Table of Contents
Best Live Bait for Freshwater Fishing
Live bait is known to be more effective in attracting fish than artificial bait because fish are more drawn to real live bait. Using live bait attracts a variety of fish species, too, which boosts your chances of landing a catch. Here are some live bait options for freshwater fishing that you can keep in mind for your next fishing trip.
Clams and mussels
If they are native to the fishing area youâre eyeing, clams and mussels are great choices for live bait. Itâs ideal to collect them from shallow waters right before your fishing trip to keep them fresh.
Just before using them, crack the shell open and cut out the clam or mussel. Give the bait some time to harden in the sun before using, as it helps the bait to stay on the hook. When using mussels, thread mussels onto the hook, taking care not to pull them too tightly.
Crayfish
Depending on the sort of fish you're aiming for, crayfish can be used either alive or dead. For smallmouth bass or panfish, crayfish are best used alive and whole, hooked through the tail. For catfish, however, dead crayfish threaded on a hook would serve you better.
You can buy crayfish from your local bait shops or catch them in the water with a window screen or fine mesh. Drive the crayfish into the net by stirring the water and keep them in a bait bucket, a moist cloth, or some damp moss afterwards.
Cut bait
Cut bait simply refers to fish cut into pieces to be used as bait. While not exactly âliveâ bait, cut bait is particularly effective for fish that rely primarily on scent rather than sight, like catfish or carp.
Any caught fish can be used as cut bait. Scale the fish but keep the skin on for optimal results.
Insects
Insects such as ants, beetles, caterpillars, crickets, and grasshoppers are ideal for certain freshwater fish like the smallmouth bass and trout, as they are natural predators of insects.
Springtime is a good time to use insects as freshwater bait; fish are on the lookout for insects since they are abundant during this time of year.
Insects can be purchased from a bait store, or you can try to catch them on your own.
Leeches
You can also find leeches at your local bait shop. Theyâre great bait for fish like walleye and northern pike.
The attraction to leeches lies in their swimming motion. When using leeches as bait, allow them to get used to the temperature for at least an hour so they can relax and swim naturally.
Leeches have a lengthy lifespan and they can stay fresh in the fridge for several days, so you can keep them in mind if youâre looking for long-lasting bait.
Minnows
Another popular freshwater fishing bait is minnows, which are basically baby fish. You can also buy them at your usual bait stores or catch them yourself. Minnows typically attract pike, striped bass, trout, and walleye fish.
Keep in mind to use the same water that the minnows were bought or captured in, and store them in a bucket while taking care not to overcrowd them.
When using minnows, hook them upside down, and avoid puncturing their spinal cord to allow them to move while on the hook.
Shrimp
Freshwater shrimp are excellent bait and work well in waters under 70 degrees. Catfish, especially, love to eat frozen shrimp.
If using frozen shrimp, take off its shell and tail before placing it on your hook, as it can easily break into pieces.
Worms
Worms are a reliable, affordable, and easily available freshwater bait. You can get them at bait and tackle stores or find them in your garden in damp soil.
Various worms are used to target different fish. Earthworms or night crawlers are suitable bait for almost any fish, while mealworms last longer on the hook than most worms and can be used for fish like trout.
You can use just a small portion of a worm to avoid smaller fish from eating it without biting down on the hook. You can also thread the hook through their side along their body if the worms are too small.
The best bait
So after all that, what is best to use as freshwater bait? The answer is that it depends on what kind of fish youâre aiming for, which is why itâs best to know your different options and when to use them. Considering where you'll be fishing is also essential. For more tips on freshwater fishing, check out this blog post by Fisher Mel! Also, don't miss this related post on top baitfish for freshwater and saltwater!
MOST READ NEWS:
Essential Summer Fishing Tips, Tricks, and Tactics
As the sun cranks up the heat, it's tempting to leave our fishing gear to gather dust. It's no secret that our fishy friends tend to slow down, much like us humans sipping lemonade and hogging the air conditioner. They get a little touchy, maybe even a bit grouchy when the water starts to feel like a simmering soup. Not the ideal mood for them to go nibbling at your lure, huh?
The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Fishing Shirts
Discover the top factors to consider when choosing the perfect fishing shirt, including material, UPF protection, moisture-wicking and quick-drying technologies, comfort and fit, style, and price. Enhance your fishing experience with performance fishing apparel tailored to your needs.
Fishing Photography: Tips, Gear, and Techniques for Perfect Shots
Capture the thrill of your fishing adventures with stunning photos by mastering fishing photography techniques. Discover tips, gear recommendations, and strategies to make your fishing memories unforgettable. Learn how to choose the right camera, frame your shots using the rule of thirds, and work with natural light.
How to Use Topwater Lures: Advantages, Types, Functions, Ideal Conditions
Topwater lures are a type of lure designed to float on the surface of the water, imitating prey like insects, frogs, or wounded baitfish. The whole idea is to entice fish to come up and strike from below. Compared to other types of lures, topwater lures are pretty unique. They float right on the water's surface, and it's super exciting to see fish strike them!
How To Find The Perfect Fishing Spot
Years of fishing have taught me that preparation is a key factor in ensuring success. Finding that perfect fishing spot is all about increasing your chances of landing one that ticks all your personal boxes and makes for an awesome time out on the water.
How Intelligent Are Fish?
Have you ever heard the term "goldfish" used to describe someone with a bad memory? This comes from the myth that fish, particularly goldfish, have a three-second memory; but did you know this isnât true? Fish are actually pretty smart! Check out some fishy facts below to see just how intelligent fish are.
Fishing Etiquette 101
Ah, the joys of fishingârising early, equipped with a thermos of coffee and the optimistic anticipation of outwitting a fish. Itâs a sport that offers numerous health advantages, encompassing both physical and mental aspects that contribute to one's overall well-being
For Body and Mind: The Health Benefits of Fishing
In the United States, fishing is one of the most popular outdoor pastimes. Fishing is truly a fun hobby for many, but did you know that it has many benefits for your health? Check out this article to find out how fishing is good for you, mentally and physically!
Best Live Bait for Freshwater Fishing
Live bait is known to be more effective in attracting fish than artificial bait because fish are more drawn to real live bait. Using live bait attracts a variety of fish species, too, which boosts your chances of landing a catch. Here are some live bait options for freshwater fishing that you can keep in mind for your next fishing trip.