How To Catch Bait Fish: Simple Tips

What is the best way to catch bait fish? The best way to catch bait fish depends on where you are, what species you’re targeting, and the gear you have available, but generally, using simple, effective methods like netting, trapping, or specialized rigs will yield the best results.

Catching your own bait fish is a rewarding and economical part of fishing. It allows you to have the freshest bait possible, which often translates to more bites and bigger catches. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to refine your bait-gathering techniques or a beginner curious about the process, this guide will provide you with simple yet effective tips for catching a variety of baitfish. We’ll delve into the best species to target, where to find them, and the most common and successful methods, including netting baitfish, using minnow traps, and even jug fishing for bait.

How To Catch Bait Fish
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Best Baitfish Species to Target

Not all small fish make good bait. Some species are hardier, more attractive to game fish, and easier to catch. Here are some of the best baitfish species:

Minnows: This is a broad category, but generally refers to small, silvery fish like shiners, chubs, and dace. They are incredibly versatile and attractive to a wide range of predatory fish, from bass and trout to walleye and pike.
Herring/Sardines: Common in saltwater environments, these small, oily fish are excellent for trolling or for attracting larger predatory species like tuna, mackerel, and stripers.
Mullet: Found in both freshwater and saltwater, mullet fry and juveniles are a staple bait for many coastal and inland predatory fish.
Perch (young): Small perch can be very effective bait, especially for larger bass and walleye.
Alewives/Gizzard Shad: In some regions, these larger baitfish are highly prized for catching trophy-sized game fish.

Traits of Effective Baitfish

When selecting baitfish, consider these characteristics:

Hardiness: They need to survive being caught, transported, and kept alive in a bait bucket or tank.
Attractiveness: They should have a natural appeal to predatory fish, often due to their scent, flash, or movement.
Size: The size of your baitfish should generally match the size of the game fish you’re targeting. Smaller baitfish are good for smaller predators or when finesse fishing, while larger baitfish are better for trophy hunters.

Where to Find Baitfish

Locating baitfish is key to a successful bait-gathering trip. They congregate in specific types of environments, often seeking food and protection.

Key Habitats for Baitfish

Shallow, vegetated areas: Many baitfish species, especially minnows, prefer shallow water with ample cover like weed beds, lily pads, or submerged logs. These areas offer protection from predators and a ready food source.
River and stream mouths: Where rivers and streams meet larger bodies of water, nutrient-rich inflows attract baitfish looking for food.
Near docks and pilings: These structures provide cover and attract insects and smaller organisms that baitfish feed on.
Backwaters and coves: Calm, protected waters often hold schools of baitfish, especially during warmer months.
Under bridges: Similar to docks, bridges offer shade and structure that attract baitfish.
Around underwater structure: Drop-offs, submerged rocks, and weed lines can concentrate baitfish.
Oceanic structures: In saltwater, nearshore reefs, jetties, and piers are prime spots for finding bait.

Timing Your Baitfish Search

The time of day and year can significantly impact where baitfish are found:

Dawn and Dusk: Many baitfish species are most active feeding during these low-light periods, often moving into shallower waters.
Warmer Months: Baitfish populations tend to be higher and more dispersed in warmer weather, making them easier to locate.
Water Temperature: As water temperatures change, baitfish will move to find optimal conditions, often following food sources.

Simple Methods for Catching Bait Fish

There are several straightforward and effective ways to catch baitfish. The best method often depends on the size of the area you’re working and the quantity of bait you need.

Netting Baitfish: A Versatile Approach

Netting baitfish is one of the most direct and common ways to gather a good number of baitfish quickly. Different types of nets are suited for various situations.

Cast Netting

Cast netting is a highly effective method for catching schools of baitfish in open water or shallow areas. It involves throwing a circular net with weighted edges, which spreads out like a parachute and sinks. When retrieved, the weights close the net, trapping the fish inside.

How to Cast Net:

Load the Net: Coil the net’s rope around your wrist. Hold the top of the net (the horn) in one hand. Distribute the lead weights evenly around the bottom edge of the net, keeping it folded.
Throw the Net: With a smooth, sweeping motion, throw the net outwards and downwards in a circular pattern. Aim for the center of a baitfish school.
Let it Sink: Allow the net to sink to the bottom, ensuring the lead weights close the circle.
Retrieve the Net: Pull the retrieval rope firmly and steadily. This cinches the net closed, trapping the baitfish.
Haul it In: Carefully haul the net towards you, keeping the opening above the water to prevent escape. Scoop the trapped fish into your bait bucket.

