Catching your own live bait can be a fun and rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. Whether you're fishing for sport or for sustenance, having a live, wriggling worm or minnow on your hook can make a huge difference in the success of your fishing trip. But if you've never caught live bait before, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the basics of catching your own live bait, so you can get out on the water and start reeling in the big ones.
- Determine what type of bait you need
The first step in catching your own live bait is to figure out what type of bait will work best for the type of fishing you're doing. Different species of fish are attracted to different types of bait, so it's important to know what you're after before you start catching. Some common types of live bait include worms, minnows, crickets, grasshoppers, and even small frogs.
- Gather your supplies
Once you know what type of bait you need, you'll need to gather the supplies you'll need to catch it. This will vary depending on the type of bait you're after, but some basic supplies you'll need include a fishing rod, reel, and line; a bait bucket or container to keep your live bait in; and a net or trap to actually catch the bait. You may also want to bring along a cooler to store your catch in if you're planning on fishing for an extended period of time.
- Know where to look
Next, you'll need to know where to look for your live bait. Some common places to catch worms include under rocks, logs, and other debris. Minnows can often be found in streams, rivers, and ponds. Grasshoppers and crickets can be caught in fields and meadows, while small frogs can be caught near bodies of water. Do some research on the type of bait you're after to find out where they are likely to be found.
- Set your trap or cast your line
Now it's time to actually catch your live bait. If you're using a trap, such as a minnow trap or worm bin, set it in the water and wait for the bait to swim in. If you're using a fishing rod, cast your line and wait for a bite. Be patient and keep an eye on your line or trap, as you may have to wait a while before you catch anything.
- Keep your live bait alive
Once you've caught your live bait, it's important to keep it alive until you're ready to use it. Keep your bait in a cool, shaded place, and make sure to keep the water in your bait bucket or container aerated by adding an air pump or simply stirring the water with a stick. You may also want to add some sort of food to the water to keep your bait healthy.
Catching your own live bait can be a fun and rewarding experience for anglers of all levels. By knowing what type of bait you need, gathering your supplies, knowing where to look, setting your trap or casting your line, and keeping your live bait alive, you'll be well on your way to having a successful fishing trip. So get out there, catch some bait, and happy fishing!
