I don't think there is literally a species out there, that there isn't an effective live bait technique that will produce fish, and give the most inexperienced angler a chance at a trophy.
This trout fell for a red worm .
Lets face it, not everyone is a pro fisherman, or has the time to learn all the different techniques and know- how, that only experience, and years on the water can give you...nor do alot of us have the interest in fishing, to spend our hard earned money on fishing lures and equipment etc., especially if we use it only a few times a year:)
If you want a decent Musky lure your looking at 20 - 30 dollars. Oh and you cant just get one of each style because different colours produce fish on different days, as do factors like water clarity, temperature, structure and species which are just a few factors that come into play in deciding what lure to buy or use. It gets a little confusing for the novice angler, or for people who couldn't care less and just want to catch fish and relax. Live bait is definitely the most consistent way to catch fish, and Ive never seen a weather condition, or body of water where a lively minnow or baitfish wasn't effective, and anyone can fish it.
Here are few pieces of advice for live bait fishing that will land you more fish!
The smaller the float you can get away with using, the better!
The bigger the float the more likely the fish will spook, or feel unnatural resistance and spit the hook.
Great floats are balsa wood floats, and any float with a thinner profile to reduce resistance.
The classic red and whites aren't recommended :)
STRUCTURE - Always look for structure, not just with live bait, but with any fishing. Cast your bait in and around docks, weeds, rocks, logs, points, shoals, drops, etc.
Cast a lively minnow around any of the above and chance are you'll get bit.
Make sure your bait is fresh and lively. Minnow, worms, leeches are a few that work great. Depending on your areas regulation, you may be able to use crayfish. They cant be beat for smallmouths! Get a good bait container. Your local tackle shop can help you get one that suits your needs.
Always adjust the depth of your float according to the depth the fish are biting. If your not sure, a foot off bottom is a good place to start. I cant count the times I've watched anglers throw a worm 6 inches below a float that's the size of a tennis ball, only to have it drift ten feet above the fishes strike zone.
Investing in a worm blower can be deadly to float your worm just off bottom when bottom fishing with weight. Just put your weight a foot or two above the hook to let the worm float just off bottom.
The smaller the hook you can get away with the better. It lets the bait move more naturally. There is a better chance the fish will hang on to it after the initial strike, and wont kill your bait as fast.
Only use enough weight so that your bait will naturally sink, and don't bunch the weights right near the hook
In most cases a spinning rod outfit is the best bet for live bait fishing. When fishing for fish like pike and Muskie, use a heavy fluorocarbon leader instead of wire. It will give the bait more natural movement.
Live bait fishing can provide fun for you and the whole family...without taking a chunk out of the wallet.
So next time your scouring the box looking for something that will work on a day the fish aren't really biting....
Go natural and try live bait. I'm not saying it always out fishes lures, or is better...I am a lure fisherman myself, but as far as "keeping it simple" and something that will work on a consistent basis for kids and adults alike. It cant be beat.. .
Please remember to always check the bait regulations for the area you are fishing.
Cheers and Tight lines!
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