Although there are now some good artificial baits available, many anglers still prefer to use live bait. It can be both smelly and messy, but there are advantages to using live bait if you are not too squeamish. You will need to treat you live bait properly, however, in order to keep it as live bait rather than dead bait, which will not be as attractive to the fish you are after. You will also need to think about your choice of bait, and where you are going to get it.
When handling live bait you should always ensure that you moisten your hands first. This is because all live bait has a slimy protective layer around it which you will damage if you touch it with dry hands. This slime is very attractive to predatory fish, so removing it will make it less effective. You can help to preserve the slimy layer by putting some water softening salt into the water where you keep the bait. This will also make their scales harder.
While fishing, if you find yourself running low on bait, keep some of the ones that have died and use them when you run out of living bait. As long as they have only recently died you can still lure fish to them, by gently bobbing your line to simulate movement.
You should be wary of using a line that is too heavy when you are putting out live bait. Fish will notice if the snack is weighted down too much and will stay away from it. Ideally it should appear to be floating freely. The point of using live bait is for the fish to see it as an unfortunate, helpless meal and to be tempted to take a bite at it.
Using live bait can be more difficult during the summer months, particularly in very hot weather, when the bait will suffer from heat. It can be almost impossible to keep your live bait alive. You will have to change the water you are keeping them in more often, in order to maintain adequate levels of oxygen. You should also be aware that the water is much hotter at the surface. Putting some ice in to keep them as cool as possible will give you the best chance of getting your bait to the hook without it dying first.
Live bait can be difficult to get hold of in the summer, particularly if you want croaker or shrimp. Calling the shop where you are going to pick up supplies the day before you take your trip will make sure you can reserve your favorite choice. You should also bear in mind that many other people will be using shrimp as bait at this time of year, so the fish may not find them as attractive. If you choose something that is more unusual, it will be more likely to grab the attention of the fish.
When you put your bait onto the hook you should make sure that you avoid damaging the eyes. The bait should be able to see the fish coming so that it will react and try to get away. This will excite the fish and make it grab hold of the bait more strongly.
If you are going to try and catch your own bait, practice throwing a net properly. There is an element of skill in getting the net to open properly, and you don't want to spend half your fishing day just trying to get started.
Live bait can work very well as long as you use it properly. You are adding to your workload by using it, but as long as you are willing to make the effort you will find that these wiggly creatures can be very effective.
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