Benefits of Fishing With Live Bait

Are you looking to take your fishing game to the next level? If so, you’re in luck because using fish bait can be one of the best ways to catch bigger and more fish. Live bait is simply bait that is still alive – usually worms, insects, or small fish – which will attract larger fish than those that would be attracted to dead bait.

In this post, we’ll discuss the many benefits of using live bait for fishing, as well as discuss some of the best live bait for different types of fishing. We’ll also go over the proper way to prepare and store your live bait to make sure it’s effective and lasts as long as possible. So, if you’re ready to take your fishing game to the next level, then keep reading.

I. Types of Live Bait

Generally speaking, there are three main types of live baits: worms, minnows, and insects. Worms are soft-bodied creatures that can be found in gardens or purchased from a tackle shop. Minnows are small fish that come in many varieties, such as shiners and shad. Insects are usually composed of crickets, grasshoppers, and other bugs. All three types have been known to attract fish in their own ways; worms tend to draw panfish, minnows attract larger species such as bass, and insects tend to attract panfish and trout.  

II. Benefits of Live Bait 

Fishing with live bait offers many advantages over artificial lures. For starters, it tends to produce bigger fish. Due to the fact that they can smell the bait from greater distances, they will be more likely to strike at a live bait than a lure. Additionally, since live bait moves in a more realistic fashion than a lure or plastic worm, fish will be drawn to it more easily. Finally, it’s often easier to work with than other types of baits; worms require little preparation and most minnows can be thrown directly in the water without any rigging necessary. 

Gear and Equipment Needed for Fishing With Live Bait 

In addition to your standard fishing equipment—such as rod and reel, baitcasting rod and reel, lures, and tackle box—there are some specialized pieces of gear needed when fishing with live bait. For starters, you’ll need some sort of container for keeping your bait alive; either a traditional bucket or an aerated tank will do the trick, as well as an outdoor fishing chair for comfortable seating near the water’s edge. Additionally, you may want to purchase tools specifically designed for handling minnows, such as a dip net or minnow seine (a type of fishing net used to catch small fish). Finally, make sure you have plenty of extra hooks and weights on hand, just in case you need them. 

IV. How To Rig Live Bait 

The way you rig your live bait will depend on what type you’re using—worms do not require any special rigging as they simply slide onto the hook—while minnows require some additional preparation before being placed on the line (the same goes for insects). For minnows, you can use a technique known as “bottom presentation,” which involves running a hook through the top lip of the fish so that it traces along the bottom when cast in the water—this helps keep it alive longer while also attracting more bites from nearby fish since they are instinctively attracted to prey near the bottom level. 

V. Methods For Keeping Live Bait Alive 

When it comes to keeping your live baits alive once caught or purchased from a store, there are a few methods you should employ in order to get maximum effectiveness out of your bait sessions. First off, make sure your container is situated in an area free from direct sunlight (preferably in the shade); this will help keep your bait cool and prevent them from overheating (which can kill them quickly). Also, make sure to monitor your water levels throughout your session; if it begins to look cloudy or begins drying out, you should replace it with clean water immediately (this can be done without having to remove your live baits). Finally, do not overcrowd your containers; this will drain oxygen levels quickly, leading to mass die-offs among your bait supply.

Conclusion 

By understanding these basic tips and tricks regarding live bait fishing, you’ll be well prepared for every angling situation thrown your way; from shallow streams full of panfish to larger lakes inhabited by largemouth bass and walleyes. Just remember that proper preparation is essential if you want success when fishing with live bait, so don’t forget those outdoor fishing chairs for your comfort. Happy fishing!