The debate of live bait in recreational fishing is a hotly anticipated topic and like fishing, a hobby that many enthusiasts around the world enjoy. In the US, about 54.7 million people indulged in this hobby in 2019.
If you want to try recreational fishing, the question comes to your mind that how to increase your chances of catching fish, or what is the best bait for surf fishing. Bait thus becomes an essential part of any form of fishing these days.
3 Easy Reasons Why You Should Use Live Bait for Fishing
Live Baits are Good for Fishing
One of the common questions raised by every angler is what type of bait works best for fishing—live or artificial lures? Live baits work because you are feeding the fish what it would eat in its natural habitat. Most fishes are carnivores by nature, and offering them a free meal in the form of live bait will be an effective strategy.
You can vary the natural type of bait depending on the location. For example, baits such as squid, herring, or sardines would make for good options if you are surf fishing on the east coast. However, if the water current is strong, you can consider using small crabs or shrimp as bait.
Live bait can be used by any angler, irrespective of one’s expertise level. But, if you are a beginner, you should try the option of the best bait for carp as they are the best bait for surf fishing sessions. Furthermore, the positive results they offer will motivate you to explore the hobby all the more.
A few advantages of using live bait are:
- Effective in drawing the attention of the fish with their movement and smell
- Offering them their favorite meal can significantly improve your chances of catching fish by doing some research on the fish species and their diet
- Much cheaper alternative than artificial lures. Instead of spending $5 to $10 on artificial bait, you can buy a bucket load of live bait with the same amount
Maintaining live bait can be a messy affair, but there are some techniques like using cold water or crushed ice that can keep the bait alive and fresh for longer.
Type of Baits Used for Surf Fishing
Shrimp is a kind of live bait that attracts most fish found near the surf area. Mackerel, snook, speckled trout are some of the fishes that can be effectively targeted using shrimp. You can buy live shrimp at the bait store or simply cast a net to catch some live bait on your own. You can push the hook through the head and the last section of the tail to allow natural movement.
Sand fleas, popularly known as sand crabs, are live baits that work well for surf fishing. When choosing the type of sand fleas, ensure you pick the locally available species as the fish would be accustomed to having them as food. You can easily find them on the beach during low tides and get some live bait free of cost.
If you are looking for the best bait for surf fishing, without any hesitation, choose live bait. These live baits are cheap and easy to use. Most importantly, these baits deliver results in the form of fishes latching onto your hooks. So, you can make surf fishing a delightful experience with live baits.
Live Bait Mimics Natural Prey
One of the most compelling reasons to use live bait for fishing is its unparalleled effectiveness in mimicking the natural prey of target fish species. Fish are instinctively programmed to chase and consume live prey, making live bait an irresistible lure that often results in more successful catches. When fish detect the movement, vibration, and scent of live bait in the water, their predatory instincts kick in, leading to a more aggressive and decisive strike.
Live bait such as minnows, worms, crickets, and shrimp exhibit behaviors and motions that are incredibly authentic, as they are the natural food sources for many fish species. This authenticity is hard to replicate with artificial lures or baits, which may not always match the specific movement patterns or scents that attract fish. Furthermore, the use of live bait can be particularly advantageous in clear water conditions, where fish have better visibility and are more discerning about what they choose to bite.
In addition to its effectiveness, using live bait also offers anglers the opportunity to learn more about the ecosystem and the dietary preferences of the fish they are targeting. Understanding what fish are naturally feeding on can provide valuable insights into their behavior, preferred habitats, and the best times to fish for them. This knowledge not only improves your immediate fishing success but also enhances your overall angling skills and connection with the natural environment.
In conclusion, the use of live bait for fishing taps into the innate feeding behaviors of fish, offering a realistic and highly effective way to attract and catch them. Whether you’re surf fishing, freshwater fishing, or exploring other angling environments, incorporating live bait into your fishing strategy can significantly increase your chances of a rewarding catch.
