How to Fish with Live Bait

As mentioned in the Bait for Freshwater Fishing, there is a wide variety of baits that are available for great fishing success.  In this article I will dive more deeply into the best way to present live baits such as minnows, worms, grubs and mimics, to maximize catchability. 

Live bait works very effectively due to key factors.  Live bait looks like natural prey better than any artificial lure.  Bait also supplies physical action and movements that fish expect.  It also has natural physical and electrical impulses from the lateral line  that predatory fish can detect and key on this for feeding.  Lastly, bait has natural scent and smells just like the real thing in the water.   All these attributes lead to the value of using live bait for fishing and it is key that the angler maximize them to have catching success.

The angler can maximize the success of bait for fishing but using the proper rig, the right sized hook and assuring scents and smells are kept natural.   It is best to have as small a hook and as light a hook as possible to assure that the bait stays lively (esp. for minnows) and the bait is presented in the most natural way possible.  You do not want to use a large extra strength saltwater hook when presenting small minnows to Trout.  Larger hooks will hamper the action of the minnow and kill the bait sooner than if you use a light wire and properly sized hook.  It is also important to minimize the transfer of any scents or odors from your hands to the bait.  Items such as sunscreen, excessive sweat, etc. can all have impact in the effectiveness of using bait for fishing.

There are many types of rigs that can be used for bait such as: float/bobber, sliding sinker, jigging, freelining, etc.  The details of these rigs and usage will be documented in a future article.

Selecting Fishing Hooks for Bait

Hook Sizes

It is best to match hook size and types to the size of the bait and type of bait being used.    Hook sizes are a bit oddly developed, as a size 14 hook is physically smaller than a size 4 hook.  A size 4 hook is also much smaller than a size 4/0 hook.  Lastly a 14/0 hook is larger than a 4/0 hook.

(not actual sizes)

Hook Types

J Hooks are the standard legacy fishhook that has been used for centuries.  It features an overall “J” shape, an eyelet for the line and a barb near the point to keep the fish on the hook.  J hooks are good for all around fishing and do not require any specific techniques to use effectively.

Barbless hooks have been around for a while.  They are similar in shape to the J hook, but the hook barb is not enabled.  This is great to enhance survivability for catch and release of fishing as the fish can be unhooked much more easily.  Barbless hooks have a slight disadvantage in that the angler must keep constant steady pressure on the fish or the hook might come out during the fight.

Circle hooks are the newest and most unique type of hook.  In a circle hook, the design of the barb and hook point bends back toward the shank rather than being straight line in a J or barbless hook.  This might seem like a minor difference, but in practice it is especially useful in helping with catch/release fishing.  The circle hook prevents fish from swallowing the hook.  The angler must change the hookset in that they do not jerk/pull the hook to set it (as with other hooks), but rather just tighten the line and gently pull to rotate the hook and set it in the fishes mouth.

The Owner Corporation who manufactures many quality fish hooks has a great chart for mapping fish hooks to target species and regions.  The cover both fresh and saltwater species and map specific hook types and sizes that are a best fit.

Striped Bass Regulations 2021

As of January 2021, many eastern states have changed their fishing regulations to require non-offset (inline) circle hooks when bait fishing for Striped Bass.  See our article Circle Hooks for Striped Bass for more details.

Minnows

For minnows it is best to use the shortest shank and smallest hook you can.  This will keep the bait alive and the swimming action lively which is most productive.   When using smaller minnows (1 to 2 inches) in freshwater it is best to use an octopus style hook in sizes from 6 or 8. 

For larger minnows (2 to 4 inches) sizes 4 or 2 can be used.

Mustad has Octopus style hooks

The picture shows 2 typical locations for hooking minnows.  Through the lips or in the lower back.  You want to hook not too deeply so they are able to be casted and fished effectively (not come off), but also have lively and active action.

Worms

Worms have less natural action that minnows and are longer in form factor.  As such, is best to use a longer shank hook when fishing whole worms, like Aberdeen hooks to minimize fish biting the worm tail and not getting hooked.    The hook size should be aligned to the worm size with the hook point extending about half way down the worm body.

Mustad has Aberdeen fishhooks

Safe Fish Unhooking Techniques

Live bait fishing can lead to deeper hooking of fish and difficult catch/release fishing.  The angler must keep diligent in watching the fish taking the bait and not wait too long to set the hook and fight the fish.  Otherwise the fish can swallow the bait.  As mentioned above both barbless and circle hooks help with successful catch/release fishing.

When unhooking a fish, it is best to do so as carefully and quickly as possible.   You can use specific tools such as needle nose pliers, hemostats or purpose made dehooking tools to help with this.

When unhooking a fish, it is best to handle it firmly, but try not to touch or cut the gills as they are sensitive areas for fish survival.  If a hook is embedded deep in the throat and it is not able to be removed easily, it is best to cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish.   It is also at times possible if you have a strong cutting pliers to cut the fish hook and remove it directly, but most hooks are difficult to cut.

I hope you have gotten a new appreciation for the various hook types and applicability for live bait fishing.  In a future article I will cover specific fishing rigs and when to use them.

I would be interested in hearing of fishing success. Please send any constructive feedback or suggestions. You can contact me by email [email protected].

Tight lines … Captain P.