Natural bait is one of the most effective ways to catch fish. Whether bobber fishing for little bluegills, bottom bouncing for stealthy steelheads or working the bottom for big blue catfish, anglers can use natural bait. Each type of fishing requires a setup specifically designed to address the behavior and feeding habits of different species in different fishing conditions.
Freelining
Freelining works well when using bait fish to target larger game fish such as bass or pike. In freelining, hook the bait fish either through the base of the tail, or below the dorsal fin. This allows the fish to swim freely, with a natural action that is attractive to game fish. When freelining, little or no weight is required. Use a large enough bait fish to provide weight, and cast this setup carefully to prevent losing your bait.
Bottom Bouncing
In bottom bouncing, or drift fishing, a weighted line with a separate leader and hook set well above the weight allows the bait to trail in the current at a specific depth. The angler can occasionally reel in a bit and move the setup to two different locations within the body of water, hopefully closer to waiting game fish. Drift fishing is popular among salmon, steelhead and river walleye fishermen.
Bobber Fishing
Bobber fishing is also an effective setup for bait fishing. It consists of a bobber or float attached to the main fishing line above sinkers and a baited hook. The bobber floats at the surface, while the bait suspends in the water at the proper depth for the type of fish you want to catch. When a fish strikes, the bobber submerges indicating that a fish is on the hook. Easy to rig, this is often the first setup beginning anglers use.
Bottom Fishing
Because catfish, carp and other species of fish that feed on the bottom need to find your bait where they feed, a bottom rig is in order. To build this simple setup, thread an egg sinker onto the main fishing line, then tie on a swivel, leader and hook. Bait the hook and cast away. Leave the line a little slack to prevent a biting fish from detecting the weight. When a fish strikes, the line passes through the sinker, making your rod tip twitch. Then, reel the fish in.
Trolling
Trolling is another popular and successful form of fishing, which involves towing bait behind a boat. Herring, sardines, pilchards and other small bait fish, as well as other prey items, such as leeches or squid, work well. In this setup, rig the bait so it moves naturally through the water when towed. This method is particularly effective for larger game fish, such as lake trout, salmon, striped bass, tuna and billfish.
Still Fishing
The Take Me Fishing website describes still fishing as a versatile form of fishing with bait. To still fish, tie on a three-way swivel or two to your line with leaders and hooks on each and a weight on the end. Work this setup from a pier, bridge, dock or other structure or from an anchored boat. Just drop the bait rig straight down into the water and wait for a fish to hit.
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