The history of jewel's catfish bait

Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
Our History
The history of jewel's catfish bait
a legendary legacy
For more than 50 years, Jewell’s Catfish Bait has been a name that sticks just like the stink and oil that make it legendary.Three simple ingredients make it work: stinky draws them in, oil makes it linger, and proven results keep it on the line. From farm ponds to deep rivers, it’s been trusted by catfish anglers across Kentucky and the Southeast for generations.But bait this good doesn’t just happen it’s built on experience, hard work, and the hands of those who know what real fishing takes. This is the story of how Jewell’s Catfish Bait changed hands, stayed true, and kept growing.

Jewel Hastings

By the time Jewel Hastings bought the bait business in the early ‘90s, he already knew it well. He’d been selling it in his Western Kentucky bait shop for years, watching local anglers come back for more, knowing it worked.

When the opportunity came to buy the company, Jewel and his wife jumped in. They took what was already good and grew it into something even bigger.

For years, they worked the business, building its name, keeping the bait the same, and making sure every jar was as good as the last. When Jewel passed, the business stayed in the family, just like it should.

Dean Hastings

When Jewel passed away, his son Dean Hastings stepped in to carry the torch, standing shoulder to shoulder with his mother to keep the family business alive. For more than two decades, Dean poured his energy into every bucket of bait, honoring the same recipe, the same tradition, and the same promise that had made Jewel’s name a quiet legend on the riverbanks. Together, he and his mother kept the operation running strong, never wavering in their dedication to the anglers who trusted them.

Over time, word of Jewel’s Catfish Bait spread beyond Kentucky. Fishermen from Tennessee, Alabama, and across the Southeast swore by its effectiveness, passing along stories of their biggest catches — and crediting the Hastings family’s bait for making it possible. What started as a small, local secret became a beloved staple in tackle boxes far from its Mississippi roots.

Hunter Herring

Some folks buy businesses. Others live them.

Hunter Herring has been outdoors his whole life—hunting, fishing, and chasing whatever adventure came next. But catfishing? That’s always been the thing that stuck.

So when he saw the Jewell’s Catfish Bait listing, he didn’t just skim past it—he dug in. Talked to Dean. Did his research. Got a sample jar and put it to the test. After a week, he didn’t just believe in it—he knew it had a future.

Now, Hunter runs Jewell’s Catfish Bait with the same simple mission: Keep it strong. Keep it real. Keep it growing. Because if there’s one thing worth carrying forward, it’s a bait that works—and a name that means something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? We’ve Heard

Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned pro, chances are you’ve got a few questions before casting your line.
Does Jewel’s Catfish Bait really work?


Absolutely. Our bait has been field-tested and fish-approved since 1992. If the catfish aren’t biting, it’s not the bait — it’s you.

What makes your bait different from store-bought brands?


Most baits smell like chemicals or regret. Ours smells like victory (and a little bit of river). The secret recipe was born on the banks of the Mississippi and perfected...

Is it messy to use?

No guts, no gore, no nasty cleanup. Just pop it on your hook, cast, and get ready for big whiskers and bigger stories.

Can beginners use Jewel’s Catfish Bait?

Of course! Whether it’s your first cast or your 5,000th, our bait makes fishing easier, funnier, and way more rewarding.

How should I store the bait?

Keep it cool, dry, and sealed. Pro tip: don’t store it in the fridge unless you want your milk to smell like catfish heaven.

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