Live minnows are a very popular and productive fish bait.
A variety of minnows and other small fish are popular as live baits for catching freshwater fish. Live bait fishing is popular throughout the world, however local favorites vary.
Minnows are excellent choices for catching fish such as crappie, largemouth bass, muskie, northern pike, yellow perch, walleye, pickerel, catfish, salmon and other fish.
Mummichogs are often used for freshwater fishing bait. These heavy bodied members of the killifish family are commonly found in brackish to saltwater estuaries, but can live in freshwater for long periods of time. Mummichogs are usually 2 – 4 inches long.
Mosquitofish are found throughout much of North America. Although tiny by baitfish standards, these micro-baits can be highly effective for catching sunfish and other panfish.
Gizzard shad are fast growing forage species that are found in lakes and reservoirs. In some regions, small gizzard shad can be caught locally or purchased from bait shops for use as live baits.
Shiners have great "flash" to attract bass. These are readily available at most local bait shops.
They prefer cooler water and won't
perform well in high summer. We recommend a size of 3-4" in length.
Whitetail Shiners are preferred. There are also "Common Shiners", Spottail Shiners", Emerald Shiners" and "Golden Shiners".
Sunfish (bream) are popular live baits for freshwater fishing. Often, sunfish are readily available near prime fishing spots. Sunfish make excellent baits for bass, pike, musky, large catfish and other gamefish.
Farm raised trout are sometimes available as fishing bait. Small trout can be purchased live from producers or outfitters. Large lake predators such as musky, pike, lake trout and coho salmon gobble these colorful baits up like candy.