Best Fishing Bait

For many people the thought of fishing may conjure up picturesque images of a father and son standing on the edge of a lake taking in the dusk-colored view together. The scene may be tranquil and appealing, but it is, unfortunately, outdated. Today's fishermen and women strive to be the best. Only the biggest, fastest, and most trophy-worthy fish will do. Like bees to honey, fish take to bait. However, it is important to understand that they are unlike our sting-happy friends in that they can tend to be picky and even a bit temperamental at times. Over the years, skilled fishers have learned that different breeds of fish in various surroundings are not attracted to the same bait. The subject is tricky and the know-how comes with practice, experience, and basic trial-and-error. The best fishing bait on the market? The question is simple; however, the answer is anything but.

The "best" depends on whether one is dealing in freshwater, saltwater or fly fishing. There is live bait, natural bait and artificial. There are no short-cuts to getting it right, but there are readily available, information-packed resources if one takes the time to do the research.

• Freshwater

Freshwater fishing calls for live bait. Many claim that the best "live" fishing bait is still, and always will be, the worm--the European Nightcrawler, specifically. This hardy little worm can last for lengthy amounts of time in the water on the hook, and doesn’t require refrigeration to stay viable. Plus, the worm is said to be more active underwater, making it more attractive to fish as they flock to movement.

Those who are not partial to worms are safe with any of the commonly used live baits. These include leeches, minnows, crayfish and insects, like crickets and grasshoppers. Freshwater fishers most commonly go after bass and trout. However certain species of salmon, walleye, musky are often found in freshwater.

Freshwater bottom-feeders like catfish and carp are attracted to prepared baits like pieces of freshly cut fish, and dough balls. There are a number of ways to make a dough ball that fishers can investigate while buying fishing gear online.

• Saltwater

Saltwater fish are attracted to live bait as well, but live bait can be difficult to keep and maintain. This is especially true in the event that one is saltwater fishing, as that tends to take place off a coastline or from the limited confines of a boat.

It is important to remember that bait must appeal to all of a fish's senses in order to be alluring. Artificial bait that is shiny, colorful, and in recent years, scientifically engineered, "scented" baits with lots of movement such as jigs, plugs, poppers, and spoon lures, work well in the saltwater environment. Scented bait is also available in flat sheets that can be applied to live, cut-up bait.

• Flyfishing

A successful flyfishing outing depends on whether or not one has a healthy sense of adventure and time to practice and hone the art and skill of fly casting. Of course, one also needs a supply of good, quality, equipment such as line, and fly fishing rods and reels.

The bait to be used in this instance are artificial flies. These can be made with household items such as thread, wire, yarn or beads. The fish to be caught are primarily trout, salmon, panfish and carp.

Sources:

Trails.com: "Best Fishing Bait" http://www.trails.com/best-fishing-bait.html

Take Me Fishing: "Fishopedia," "Freshwater," "Flyfishing," and "Saltwater" http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/fishopedia/home

Earthwormworks.com: "The Best Live Fishing Bait: http://www.earthwormworks.com/earthworms_for_fish_bait/earthworms_for_fish_bait.htm