with the bag-o-baits that wal-mart sells. They have a bag of blood bait that is molded round. That and some very small treble hooks imbedded in the bait works for me. It does help if you put the bait in one of those small Styrofoam coolers with some ice. Be sure not to let it get wet in the cooler.
Or like Jack said some really cheap hot dogs. Chill ‘em and imbed a small treble hook. That way if you don’t catch any you still have something to eat.

I like to use soft shell crayfish. With a size 1 hook. hook it right through the tail. Let it sit on the bottom and boom there goes the line.