Gift From Nature - A Closer Look at Fishing With Live Bait
In this blog post, seasoned fisherman Ben dives into the practice of fishing with live bait. Learn why it's a go-to method for many anglers and pick up tips on how to do it right.
Hello, fellow anglers!
Today, we'll tackle a topic that could be considered one of the cornerstones of fishing - live bait fishing. It can often be the decisive factor between a frustrating day at the lake and a triumphant one.
We have all been there - meticulously preparing our fishing gear, trying out different lures, fly patterns, or cutting-edge fishing technology. Sometimes we strike gold, other times not so much. But there's one method that has stood the test of time, largely due to its effectiveness: live bait fishing. And yet, despite its success, it is surprising that we don't spend as much time discussing it. Therefore, it seems only fitting to delve into this golden practice of fishing.
Why use live bait? There are several reasons:
-
It's a natural choice for fish: Fish are opportunistic feeders. They're programmed by nature to hunt and eat other living organisms. When fish see your live bait squirming and flitting through the water, their predatory instincts kick in, and they're more likely to strike.
-
It is versatile: Bait fishing isn't limited to a single species. With the correct bait, you can target a host of different fish species, from freshwater species like trout or carp to saltwater giants like grouper or billfish.
-
It's relatively simple: Live bait fishing doesn't require a lot of fancy gear. A basic rod, reel, and tackle setup are all one really needs. Yes, there's skill and knowledge involved, but the learning curve isn't as steep as with other methods.
The key to successful bait fishing is having a good understanding of which bait to use, when to use it, and how to properly present it to your target fish.
Let's talk about some different types of live bait:
-
Worms: A classic and go-to bait choice for many anglers. They work wonderfully when targeting species like trout, carp, or catfish.
-
Minnows: Small fish used to catch larger predatory fish. They can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
-
Crickets or Grasshoppers: These terrestrial insects can produce a surprising amount of action on the water surface, making them irresistible to certain fish species.
-
Shrimp: Commonly used in saltwater fishing. Shrimp are an essential part of many saltwater fish's diet.
Now, after choosing your live bait, the next step is proper presentation. Each bait type requires a unique rigging method to maximize its appeal to predatory fish.
-
Worms: Thread them on the hook and let their wiggling action do its magic. A single worm can be cut into pieces for numerous casts.
-
Minnows: Hook them through the lip, back, or tail depending on your target species and personal preference.
-
Crickets or Grasshoppers: These are best hooked through the thorax to keep them alive and energetic on the water.
-
Shrimp: Hook them from underneath, going through the tail and coming out near the head.
Another important factor to consider while live bait fishing is respect for the environment. Leaving unused bait is harmful to the natural ecosystem. Dispose it off properly without causing any harm to the water bodies.
To conclude, fishing with live bait offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature at a primal level. It's a nuanced, rewarding practice that offers a compelling contrast and complement to trophy fishing, tournament angling, or fly casting. Try it out on your next trip, and even if you are a devoted fan of lures, or fly fishing, the simplicity and effectiveness of live bait might surprise you.
Remember, fishing isn't always about new techniques and flashy gear. Sometimes, it's about going back to the basics, to the methods that have helped anglers fill their creels for centuries. And when the fish aren't biting, it's about having that extra touch of authenticity, that lifelike lure that nature herself designed, at the ready.
Stay hooked, Ben 🎣