What Is the Best Bait To Use When Fishing?

You might feel confused by all the bait options available when learning to fish, especially if you have no guidance. There are numerous enticements to choose from, but you must limit your options to just a few for each fishing trip. No bait is guaranteed to work every time, but the more you learn about each one, the more fish you’ll catch.

Let’s clear your confusion by discussing some popular choices for effective fishing bait.

ARTIFICIAL BAITS

Every fishing trip does not necessitate the use of live bait. There are numerous types of effective artificial bait available.

Fishing flies

If you go flyfishing, you will undoubtedly become acquainted with this bait. The fishing flies are lightweight artificial lures designed to sail on the water’s surface and mimic insects. 

So, even though fly fishing can be challenging at first, once you get the hang of it, you’ll truly appreciate this highly interactive type of fishing. With many options of fishing flies available, it’s up to you to pick out the one that suits the fish you’re looking to catch. 

Plugs

Plugs resemble frogs, baitfish, and other larger prey. These artificial baits are made from wood and plastic, with a couple of attached hooks.

Some of these plugs are designed for floating on the surface of the water, while others dive in the water, allowing you to use them at almost any water depth. Different plugs will mimic the prey’s movements by wobbling, rattling, and gurgling. They are great for catching fish such as bass and many more.

Jigs

Using jigs as fish bait is a valuable way to attract different types of fish. Almost every kind of fish is attracted to jigs, and not only that, but jigs are also inexpensive bait to use.

These baits have heads created with hair, plastic grubs, feathers, and many other items that attract a fish. The only difficulty in using jigs is that you must keep them moving to catch fish; otherwise, they will drown.

LIVE BAITS

Live bait can be challenging to obtain, have a short shelf life, and can only be used once. Here are some of the most popular live baits available.

Worms

Worms are excellent freshwater fishing bait for almost any type of freshwater fishing. You can shovel the dirt in your backyard or a damp area to find enough worms for fishing. 

Worms are also available in fishing tackle and bait shops. Use earthworms or nightcrawlers for walleyes and bass. Use smaller manure worms for panfish, sunfish, and trout.

Clams and mussels

If you have native clams or mussels in your area, you can use them to catch native fish. Gather mussels and clams from shallow waters before or while fishing to keep them fresh. 

Crack the shell open, remove the clam or mussel, and set the bait in the sun to harden a little so it stays on the hook. Thread mussels onto the hook, being careful not to pull too tight. Clams and mussels are great bait for catching saltwater fishes such as sea trout, blackfish, and many more.

Minnows

Minnows are small fish that make excellent freshwater fishing bait. You can purchase minnows at bait and tackle shops or catch your own if it is legal in your area. 

As minnows come in various sizes, you may acquire the one that fulfills your fish-catching requirements. They are especially popular as bait for catching species like bass, bluegill, crappie, and brown trout.

SUMMING UP

Before fishing, research which baits are suitable for the fish you want to catch, or go with a versatile bait like worms or jigs; if you don’t get many fish catches, try a different bait the next time you go to the same spot. Fishing bait knowledge will help you have more success on all of your fishing trips.