Fishing is the sport--and art and science some would argue--of dangling a tempting morsel of food in front of a hungry fish. Fish want to eat, and it's your job as a fisherman to give them what they crave: bait. Baits and lures come in many varieties that are specific to both the species of fish you are hunting for, and the existing physical conditions. What's "hitting" at the lake, shore, pond or stream will depend on many factors, but there are types of baits that seem to be perennial favorites with fisherman--and the fish.
Worms and Grubs
Most freshwater fish will rarely pass up the opportunity to dine on a live worm. The presentation of a live worm or grub threaded carefully onto a suitable hook is always attractive in terms of motion, color and scent. Worms are good for bobber fishing as well as a catfish and bass fishing.
Minnows
Many freshwater fish, especially bigger species like largemouth bass and pike, will jump at a chance to take a live minnow. Because minnows can escape your hook and grow into non-sporting fish monsters, some lakes prohibit them, so check first before buying a bucket of shiners for your trip. Learning the proper way to thread a minnow on a hook will keep it alive longer. Minnows work very well with bobber fishing.
Insects and Amphibians
Live grasshoppers, caterpillars and beetles are great live baits, especially for smaller pan fish like bluegills, crappie and trout. Amphibians such as frogs, lizards and crayfish are also popular live baits.
Stink and Dough Baits
Catfish in particular will go after stink baits or dough baits. There are many commercially blended brands of stink or dough bait available at tackle shops. Every fishing family also has a favorite recipe for "can't fail" stink bait for channel cats who seem to eat with their noses; many good recipes for homemade cheesebait or stink bait are available online.
Top Water Lures
There are literally dozens of different kind of artificial lure technologies available, spanning thousands of individual lure designs. One type, the top water lure, is made for dragging on the top of the water's surface. Top water lures include such favorites as plugs, poppers, some spinner baits, buzzers and some spoons. Another category of top water lures are waddlers, which behave like small fish that have been injured, swimming mice or frogs and lizards. Waddlers can be very effective in the right circumstances.
Depth Lures
Some lures are designed to be dragged under the surface of the water to attract hungry fish, especially walleye and bass. Examples of good depth lures include crank lures, plugs, weighted plastic worms and spinner baits.
Flies and Jigs
Fly fishing with tied fly lures is a staple of the sport of fishing for trout, but other species can also be caught on a fly reel with fly lures. There is a plethora of choices available in effective fly lures. Many serious fly fishermen tie their own flies. Jigs, another kind of smaller artificial lure, are good for "snagging" small pan fish like crappies and bluegills.
References
- TakeMeFishing.org: Bait and Lures
- "The Bass Angler's Alamanac;" John Weiss; 2002
- "Vic Dunaway's Complete Book of Baits, Rigs, and Tackle;" Vic Dunaway; 1998
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