if i ever use cut bait which is rare as i really only target flathead cats and some channels

cut bait-use medium to small sized shad. gills. bass. etc. cut off the head just behind the gill plate and use its head and hook it through the top of the head behind the nostrils its harder there than on any other part on its body

i even know people who prefer hooking live bait in a similar way through the lips and just behind the nostrils but a little low as i dont i always hook live bait in any situation towards the tail its not as tough as the head but i never ever have problems slinging it off i guess thats because i never cast more than 50 yards when fishing for flatheads because 90% of the fish i catch are in 4 to 8 feet of water but listen to racn about those panty hose and freezing liver as that does work and for casting competitions i know alot of those guys use peen surfmaster 200 and penn mag reels as they will easily out cast any abu without levelwind and ceramics as i own a few of each of those mentioned