Tips for Cast Netting:

Practice: Cast netting takes practice to master. Start in a grassy area or shallow water to get the feel for it.
Observe Schools: Watch for signs of baitfish activity like surface ripples, diving birds, or baitfish jumping.
Water Clarity: Clear water makes it easier to spot schools.
Net Size: Choose a net size appropriate for the water depth and the size of the baitfish you’re targeting. Larger nets cover more area but can be harder to throw effectively.

Seine Netting

Seine netting is ideal for catching baitfish in shallower, confined areas like small coves, along shorelines, or in small creeks. It involves using a long, net with floats on the top edge and weights on the bottom, often with a bag in the middle.

How to Seine Net:

Deploy the Net: Two people typically walk parallel to the shore or across a small body of water, holding the ends of the seine net.
Create a Barrier: The goal is to create a barrier that guides the baitfish into the net’s bag.
Close the Circle: Once you’ve covered the desired area, slowly bring the ends of the net together, closing the loop and driving the fish into the central bag.
Haul it In: Carefully pull the net onto the shore or into a boat, ensuring the weighted bottom stays below the floating top.
Collect Bait: Remove the trapped baitfish from the net’s bag.

Tips for Seine Netting:

Teamwork: This method is much easier with at least two people.
Target Areas: Focus on areas where baitfish are known to congregate.
Avoid Obstructions: Be mindful of rocks, snags, or sharp objects that could damage the net.
Gentle Handling: Handle the net and the fish gently to minimize stress and injury.

Dip Netting

Dip netting is best for scooping baitfish out of shallow water or when you can see individual fish or small schools. It uses a handheld net on a pole.

How to Dip Net:

Locate Bait: Look for baitfish near the surface, in shallow pools, or around structures.
Position the Net: Gently place the net in the water, positioned to intercept the fish’s movement.
Scoop: With a swift but smooth motion, scoop the fish into the net. If the fish are in a school, try to get the net under as many as possible.
Lift and Transfer: Carefully lift the net and transfer the baitfish to your bucket.

Tips for Dip Netting:

Patience: This method requires patience and good observation skills.
Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear if wading to protect your feet and provide traction.
Visibility: Good visibility of the water is crucial.

Minnow Traps: Passive Bait Gathering

Minnow traps are an excellent passive method for catching baitfish. You set the trap, bait it, and leave it for a period, returning later to check for catches. This is great for gathering bait over time without constant attention.

Types of Minnow Traps:

Collapsible Traps: These are easy to transport and store. They typically have one or more funnel-shaped openings that allow fish to enter but make it difficult to exit.
Rigid Traps: Often made of wire mesh, these are durable and can be quite effective.

How to Use Minnow Traps:

Bait the Trap: Common baits include crushed crackers, bread, corn, or small pieces of fish or chicken. Place the bait in the central chamber of the trap.
Deploy the Trap: Submerge the trap in areas where baitfish are likely to be found. Secure it with a rope or line so you can retrieve it later.
Choose Location: Place traps in shallow coves, near weed lines, or in areas with moderate current.
Check Regularly: Check the traps periodically, ideally every few hours to prevent the bait from spoiling or the fish from dying.

Tips for Minnow Traps:

Bait Choice: Experiment with different baits to see what attracts the most baitfish in your area.
Location, Location, Location: The success of a minnow trap is heavily dependent on where you place it.
Multiple Traps: Using several traps in different locations can increase your chances of a good catch.
Avoid Deep Water: Minnow traps are most effective in shallower waters where baitfish are actively feeding.

Homemade Bait Traps

Creating your own bait traps can be a fun and cost-effective way to catch baitfish.

Common Homemade Trap Designs:

Plastic Bottle Trap: Cut the top off a large plastic bottle and invert it back into the bottom section, securing it with tape or staples. This creates a funnel entrance. Bait the bottle and place it in the water.
Wire Mesh Cage: Use fine wire mesh to construct a cage with one or more funnel-shaped entrances.

Tips for Homemade Traps:

Entrance Size: Ensure the entrance holes are sized appropriately for the baitfish you’re targeting.
Bait: Use appropriate bait to attract the desired species.
Secure Entrances: Make sure the funnels are securely attached and don’t have sharp edges.

