Reel in the Big One: Master Live Bait Fishing!

// Nate Bateman // english, Survival Info

Reading Time: 6 minutes

REEL IN THE BIG ONE: MASTER LIVE BAIT FISHING!

Fishing with live bait is a tried and true method for catching fish, and it’s especially useful in survival situations or off-grid living. Natural baits like worms, minnows, and insects are readily available and can be easily caught or collected. But knowing how to properly rig and present these baits can make all the difference in your success on the water. In this article, we’ll share some tips for catching and rigging natural baits that will help you catch more fish and increase your chances of survival in a disaster scenario.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, these tips will help you make the most of your live bait fishing experience. So, grab your gear and let’s get started!

FISHING WITH LIVE BAIT: TIPS FOR CATCHING AND RIGGING NATURAL BAITS

Fishing with live bait is a time-tested technique that has been used for centuries to catch fish. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, using live bait can increase your chances of catching fish. In this article, we will discuss some tips for catching and rigging natural baits that can be useful in a survival situation, off-grid living, or disaster preparedness.

First, let’s talk about the benefits of using live bait. Live bait is attractive to fish because it is natural and mimics the prey that fish would normally eat. This makes it more effective than artificial lures, especially in situations where fish are not actively feeding. Live bait can also be easier to obtain than artificial lures, especially if you are in a survival situation or living off the grid.

The first step in using live bait is to catch it. There are many types of live bait that can be used, including:

  1. Worms
  2. Minnows
  3. Crickets
  4. Grasshoppers

The type of bait you use will depend on the type of fish you are trying to catch and the environment you are fishing in.

Worms are a popular choice for live bait because they are easy to find and can be used to catch a variety of fish. To catch worms, you can either dig them up from the ground or purchase them from a bait shop. If you are digging up worms, look for moist soil in shaded areas. You can use a shovel or a hand trowel to dig them up. Once you have your worms, keep them in a container with moist soil or newspaper to keep them alive.

Minnows are another popular choice for live bait, especially for larger fish such as bass and pike. To catch minnows, you can use a minnow trap or a seine net. A minnow trap is a small wire cage that is baited with bread or crackers. Place the trap in the water and wait for the minnows to swim in. A seine net is a large net that is dragged through the water to catch fish. You can use a seine net to catch a large number of minnows at once.

Crickets and grasshoppers are also effective live baits for catching fish. To catch crickets, you can use a cricket trap or catch them by hand. A cricket trap is a small wire cage that is baited with bread or crackers. Place the trap in an area where crickets are present and wait for them to enter. To catch grasshoppers, you can use a net or catch them by hand. Look for grasshoppers in areas with tall grass or weeds.

Once you have your live bait, it’s time to rig it up. The rig you use will depend on the type of bait you are using and the type of fish you are trying to catch. Here are some common rigs for live bait fishing:

  • Carolina rig: This rig is used for fishing on the bottom. It consists of a sinker, a swivel, a leader, and a hook. The sinker is attached to the main line, followed by a swivel. The leader is then attached to the swivel, followed by the hook. The live bait is hooked through the lips or back and allowed to swim freely on the bottom.
  • Slip bobber rig: This rig is used for fishing at a specific depth. It consists of a slip bobber, a sinker, a swivel, a leader, and a hook. The slip bobber is attached to the main line, followed by a sinker. The swivel is then attached to the main line, followed by the leader and the hook. The live bait is hooked through the lips or back and allowed to swim at a specific depth.
  • Jighead rig: This rig is used for fishing with minnows or worms. It consists of a jighead, a leader, and a hook. The jighead is attached to the main line, followed by the leader and the hook. The live bait is hooked through the lips or back and allowed to swim freely.

When rigging live bait, it’s important to use the right size hook. The hook should be large enough to hold the bait securely but not so large that it interferes with the bait’s movement. The size of the hook will depend on the size of the bait and the size of the fish you are trying to catch.

In addition to rigging your live bait, it’s important to present it in a natural way. This means allowing the bait to swim freely and avoiding any unnatural movements. If you are using a Carolina rig or a slip bobber rig, make sure the bait is allowed to swim freely. If you are using a jighead rig, use a slow and steady retrieve to mimic the movement of a live baitfish.

Finally, it’s important to be patient when fishing with live bait. Fish may take some time to find your bait, especially if they are not actively feeding. Be prepared to wait and be ready to set the hook when you feel a bite.

In conclusion, fishing with live bait can be a useful skill in a survival situation, off-grid living, or disaster preparedness. By following these tips for catching and rigging natural baits, you can increase your chances of catching fish and providing food for yourself and your family. Remember to be patient, present your bait in a natural way, and use the right size hook for your bait and the fish you are trying to catch. Happy fishing!



The lesser-known side of Fishing with Live Bait: Tips for Catching and Rigging Natural Baits

  1. Fishing with live bait has been used as a method of survival for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks.
  2. Natural baits such as worms, minnows, and crickets are often more effective than artificial lures because they mimic the scent and movement of real prey.
  3. In a disaster or off-grid living situation where food sources may be limited, fishing with live bait can provide a reliable source of protein.
  4. Different types of fish prefer different types of natural baits; for example, catfish are attracted to stinkier baits like chicken liver or cheese while trout prefer smaller insects like grasshoppers or mayflies.
  5. Live bait can be caught using traps such as minnow traps or by digging up worms from soil near bodies of water.
  6. When rigging natural baits on hooks, it’s important to choose an appropriate size hook that matches the size and strength of the bait being used.
  7. Some anglers swear by adding scents like garlic or anise oil to their natural baits in order to attract more fish.
  8. In addition to traditional rod-and-reel fishing methods, live bait can also be used in other forms such as jug fishing (using floating jugs with lines attached) or trotline fishing (using long lines anchored at both ends).