For many anglers, live bait is the secret ingredient that can make the difference between a successful day of fishing and heading home empty-handed. Live bait appeals to a wide range of fish species and can be more enticing than artificial lures. In this article, we will give you surefire tips and tricks to help you secure those lively morsels that will attract the big catches.

Consider Your Location

Most baitfish are structure-oriented. Rock jetties, barnacle-encrusted pier supports, shallow reefs and wrecks, and grass beds, are just some of the locations where baitfish (depending on the precise species of baitfish you’re targeting) hide and take shelter in. You can start your bait fishing journey in these areas. If you need more specific information about a certain species, you badly want to catch, visit your local tackle shops/boat dealerships and ask for advice.

Moving Water

Now that you know where to begin your search, you should time your bait-catching efforts well. It doesn’t matter which direction the water is going as long as it’s moving. To increase your chances of a productive, even bountiful catch, try to remember the last two hours of the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide.

Fish for Bait At Night

During the daylight hours when boat traffic is at peak, concentrations of bait generally seek shelter in deeper water, where they become skittish and increasingly challenging to find and catch. Once the sun has set, the same bait will typically move back into shallower waters and let their guard down as they go and rest for the night.  Try to fish during dusk or evening hours.

Use underwater lights to attract baitfish and help you see better in the dark. Hang or submerge the underwater light near your boat. Its illumination attracts plankton and other small water critters which will also attract baitfish as well. As the baitfish gather around the light, use a dip net to scoop up them up. Move slowly and avoid making sudden movements that can spook the bait.

Let the Fish Come To You

Up your game by letting the baitfish come and find you. Anchor over a shallow reef, wreck or wide-open grass bed, and scatter some small pieces of chum that the baitfish will love and before you know it, whatever bait is in the area will soon appear surrounding you and your boat. Small ripples on the water’s surface will give away their presence, so keep a sharp eye out on the water. Don’t forget that when boating on shallow waters, use a small boat such as a Quintrex tinnie boat to avoid damaging your boat and destroying the grass beds or any aquamarine life below the water’s surface.

Use Sabiki Rigs to Hook in Small Baitfish

Sabiki rigs are multi-hook rigs that are excellent for catching small baitfish like anchovies, sardines, or herring. Choose a rig that matches the size of the baitfish you’re targeting. Sabiki rigs come in various hook sizes and configurations.

Attach a small piece of bait, like squid or fish belly, to each hook on the rig. Drop the rig into the water and jig it up and down to attract the baitfish. Sabiki rigs are typically lightweight, so use a light rod and reel setup for the best results.

Set Up Traps and Pots for Crustaceans

If you’re after crustaceans such as crabs or shrimps, traps and pots are effective tools to catch these critters. Use chicken parts, fish heads or carcasses as food to lure them. Place the bait inside the trap and then secure it. Lower the trap into the water, making sure it sits on the bottom. Check the trap every 30 minutes or so. Collect your catch when you see them trapped inside the container. Be careful in handling crabs to avoid getting pinched.

Know How To Use a Dehooker Properly

After investing all of that excruciating time and effort to procure a supply of live bait, the last thing you want to happen is for your fragile baitfish to perish because of something that could have easily been avoided. Baitfish dehooking devices cost no more than a couple of bucks and allow the ability to dehook your bait without ever touching its frail body and wiping off its protective slime coat. The dehooker device will guarantee your bait remains healthier.

Baitfish Maintenance

Now comes the challenge of maintaining the health of all the bait you’ve caught and ensuring they are in prime shape during your game fishing activity. Handle them with care. Invest in bait pens or baitwells with adequate aeration and water circulation to keep them in good shape. These bait storage containers come in various sizes and can be purchased at marine shops where they sell fishing tackle. Make sure to clean the bait pen properly. Avoid using soap to wash it as the chemicals from the residue will kill your fish. Don’t forget to feed your baitfish to avoid them from starving. Feed them with small pieces of chum. Avoid overcrowding your bait pen as your bait will suffocate.