Jug Fishing for Bait

While often used for catching larger fish, jug fishing for bait can be an effective way to gather baitfish in larger bodies of water, especially for species like shad or smaller herring. This method involves using a baited hook attached to a line that floats on the surface via a jug or bottle.

How to Jug Fish for Bait:

Rig the Jugs: Tie a strong fishing line to a sturdy jug or bottle. Attach a sturdy hook with an appropriate bait (like small pieces of cut bait, dough balls, or tiny artificial lures). The depth of the bait can be adjusted with a sinker or by the length of the line.
Deploy the Jugs: Gently place the baited jugs into the water, allowing them to drift with the current or wind.
Monitor: Keep an eye on your jugs. When a jug is pulled under the water or moves erratically, it indicates a fish has taken the bait.
Retrieve: Carefully reel in the line connected to the affected jug.

Tips for Jug Fishing for Bait:

Line Visibility: Use brightly colored line so you can easily spot your jugs and monitor their activity.
Bait Choice: Experiment with different baits that are known to attract the baitfish species in your area.
Regulations: Be aware of local regulations regarding jug fishing, as they can vary by state or region.
Weight: Use enough weight to keep the bait at the desired depth but not so much that it makes it difficult for baitfish to take the bait.

Rigging Your Bait for Success

Once you’ve caught your baitfish, you’ll want to rig them effectively for catching game fish. This is where live bait rigs come into play.

Live Bait Rigs

Using live baitfish is often the most effective way to entice larger, more predatory fish.

Simple Live Bait Rig

Hook: Use a sharp, appropriately sized hook. Circle hooks are excellent for live bait as they tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing gut-hooking.
Line: A monofilament or fluorocarbon leader is often used to prevent the baitfish from being bitten off.
Attachment: Gently thread the hook through the baitfish’s back, just below the dorsal fin, or through the nose. Avoid hooking the baitfish through the vital organs.

Carolina Rig for Live Bait

The Carolina rig is a popular choice for live bait, especially for species that tend to swallow bait.

Components: A sinker (often an egg sinker) slides freely on the main line, followed by a bead, a swivel, and a leader with your hook and baitfish.
Action: The sliding sinker allows the baitfish to swim more naturally without feeling the weight of the sinker immediately.

Free-Lining

This is the simplest rig. You tie your hook directly to the fishing line and attach a live baitfish. The baitfish swims naturally, and the angler relies on the baitfish’s own movement to attract predators. This works best in areas with some current or where you can cast to specific structure.

Keeping Your Bait Alive and Healthy

The most effective bait is lively bait.

Bait Bucket: Use a well-aerated bait bucket or tank. Many bait buckets have built-in aerators.
Water Changes: If you’re fishing for an extended period, change the water in your bucket periodically to maintain oxygen levels and remove waste.
Shade: Keep your bait bucket out of direct sunlight to prevent the water from overheating.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t put too many baitfish in a small bucket. This can lead to stress and suffocation.
Handle Gently: Handle your baitfish as little as possible and with wet hands to protect their slime coat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best time of day to catch bait fish?
A: Dawn and dusk are often the most productive times as baitfish are actively feeding. However, they can also be caught during the day, especially in shaded areas or around structure.

Q: Can I use the same bait for all types of baitfish?
A: While some baits are universally attractive, different baitfish species may have preferences. Experimenting with crushed crackers, bread, corn, or small pieces of fish can help determine what works best in your area.

Q: How do I keep my baitfish alive for a long time?
A: Use an aerated bait bucket, change the water regularly, keep the bucket in the shade, and avoid overcrowding the baitfish.

Q: Are there any legal restrictions on catching baitfish?
A: Yes, always check your local fishing regulations. There may be limits on the types of baitfish you can catch, the methods you can use, and the gear you can employ. Some species may be protected or illegal to use as bait.

Q: What kind of hook should I use for live bait?
A: Sharp hooks are essential. Circle hooks are highly recommended for live bait as they increase hook-up rates and reduce the likelihood of gut-hooking the fish you catch for bait. The size of the hook will depend on the size of the baitfish and the target game fish.

By mastering these simple techniques and tips, you’ll be well on your way to consistently catching your own fresh baitfish, enhancing your fishing experience and success on the water. Happy fishing!