Live Baits- Which Ones For Which Fish

Live bait accounts for most of the fish that are caught. The chart shown on the next page is a general guide to which live baits work well for which species of fish, whether you're tipping a jig, attaching the bait to a plain hook or using a special rig. The chart can help you decide what to use, but don't forget to do some experimenting of your own.

Another thing to keep in mind is that "semi-live" bait is not going to catch many fish. So always try to buy lively, healthy looking bait, and keep it cool and out of the sun and in insulated containers. And when you are fishing, remember to change bait frequently. A minnow that has already caught three fish isn't going to do much to attract another one.

However, there are times when dead bait is effective. For example, dead smelt fished on the bottom can be the best way to catch lake trout and big northerns. And of course, dead bait can be deadly on catfish.

Minnows	Small minnows work well for crappies and perch. Use larger minnows for walleyes, northern pike, muskies, bass. Hook them through the nose for trolling or casting, through the back when fishing with bobbers.
Nightcrawlers/Worms	Whole nightcrawlers work best for walleyes, catfish and bass in summer and fall. Hook them once, through the head end when using live bait rigs. Pieces of nightcrawlers and worms work well for panfish such as sunfish and perch when threaded on the hook.
Leaches	Small leeches are excellent for panfish. Use larger leeches for walleyes and bass in summer. Hook once behind the sucker.
Grubs, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Fish eggs	Small baits like these work great for panfish and trout, thread them on your hook.
Dead Bait	Dead baits such as smelt work well for big northern pike, and lake trout. Catfish love a variety of dead baits like chicken liver and frogs. Thread these on your hook.

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