Fishing Tips: Using Natural Bait for Success

Natural bait remains one of the most effective ways to catch fish, as it appeals to a fish's natural diet and instincts. Selecting the right bait and preparing it properly are key to a successful outing.

I. Live Bait Essentials

Live bait is typically the most successful type of natural bait due to its movement and scent, which mimic an actual food source.

Worms and Nightcrawlers

Worms are universal bait, effective for nearly all freshwater species, including bass, trout, and panfish.

• Rigging: Hook the worm through a few times so that a portion of the worm can still wiggle. For nightcrawlers, use a worm blower to inject air and keep them floating off the bottom, or thread the entire worm onto a larger hook for species like bass.

Minnows and Baitfish

Small fish like shiners, fatheads, and chubs are excellent for targeting larger predatory fish.

• Rigging:
  • Through the Lips: Ideal for casting and retrieving, allowing the minnow to swim naturally.
  • Behind the Dorsal Fin: Best for still fishing (under a bobber) or slow trolling, as it keeps the minnow alive longer.
• Storage: Keep minnows in a dedicated bait bucket with an aerator to ensure they stay lively.

Insects and Crustaceans

These are highly effective, especially when matching the natural hatch in the fishing environment.

Bait Type	Best For	Presentation Tips
Crickets & Grasshoppers	Panfish, Trout	Hook lightly through the collar. Use a small hook and fish on the surface or under a tiny bobber.
Crayfish (Crawfish)	Bass, Catfish	Hook through the tail from the underside. Best fished near rocks and structure where they naturally live.
Leeches	Walleye, Bass	Hooked through the sucker end or near the head. They are incredibly durable and remain lively in cold water.

II. Dead Bait and Cut Bait

Dead or cut bait is particularly potent for fish with a strong sense of smell, such as catfish and some saltwater species. The strong scent trail is the primary attractant.

• Cut Bait: Use pieces of oily fish like mackerel, shad, or herring. The size of the piece should correspond to the size of the target fish.
  • Preparation: Leave the skin on, as it helps keep the bait secured to the hook.
• Whole Dead Bait: Small dead minnows or squid can be used on a jig or bottom rig.
• Scent Enhancement: Add commercially available liquid scents to cut bait to increase the aroma, or pre-soak bait in oils like garlic or anise.

III. Bait Acquisition and Handling

Successful natural bait fishing requires attention to how you acquire and handle the bait.

• Sourcing:
  • Purchase bait from local bait shops for convenience.
  • Gather your own worms (after a rain) or catch your own minnows using a bait fish trap or net.
• Storage and Lifespan:
  • Temperature: Store worms and minnows in a cool location, ideally between 40°F and 50°F.
  • Conditioning: Use quality bedding for worms (such as peat moss) and regularly change the water for minnows to remove waste and maintain oxygen levels.
• Rigging Demonstration: Review this bait rigging guide before your next trip.

IV. Strategic Bait Presentation

The best natural bait can fail if presented incorrectly. Match your presentation to the environment and the fish's feeding behavior.

Still Fishing

This involves casting out the bait and waiting for a bite.

• Bobber/Float: Keeps the bait suspended at a specific depth off the bottom. Ideal for panfish and trout.
• Bottom Rig: Uses a weight (sinker) to keep the bait on the lake or river bottom. Essential for catfish and bottom-feeding saltwater species..

Drifting and Trolling

These techniques present the bait as though it were naturally moving in the current or water column.

• Drifting: Allows the current to carry the bait naturally, mimicking an injured or free-swimming food item. Use minimal weight.
• Trolling: Slowly moving the boat while dragging the bait behind. Check local regulations on hook and line limits for trolling before visiting target lake or waterway.

Important Note: Always check local fishing regulations, as the use of certain natural baits (like specific minnow species) may be restricted or illegal in some areas.