Bait and lure basics: what each one does and when to use it
The bait aisle can look endless, but almost everything in it falls into a few families. Knowing what each one is built to do makes it much easier to pick one.
Live and natural bait
- Worms (nightcrawlers, red worms): eaten by many freshwater fish. Fished under a float or on the bottom.
- Minnows and other baitfish: a natural food for many predatory fish.
- Insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, popular for panfish.
- Cut bait and prepared baits are common for catfish.
Check the bait rules first. Some states restrict which live bait you can use or move between waters, to stop invasive species and fish diseases from spreading. Never release leftover bait into the water.
The main lure types
| Lure | What it does | How anglers commonly use it |
|---|---|---|
| Soft plastics (worms, grubs, swimbaits) | Soft, lifelike bodies that move naturally | Rigged on a hook or jig head and fished slowly near the bottom or through cover |
| Jigs | Weighted head with a hook, often with a soft-plastic or hair body | Hopped or dragged along the bottom; work for many species |
| Spinners and spinnerbaits | A spinning blade that flashes and vibrates | Steady retrieve to cover water and draw strikes from active fish |
| Crankbaits | Hard-bodied lures; many have a lip that makes them dive and wobble (lipless versions also exist) | Cast and reeled in; on lipped models the lip size roughly sets how deep it runs |
| Spoons | Curved metal that wobbles and flashes | Cast and retrieved, or jigged vertically |
| Topwater | Worked at or near the surface, often making noise or splashes | Often in low light, early and late in the day, over shallow water |
Starting choices that work for a lot of anglers
- Unsure what’s in the water? Live bait under a float is simple and catches many species.
- Want to cover water? A spinner or a shallow crankbait lets you search quickly.
- Fish holding tight to cover or bottom? Slow down with a jig or a soft plastic.
- Colors: a common rule of thumb is natural colors in clear water and brighter or darker colors in stained water. Change if nothing bites.
Wet That Line shows species reported at many waters from public surveys and anglers’ logged catches, a helpful hint (not a guarantee) of what you might find there. Find a spot on the free spot map.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bait for beginners?
Many anglers start with live bait such as worms under a float, because fish of many species eat it and it takes little skill to fish. Check your state's live-bait rules first.
Do bait rules differ by state?
Yes. Some states restrict which live bait you can use or move between waters, to prevent the spread of invasive species and fish diseases. Check your state's regulations before you buy or move bait.
What lure color should I use?
A common rule of thumb is natural colors in clear water and brighter or darker colors in stained or muddy water, so fish can see the lure. Treat it as a starting point and change if nothing bites.
More guides
- Fishing public water: access, licences and the rules that matter
- Fishing safety: life jackets, cold water, lightning and rising rivers
- Bank and pier fishing: where fish hold and how to reach them
General information from anglers’ experience and the agencies named above, not legal or safety advice for your situation. Fishing rules change: always check your state fish and wildlife agency’s current regulations, and follow posted signs at the water.