How to Choose Bait for Lake Fishing

As something for the whole family and all ages to enjoy, lake fishing appeals to many people. One can sit and relax and wait for the bobber to disappear, kids can be entertained for hours in a crappie bed and each trip sports a new challenge for the sport fishing enthusiast. With all the variety, it can be puzzling to choose bait for lake fishing. These tips can help you get started with the first step, attracting fish bites.

Instructions

1

Learn which type of fish are native to the lake by visiting a local Department of Natural Resources website or one dedicated to the lake and fishing activities. Even if you do not recognize the fish species, or are not especially picky, narrow down the type of feeder you want (top water, bottom feeder or in-between) and the average size of the fish. Choose your fishing equipment and bait for lake fishing accordingly.

2

Decide on which type of fishing you want to engage in, active or passive. If you plan on letting the bait sit and do the work, choose natural bait. If you want to work your casting and presentation skills, choose artificial bait. Bring both types to maximize your chances for a catch.

3

Bring the proven bait standbys --minnows and/or nightcrawlers-- when you are unsure how to choose bait for lake fishing. Live bait such as these are attractive to a wide variety of fish. The depth, location and presentation of the bait in the water will largely determine which type of fish are prone to bite.

4

Select healthy live bait for lake fishing and take measures to keep bait alive and active. The sun will quickly degrade earthworms so keep them in a cooler in a vented container. Minnows require oxygenation so they should not be covered for long periods. Aeration supplies can be purchased and may be useful on longer and frequent trips. Use a net to remove minnows from a bucket to maximize their lifespan.

5

Try artificial bait if natural bait seems unappealing or when you want to attract the attention of a picky eater such as bass. The general concept is to choose bait that resembles natural bait of the season, such as worms, crayfish, bugs, or smaller fish. If you choose artificial bait for lake fishing know that you will need to rely more on fishing technique and casting to get bites.

6

Aim for smelly bait when fishing for catfish or other scavengers. Chicken liver or room temperature shrimp is choice bait when lake fishing for hungry bottom feeders.

7

Know that size matters but does not always correlate to the size of the fish. Generally bigger bait attracts larger fish and is fine for aggressive eaters and bottom feeders, but small grub-sized and medium minnow-sized bait works best for the majority of lake fishing. Note that over-sized bait makes setting the hook more difficult. If you're losing bites or it is being nibbled away, try dividing the bait into smaller portions.