Worms
Countless types of worms can be used for fishing, each with its unique benefits. Here are just a few of the most popular varieties:
- Mealworms: Often used as bait for trout, these tiny worms are high in protein and fat, making them an attractive meal for fish. They can be purchased life or in dried form at most bait shops.
- Waxworms: Another popular trout bait, waxworms, are the larvae of moths. They’re high in fat and very active, which makes them appealing to fish. Waxworms can also be bought life or in dried form.
- Red wigglers: One of the best baits for bass, red wigglers are voracious eaters that produce a strong scent in the water. This makes them easy for fish to find and hard to resist! Red wigglers can be purchased from most bait shops or collected from compost piles.
- Nightcrawlers: Another excellent choice for bass fishing, nightcrawlers are giant earthworms that are active at night. They’re often found near damp areas such as woods or gardens. Nightcrawlers can be purchased at most bait shops or collected from the wild with a spade or shovel.
Minnows
Minnows are small fish that can be used as bait for larger fish. They are often found in ponds and lakes and can be caught with a net or by a bait hook. Minnows are good bait for many types of fishing, including bass fishing.
Crawfish
You can use a few different types of bait when fishing for crawfish. The most common type of bait is live bait, such as worms or minnows. You can also use artificial lures that mimic the appearance and movement of live bait. Another option is to use scented baits, which can attract crawfish even if they’re not actively feeding. Whatever trick you choose, keep it fresh and offer it in a way the crawfish can’t resist.
Insects
There are a variety of different insects that can be used as bait when fishing. Some of the most common include:
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers can also be an effective type of bait, mainly when targeting larger fish such as bass. However, they can be tricky to keep on the hook, so it is essential to use a more prominent theme when using them as bait.
Crickets: Crickets are another popular type of bait, especially for smaller fish such as panfish. Like grasshoppers, they can be tricky to keep on the hook, so it is essential to use a minor theme as bait.
Many other insects can be used as bait when fishing, including larvae, mealworms, and even flies. Ultimately, it is up to the angler to experiment with different types of appeal to see what works best in their particular situation.