As the summer heats up, many people are heading out to the water to enjoy a day of boating and fishing. But for those who are new to the sport, or even experienced anglers, the question of what bait to use can be a daunting one.? The short answer is yes, but the longer answer is a bit more complicated.
First, it’s important to note that there are many factors that can influence what bait is best for a specific type of fishing. The species of fish, the time of day, the temperature of the water, and even the weather can all play a role in determining what bait will be most effective. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and even experienced anglers may need to experiment with different baits before finding success.
That being said, there is some data and research that can be useful when deciding what bait to use. For example, a 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science looked at the use of artificial and natural baits in saltwater fishing. The study found that, overall, natural baits (such as live shrimp or squid) tended to be more effective than artificial baits (such as plastic lures or jigs).
Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2017, looked at the use of live bait versus artificial bait in freshwater fishing. The study found that live bait tended to be more effective than artificial bait, but that the type of live bait used (e.g. worms vs. minnows) could also make a difference.
Of course, these studies only scratch the surface of all the different types of fishing and bait options out there. And as mentioned earlier, there are many other factors to consider when choosing bait. Some anglers swear by certain types of lures or flies, while others prefer to use bait that is native to the area they are fishing. Ultimately, it may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you.
One piece of advice that many anglers agree on, however, is to pay attention to what the fish are eating in their natural environment. For example, if you’re fishing in a river where the fish are known to feed on insects, using a fly that imitates the local insects may be more effective than using a lure that mimics a small fish.
In the end, while there is some data and research available about the best bait for fishing, it’s important to also trust your instincts and pay attention to the conditions around you. Remember that fishing is as much an art as it is a science, and sometimes the biggest fish can be caught with the least expected bait.