If you ask one hundred anglers what the best fishing bait is, you’re likely to get one hundred different answers. And all of them would be right—in certain circumstances. The truth is, when it comes to catching fish, no one type of bait or lure works in every situation. What’s best for bass fishing is not going to work if you’re chasing trout.
The classic, hook, worm and bobber setup is just the beginning. In this guide we’ll discuss types of lures to include in your tackle box, various types of baits and how you can decide what fishing bait types to use.
What are the main fishing bait types?
Broadly speaking there are two main fishing bait types: natural bait and artificial bait or lures.
Popular live bait options for freshwater fish include:
- Nightcrawlers or worms
- Leeches
- Minnows
- Crayfish
- Crickets and grasshoppers
Saltwater live bait options include:
- Eels
- Crabs
- Shrimp
- Sea worms
- Pieces of squid or fish
When it comes to artificial baits and lures, your options are nearly endless and include:
- Soft plastic baits, including swimming baits shaped like minnows or crawfish
- Spinnerbaits
- Jigs
- Poppers and other topwater lures
- Flies—a must-have for fly fishing
- Crankbaits, including lipless crankbaits
- Spoons
Natural Bait vs. Artificial Bait: Which Works Better?
Choosing between natural or live bait and artificial lures is one of the key decisions you need to make. In general, fresh, local bait gets the best results, because you’re offering area fish a meal they are looking for. However, with the right technique fish are happy to strike artificial bait as well. And both types have strengths and weaknesses.
Pros of Live Bait:
- The scent and natural movement of live bait triggers feeding instincts and often leads to a higher hookup rate, especially if fish are picky.
- Ideal for beginners.
Cons of Live Bait:
- Live bait is perishable—it only works well when it’s fresh.
- Local fishing regulations may restrict the use of some live bait.
- Handling worms or cut bait can get messy.
Pros of Artificial Baits and Lures:
- Lures are more convenient—a well-stocked tackle box saves you a trip to the bait shop.
- They are reusable—although the up-front cost may be higher, because they are reusable, they can be cheaper in the long run.
- Many are species-specific as well, allowing you to zero in on particular types of fish.
Cons of Artificial Baits and Lures:
- Learning curve is higher—they require more skill to master. They are designed to mimic the movement of live bait, so success depends on how well you “work” the lure.
- Lure fishing is not passive—it requires constant action to be effective.
What factors affect which type of bait is best?
Choosing the best bait to attract fish depends on several important factors. Here are some key considerations:
Fish Species: Different species have different diets and different eating habits. You want to match the bait to the fish’s natural prey. If you’re targeting bass, for example, you’ll want bait or lures that mimic the crawfish, baitfish, or frogs that make up the bulk of a bass’s diet.
Water Visibility and Temperature: In clear waters, natural-colored lures or live bait are best, while in murky water, bright colors or scented baits can attract more hits. In cold water, fish are less active, so slow moving live baits or soft plastic baits work best. In warm water, fish are more aggressive, giving fast moving, noisy lures the edge. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Cold water—Choose slow-moving life bait, soft plastic bait or jigs
- Warm water—Select crankbaits, lipped crankbaits, or topwater baits
- Clear water—Opt for natural baits and natural-colored lures
- Murky water—Use bright artificial baits or scented baits
- Shallow water—Go with spinnerbaits, swimming bait and topwater lures like poppers
Weather Conditions: Fish behavior changes with the weather. For example, a drop in barometric pressure before a storm often leads to heavier feeding, while high pressure in fair weather tends to suppress fish activity. On overcast days, darker or brightly colored baits can be more effective, while on clear sunny days lighter colors work better.
Read Next: Can You Go Fishing After a Heavy Rain?
What are the best ways to learn about which baits work best?
You can begin by experimenting with different baits and techniques. But let’s be honest—even though it’s called fishing, what you really want to excel at is catching. That’s why a little prep work can go a long way in improving your chances of outwitting our finned friends.
Start with a little research. Learn about the species you are targeting. Are they top feeders or bottom feeders? Predators or foragers? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down which types of baits and lures make sense.
One of the best places to get reliable, local advice on the best bait to use is the local boat and tackle shop. Chat with the staff and you’re sure to hear about what the fish are biting—you may even learn where the local hot spots are as well. Discussions on local fishing forums are another great way to discover which baits or lures are working well for area anglers.
At the end of the day, there's no single "best bait." Choosing the right one comes down to the species, location, water and weather conditions, your personal preferences, and—let's be honest—a bit of luck.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fishing Bait
Q: What are the most popular fishing bait types?
A: Fishing bait falls into two broad categories—natural bait and artificial bait. Live worms, such as nightcrawlers or red wigglers, are the classic, most used form of natural bait. Minnows are also quite popular in freshwater fishing, while shrimp and cut bait are among the top natural bait choices for saltwater anglers.
Popular types of artificial bait include soft plastics molded to look like worms, minnows or frogs, jigs for bottom feeding fish, spinnerbaits, spoons and crankbaits.
Q: Can artificial bait be as effective as live bait?
A: Yes, artificial bait can be as effective as live bait in attracting fish. The keys to success are knowing how to use it properly and choosing the right type of lure for the species you’re targeting.
Q: How do I choose the best bait for fishing?
A: To choose the best bait for fishing you need to consider the habits of the species you are fishing, the water conditions such as visibility, temperature and current and the day’s weather conditions.
