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Using live bait for fishing has a few advantages. While different types of fish prefer different types of live bait, most fish will go for some type of live bait. It is easy to come by, fairly inexpensive and fun to use. These tips go over how to collect live bait, and how to store bait before using it.
1. Determine what kind of live bait you need. To do this, decide where you are going fishing and what types of fish generally are present. Most fish will go for worms but there are many types of worms to choose from. Red worms and night crawlers are the most popular and have to be purchased, while regular earth worms can be found in your garden. If you are fishing primarily for catfish, you may want to purchase minnows or leaches, while pan fish tend to go for wax worms. Bream like crickets and fishermen have good luck with minnows while fishing for crappie and bass.
2. Find a local bait shop. Look in the yellow pages under fishing bait and tackle. Most bait shops will have a variety of live bait that is popular with the local fish. If you cannot find what you are looking for locally, go online to get it. Online bait shops will ship the live bait to you with instructions on how to take care of it and how use it.
3. Store the bait properly until you are ready to use it. If you are purchasing your bait from a local bait shop, you should not have to store it because you can buy it fresh on the way to your fishing expedition. If you order online, you may need to store it. Minnows can stay in a minnow bucket filled with water in a cool place with good air circulation. A cricket container can hold crickets, but they also need to be fed and watered. Worms and leaches can be stored in their original container in the refrigerator.
4. Use the live bait on your fishing trip. Each type of live bait has a unique way of putting it on the hook and you must determine what kind of hook to use. Some need a bobber and some do not. The live bait shop or the online supplier should be able to provide you with proper instructions for putting the bait on a hook.
5. Store leftover bait for future use. Pour worms into a Styrofoam or Rubbermaid container and store in the refrigerator. Minnows can be stored in a minnow bucket and crickets can be kept in a cricket box, both in a cool, dark place.
Tips: Buy live bait from a local bait shop just before a fishing trip and you can be sure that it is alive and healthy.
Thoroughly wash your hands after handling live bait.
Warnings: Keep in mind that the bait may not live much longer and if you think you might not go fishing for a while, consider disposing of the leftover bait.
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