Fishing has been one of the most popular hobbies in the UK for hundreds of years, and it’s easy to see why. Nothing beats the sensation of being out on the water with your rod, enjoying nature while also hoping that you catch something delicious to eat. You might already have experience and know how to fish, but want to try new fishing bait to increase your chances of catching some fish, or you might be just starting out and want to learn more about what types of bait are out there. Either way, here are four types of fishing bait that you can use to help you catch more fish.
Best Natural Bait
Fish are naturally attracted to anything that resembles their food source. When it comes to natural bait, worms, grubs, and nightcrawlers will always keep your hook baited. Using only natural materials is not only environmentally friendly but also cuts down on costs. The best baits for freshwater fishing are worms, leeches, minnows, crayfish, crickets, and grasshoppers. Cut bait (pieces of baitfish) is also popular among bottom-feeders such as catfish and carp.
Best Store-Bought Bait
Store-bought fishing bait can seem like a cop-out, but there’s nothing better when it comes to saving time and getting quality materials. If you want to save yourself some time without sacrificing your experience, you should look into store-bought bait. Great store-bought baits include boilies for larger fish like carp and pellets for smaller species.
Best Swim Baits
Swim baits are any type of lure designed to create a splashy commotion in open water. These lures often look like injured or dying baitfish. These lures can effectively catch bass and other big fish in open water when other methods aren’t working well. The most common types are plastic frogs, hollow-bodied frogs, and giant soft plastic worms. However, there are some unique designs on new swimbaits these days, so give others a try if one doesn’t get results.
Best Floater Baits
It doesn’t matter if you’re fishing in lakes, ponds, or rivers. A good bait floater is a must-have for every angler. This classic choice consists of any animal tissue that will naturally float on top of the water, enticing bass and other fish to go for a nibble. Great options include things like hot dogs, marshmallows, and salami. While these aren’t necessarily considered healthy snacks (except perhaps for salami), they are among some of your best options when it comes to ensuring your bait stays afloat.
Best Winter Baits
An excellent lure that you can use for your winter fishing trips is a jig. A jig is a hooked metal or plastic head, which you can use to fish with several different types of lures. For example, if you are out fishing in shallow waters, you might want to try an iced-out jig. These lures have an eyelet at the top to tie on a hook and flashier plastics or metals on top that attracts more fish attention. This type of bait is popular among many ice fishermen because it will allow them to see what type their lure has caught through its reflection on top of the ice.
Best Summer Baits
Fish love a good, wholesome meal – and there’s no better way to catch them in the summer than with natural grains and herbs. Wheat, corn, oats, and barley are excellent choices for anglers trying to reel in some big fish during their next trip out on the lake or river. To ensure your bait has enough scent to attract all kinds of fish, try combining your grains with fresh, clean water from a nearby source like a stream or a brook.
