Choose the Right Size of Bait Based on Fish Species
117
Fishing is one of the most popular pastimes, and the right bait can go a long way in catching the big one. Bait size can be the difference between a successful day on the water and a failure. Different fish require different size bait, and choosing the right size can make all the difference in your results. This guide will help you select the right size bait based on that species of fish you will be targeting.
Bait Sizes to Use for Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are large predatory fish, and are considered a great game fish. They respond to a variety of baits and lures, and anglers can catch them by targeting the food source that is most readily available. Larger baits typically are best for largemouth bass, but depending on the size of prey in the area, smaller baits are effective as well. When selecting bait for largemouth bass, use sizes from 1/4 inch up to 3 inches long.
Smallmouth Bass Bait Size
Smallmouth bass tend to be a bit more finicky when it comes to bait selection. When angling for smallmouth bass, use the smallest size of bait that you can. Try using baits that are 1/2 inch up to 2 inches in length.
Using small baits such asworms, meal worms, and minnows are typically the most successful when it comes to smallmouth bass. If you’re using lures, stick to sizes similar to what you’d use for largemouth bass, anything from 1/4 inch up to 3 inches.
Selecting Bait Sizes for Walleye
Walleye is another popular game fish, and like the smallmouth bass, they are typically finicky and require a tailored approach. When angling for walleye, try to match the size of bait to the size of the local prey. Walleye feed on a variety of prey, from small fish to crayfish, so use a variety of small to medium size baits.
Walleye respond to baits from 1/4 inch up to 6 inches long. If you’re using lures, baits from 1/4 inch to 5 inches are typically best for walleye. Some of the more popular baits for walleye include worms, minnows, and jigs.
Selecting Bait for Northern Pike
Northern pike are one of the biggest games fish and they have a large appetite. They are big predators that feed on smaller fish, frogs and ducks. When angling for pike, select bait sizes from 4 inches to 10 inches long.
If you’re using lures, select sizes similar to what you would use for walleye, 1/4 inch up to 5 inches and try using a variety of lures. Spoons, crankbaits, and jigs work best for northern pike and are available in a variety of sizes that will cover the range listed above.
Selecting Bait for Trout
Trout are popular game fish because of the difficulty in catching them. Trouts feed mainly on invertebrates, although they will also feed on smaller fish if available. When angling for trout, select bait sizes from 1/4 inch up to 4 inches long.
When selecting lures, use sizes from 1/4 inch to 3 inches long. For bait selection, worms, while preferred by some anglers, can be too large for trout and should be allowed to disperse scent before casting. Meal worms, grubs, salmon eggs and Powerbait are all effective and can be found in tackle stores in the appropriate size range.
Choosing the Right Bait Sizes for Catfish
Catfish are bottom dwelling predators, and as such will feed on food that is available on the bottom of a body of water. When angling for catfish, select bait sizes from 1/4 inch up to 5 inches long.
When selecting lures, stick to sizes from 1/4 inch up to 4 inches long. Some of the more popular catfish baits include cut bait, nightcrawlers, shrimp, leeches and crab pieces. These baits can be found in a variety of sizes that will cover the range listed above.
Selecting Bait for Crappie
Crappies are schooling fish and can be found in deeper waters, preying on smaller fish and invertebrates. When angling for crappie, select bait sizes from 1/4 inch up to 4 inches long.
When selecting lures, sizes from 1/4 inch up to 3 inches long are typically most effective. Minnows, worms, jigs, crankbaits, and top water lures can all be used to target crappie, and are available in sizes that will cover the range listed above.
Choosing the right size bait for the species of fish you are targeting is an important part of successful angling. By selecting the right size bait, you can increase your chances of a successful day on the water. Following the guide above will help you to select the right size bait based on that species of fish you will be targeting, ensuring a successful trip.
