pinfish can be caught on a simple top-and-bottom rig, baited with sand worm
or clam bits. In freshwater, sunfish and
crappie make good baits for some predators. Check your local laws before using
wild-caught fish for live baits, as it may
be prohibited in some states. There are
also prohibitions on moving live bait from
one lake to another in many parts of the
country, due to the threat of a deadly fish
virus called VHS. Ask your local tackle
shop or Department of Natural Resources
if you’re not sure.
If you’re going to be live-baiting with
any of these species, you’ll want to make
sure your boat has one other item close
at hand: a bait tray. Instead of discarding
baits that die, you’ll want to chop them
into bits and toss them over the side as
chum, to attract the predators. Bait trays
on stainless-steel mounts that fit into
gunwale-mounted rod holders, such as
those made by Magma, are convenient
and removable, but also bulky to stow.
Another option is to use a hard-mounted
version that mounts directly to the gunwale and folds away when not in use,
such as those made by West Marine.
Take the time and effort to get
hatch-matching live baits, keep them in
good condition, and you have an excellent chance of success. Though there are
countless variables in fishing, one thing is
for sure: You’ll catch more fish with live
bait — and it really is that simple.
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Digital Extra:
Turn the page to learn more
tips and techniques from Lenny
on how to fish live baits more
effectively.
Lenny Rudow
has been a
writer and
editor in the
marine
field for two
decades and
has authored
five how-to fishing books including Rudow’s
Guide to Rockfish and Rudow’s Guide
to Modern Jigging, available at www.
GETGUP.com. He’s won 18 awards from
Boating Writers International and two
from the Outdoor Writer’s Association of
America.
