Columbia Sportswear’s Ultimate Guide to Fishing Bait and Lures 

Whether you’re  new to fishing or expanding your angling repertoire, the world of bait and lures is a big one. You may be wondering what types of fishing bait are out there and which one you should use, or whether you should use a lure instead. A lot of it depends on personal preference. While there’s no substitute for experience, the goal of this guide is to give you enough background to get started. 

In addition to having a valid fishing license, always check local and state regulations on the types of bait that are legal to use in your area. Consult your state’s department of Fish & Wildlife website; in addition to rules about where and when you might be able to use live bait, and restrictions on what types of lures are legal, you’ll also find information on where to fish in your area, local fish species bag limits, and how you can sign up for instructional classes and group fishing events. Then, visit your local bait, tackle or fly shop. That’s where you chat with experts about reels, rods, and local wisdom about where to go, what to fish for, and recommended bait or lures.

Often the decision of whether to use bait or a lure is a personal preference. But there are some general guidelines according to specific species, environment, weather conditions, and your own level of experience. 

The most basic difference between bait and lures is that bait is natural, whereas lures are artificial forms of bait. Lures are typically made to resemble their living counterparts. Since bait is a type of small creature that fish like to eat, each piece of bait on your line is only good until the fish eats it. In contrast, a lure can be used multiple times because the fish doesn’t actually ingest it.

Natural bait attracts fish through its movement, smell, noise, shape, and the displacement of water. Artificial lures are designed to mimic the movements, shape, and colors of natural bait to attract fish. 

Whether you use bait or lures will depend in part on the conditions you’re faced with. Bait tends to work well in colder, murkier water. The lower the light levels, and the less active the fish are, the better the argument for natural bait.

Dead, strong-smelling bait is best when the water is very cold and dirty so that fish have an easier time finding it. Live bait is best in moderately cold and dirty water or when fish are slightly more active and light levels are better so they can see the bait.

In slightly warmer, clearer water with decent activity levels and light, slower lures made of soft plastics and bucktail jigs are hard to beat. When the water is very warm and clear, the fish are extremely active, and the light is bright, faster lures, such as shiny metal lures, jigs, and plugs are best.

• Bucktail jigs  are incredibly versatile jig-style lures (jigs move up and down in water with the motion of waves) that can be used in a large variety of conditions and depths while imitating a wide array of prey. The bucktail name is derived from the use of fur from the tail of deer on the back of the lure to mimic the appearance of small baitfish, shrimp, and squid.

There are many types of fishing bait you can use when fishing in freshwater lakes and rivers. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the various options so you know what you’ll need when you head out.

Worms are the most popular type of bait and a staple in most bait shops. They are generally easy to find, and they work for just about any type of fish. They are the most effective when you’re going after small bass and panfish. The most popular worms used are nightcrawlers and red worms. You can buy them or gather your own. Store them in a cup or jar with breathing holes as they need air to survive.

You can purchase leeches from a bait shop. They range in size and are good when fishing at depth. They are probably best known for attracting catfish, but they also walleye, perch, crappie, and other large fish. They should be stored in water in a sealed plastic container.

While minnows pose the greatest challenge as live bait, they are ideal when you’re going after larger fish. Smaller minnows are good for catching walleye, trout, perch, and crappie. Larger minnows are best for catching walleye, largemouth bass, pike, catfish, and muskellunge. These should also be stored in water in a sealed plastic container.

An alternative to minnows is to cut a larger fish up and use it to lure your catch. Scale the fish and leave the skin intact. Carp and catfish like this type of bait, and it can also be used to attract saltwater fish, such as trout, sailfish, and bluefish. 

You can buy dough bait or stink bait or make your own. Dough or stink bait is typically made with flour, cornmeal, sugar, and water; you add a flavoring agent, such as garlic, gelatin, or licorice to make it extra smelly. Dough or stink bait is good for catching carp and catfish, and like cut bait, it is appropriate for both freshwater and saltwater. For storage, put it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Insects are not commonly used as bait, but they are easy to find in the wild and in pet stores. Grasshoppers and crickets are a good bait to use when fishing for trout and some types of panfish in shallow streams, and grubs are the go-to when ice fishing. Store crickets and grasshoppers in a cardboard box or small crate. You will usually purchase grubs in a plastic puck.

In addition to cut fish and dough balls, there are a few other types of bait that are best for fishing in saltwater. You can store all of these in saltwater in a closed container. Again, the type you use depends on the species you’re going for.

Shrimp and prawns are two of the most commonly used saltwater baits, whether you are fishing inshore or offshore. Their strong scent and movement attract a wide array of fish, such as redfish and snapper.

Squid or octopus can be used to catch just about any type of fish near shore or out in open water. Large squid mantles can be cut into strips to use as bait. While you can hook a whole squid, it’s better to use as small a piece as possible to keep fish from nibbling and swimming away. This goes for any type of natural bait.

Shellfish, such as clams, mussels, and crab make great bait. And they are something you can gather or catch on your own to use, provided your location regulations permit it.

As with fishing bait, there are many types of fishing lures. Artificial lures make a great alternative to natural bait. You can get them in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and you can even get lures that have been scented to attract fish. Be sure to care for them as well as your other fishing gear and tackle.

These are soft plastics that are shaped to resemble natural bait, such as worms, crayfish, and minnows. They are the go-to lure for bass fishing.

A jig is a plastic lure that has a weight at one end or side and a hook at the other. This is the ideal lure for bottom-dwelling fish because the weight makes it sink.

A spoon is a concave piece of metal with a hook on the end. In the old days, it was actually made with a spoon that had the handle broken off. The shape causes the lure to move and shine in the water, which looks like an injured fish.

Flies are a special type of lure meant for fly fishing. They have a single hook and a skirt and are tied with feathers, thread, or fur to resemble some sort of prey, such as insects or crustaceans. You can buy flies at your local fly/fishing shop or take a class and learn the skill on your own. Tying a fly is not only an art, but a passion. 

While most other lures sink in the water, spinnerbait moves horizontally. The shape and color of the bait depends on the depth at which you’re fishing and the target species. There is a skirted hook on one side of the spinnerbait and at least one small metal blade that spins in the water. This is the ideal lure for panfish, pike, and bass.

Also known as plugs, crankbait is a type of hard plastic lure that looks like a minnow and has a metal or plastic piece (called a lip) attached to the front of it. Swimbait is similar but is softer, has no lip, and is jointed so its tail end can move freely, making it look like it is swimming. Both types have two or three hooks attached. Crankbait is ideal in rougher conditions and when fishing at depth. 

The best way to select the best type of bait or lure is to visit a local fishing shop. Not only will you get information on what is biting during a particular season, but you can expect expert advice on bait, lures, and when and where the fish are biting.