Taking a fishing trip is always much easier when you use the right baits and lures. If you use the right equipment, you stand a better chance of getting a good catch. Whether you're fishing in saltwater or fresh water will make a difference in what types of baits and lures to use. The location that you're fishing in and the time of year will also make a great difference. Choose the lures and bait that you'll be using with care, and you'll reap the rewards. You can find bait at stores like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. Below, you'll find some suggestions on making your selections:

Live and Cut Bait

Live bait is a good option for most freshwater fishing. Live bait also works well in some saltwater settings. Minnows are a good bait for almost any type of freshwater fish. Use shiner minnows for large fish like pike and bass. Minnows should only be hooked through the lips, dorsal fin or tail to allow for movement. Leeches are a durable, long-lived type of bait. They are most ideal for catching freshwater pike and walleye. For the best performance, hook the leeches through the tail.

Live crayfish are good for smallmouthed bass. If you're trying to catch trout, pan fish, or sunfish, consider grubs or meal worms. Grubs can be easily obtained from the ground, and meal worms can be inexpensively purchased from bait shops. Earthworms and nightcrawlers are ideal for nearly all freshwater fishing.

Cut and frozen bait are particularly helpful for saltwater fishing. Shrimp is one of the most popular types of bait for saltwater fishing. Whole dead crayfish are good for catching bullheads, carp and catfish, while the tail meat is best for pan fish. Octopi and squid are versatile for most saltwater fishing. The species most attracted to this bait are croaker, dolphinfish and bluefish. Eel pieces are ideal for bottom fishing due to the tough skin.

Prepared Bait and Lures

For some types of fishing, prepared bait or artificial lures are preferable. These options are also good for those uncomfortable with handling live bait. Dough balls are sold in many outdoor stores. Dough balls can be purchased in different varieties for different kinds of fish. Pastes are available that you can coat your hook with that have high-protein ingredients such as blood in them. One of the best types of bait for catching catfish is stinkbait.

Lures are artificial, yet have a resemblance to whatever the fish you're trying to catch feed on. The hooks are already attached, making them easy for novice anglers to work with. These are most useful when catching freshwater fish. Lures made from soft plastic often resemble worms, leeches and other common bait. Jigs are good for most freshwater fish, closely resembling minnows, worms or crayfish. Crankbaits have a shape close to that of a smaller fish. They have freer movement that looks more realistic to a larger fish, such as a bass. Spinnerbait has a very shiny, flashy surface that's sure to attract almost any type of species.

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