How to Catch Bait Fish: A Complete Guide

Catching bait fish is a fundamental skill for any angler. The right bait can make the difference between a successful trip and a disappointing one. Knowing how to catch, handle, and rig bait fish ensures you’re always prepared to target your desired catch. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential tools, techniques, and tips to help you catch bait fish effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, this article will equip you with the knowledge to improve your fishing game.

What Are Bait Fish, and Why Are They Important?

Bait fish are small fish used to attract and catch larger predatory fish.
They are a vital part of the aquatic food chain and essential for successful fishing.
Using live bait mimics the natural diet of target species, increasing catch rates.
Bait fish are often easy to catch and abundant in most water bodies.
They help anglers target specific species like bass, catfish, or saltwater predators.

Common Types of Bait Fish Used by Anglers

1. Minnows: Popular for freshwater fishing; great for bass, crappie, and walleye.
2. Shad: Common in rivers and lakes; ideal for larger predatory fish like catfish.
3. Herring: Frequently used in saltwater fishing; attracts striped bass and tuna.
4. Pinfish: Small saltwater bait fish; perfect for grouper and snapper.
5. Anchovies: Tiny bait fish for saltwater fishing; excellent for catching mackerel.
6. Sardines: Used as cut bait or whole for large saltwater species.
7. Pilchards: Small schooling fish; effective for inshore and offshore fishing.

Essential Tools and Equipment for Catching Bait Fish

Cast Nets

• Circular nets with weights around the edges.
• Ideal for catching schooling bait fish in shallow waters.
• Easy to throw and retrieve; effective for minnows, shad, and pilchards.

Sabiki Rigs

• A multi-hook rig with small, shiny lures or feathers.
• Designed to attract and catch several bait fish at once.
• Perfect for areas with dense bait fish schools, such as docks or piers.

Minnow Traps

• Cylindrical or box-shaped traps with funnel entrances.
• Baited with bread, fish parts, or pet food to lure bait fish inside.
• Suitable for still or slow-moving water, like ponds or creeks.

Other Useful Tools

1. Pinfish Traps: Specifically designed for catching pinfish in saltwater.
2. Minnow Seine Nets: Two-person nets to sweep bait fish from shallow areas.
3. Small Baited Hooks: Simple method to catch larger individual bait fish.

Choosing the Right Gear Based on Your Fishing Location

• Shallow Waters: Use cast nets or seine nets for quick and efficient catches.
• Saltwater Areas: Pinfish traps and Sabiki rigs work well for saltwater species.
• Still Waters: Minnow traps are effective for ponds or lakes.
• Crowded Areas: Sabiki rigs are ideal near piers, bridges, and marinas.

Techniques for Catching Bait Fish

Using Cast Nets for Shallow Waters

• Cast nets are circular nets with weighted edges.
• Throw the net over areas where bait fish are visible.
• Ideal for shallow waters like shorelines, docks, and tidal pools.
• Requires practice to achieve a proper spread for maximum catch.
• Best used in calm waters to avoid tangling or damaging the net.

Setting Up Sabiki Rigs for Schools of Bait Fish

• Sabiki rigs consist of multiple small hooks adorned with shiny materials.
• Attach the rig to your fishing rod and use a small weight at the bottom.
• Drop the rig into areas with schooling bait fish, such as under piers or near reefs.
• Jig the rod gently to mimic the movement of tiny prey.
• Efficient for catching a large number of bait fish in a short time.

Trapping with Minnow Traps or Pinfish Traps

• Minnow traps are small, cage-like devices with funnel-shaped openings.
• Pinfish traps are larger and designed for saltwater bait fish.
• Bait the trap with bread, pet food, or fish scraps.
• Place traps in shallow, calm areas with good bait fish activity.
• Leave traps for a few hours before retrieving to maximize the catch.

Tips for Successful Bait Fishing

Best Times and Locations to Catch Bait Fish

• Early Morning or Late Evening: Bait fish are most active during low light conditions.
• Shallow Waters: Look near shorelines, docks, or grassy areas where bait fish gather.
• Around Structures: Jetties, reefs, and submerged logs attract bait fish seeking shelter.
• Near Schools: Use polarized sunglasses to spot schools of bait fish in clear water.
• Tidal Movements: In saltwater, fish during incoming or outgoing tides when bait fish are moving.

How to Attract Bait Fish Effectively

• Chumming: Toss small bits of bread, fish scraps, or commercial chum to lure them in.
• Light Sources: Use underwater or floating lights at night to draw bait fish closer.
• Fish Scents: Add attractants like fish oils to your traps or nets to entice them.
• Water Disturbance: Create ripples or splashes to mimic feeding activity.
• Natural Habitat: Match the environment by using vegetation or debris as bait fish hideouts.

Handling and Storing Bait Fish

Proper Methods to Keep Bait Fish Alive and Fresh

• Handle bait fish gently to avoid stress and injury.
• Avoid overcrowding to ensure they have enough oxygen and space.
• Use clean, cool, and well-oxygenated water for storage.
• Change water regularly to prevent waste buildup.
• Minimize handling to reduce stress and extend their lifespan.
• Keep bait fish in shaded areas to maintain a stable temperature.

Using Live Wells or Buckets with Aerators

Live Wells:

• Built-in systems on boats designed to keep bait alive.
• Maintain constant water circulation to ensure oxygenation.
• Ideal for large quantities of bait fish during extended fishing trips.

Buckets with Aerators:

• Portable and convenient for shore or pier fishing.
• Aerators pump oxygen into the water to keep bait lively.
• Choose insulated buckets to regulate water temperature.

Rigging Bait Fish on a Hook

Techniques to Attach Bait Fish 

1. Lip Hooking

• Insert the hook through both lips of the bait fish, starting from the lower lip.
• Ideal for drift fishing and slow trolling.

2. Back Hooking

• Pass the hook through the back, just in front of the dorsal fin.
• Best for free-lining or fishing in current to keep bait lively.

3. Nose Hooking

• Slide the hook through the nostrils of the bait fish.
• Works well for trolling at higher speeds.

4. Tail Hooking

• Place the hook near the base of the tail.
• Effective for bottom fishing or when targeting fish near the seabed.

5. Double Hook Rigging

• Use one hook near the lip and another near the tail.
• Ensures secure attachment for large bait fish in rough waters.

Preserving Natural Movement to Attract Bigger Fish

• Avoid damaging vital organs or the spine when hooking.
• Use appropriately sized hooks to prevent restricting the bait fish’s movement.
• Handle bait fish gently to reduce stress and keep them active.
• Match the rigging style to the fishing method and water conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

Catching bait fish is a crucial skill for any angler looking to increase their chances of a successful catch. By understanding bait fish, using the right tools, and mastering effective rigging techniques, you can make your fishing experience more productive and enjoyable. Remember to handle bait fish carefully to preserve their natural movements, ensuring they remain attractive to larger predatory fish. With practice and preparation, you can refine your bait fishing strategies and enhance your overall fishing success.