There is a large variety of baits available for fishing. Almost all fishing locations such as lakes, rivers and on the ocean have specific bait stores that sell any type of bait. The primary question is what type of bait to use for which type of fish. There is a choice of live bait, artificial bait or prepared bait. The live bait category includes night crawlers, grasshoppers, flies, insect larvae, crickets, minnows, chub, shad, crayfish and frogs. Crappie, blue gill and bullhead are examples of fish that like live bait.

Carp and catfish are fish that bite on most any bait, but are known to do very well on what is called prepared baits. Prepared baits include bread balls, cheese balls, salmon eggs and chicken guts. Catfish like smelly bait types and very often will go for the smelly chicken guts. There are other types of baits that can be prepared that are effective. Many of the fish species that bite well on live or prepared baits will also bite well on the artificial lures.

Artificial lures include baits such as spinners, spoons and jigs. A major factor on which bait may work best is the environment that is being fished. Lakes are great for trolling with artificial lures and they seem to do very well. Rivers seem to do well with prepared and live baits. Researching the fish species and the location can provide great information on which baits are working and where the bait can be purchased. Some bait, like the night crawler worms, can be found in soft earth and compost piles. This bait is free and there are a number of fish that enjoy the worms.