Bait is whatever you use to trick a fish into taking the hook. Live bait comes in a wide range of things that fish like to eat. From bugs and bug larvae, to live worms and minnows, the options are many. Your selected bait should be determined by the fish sought after and waters you plan to fish. So, what types of bait are most commonly used for fishing?

Disturb your compost pile and collect some worms, or go out after the dew has fallen at night and collect the night crawlers from the lawn. Take a flashlight and walk very softly so they won’t feel vibration. Once caught, put it in your bait pail along with the others for your next day fishing trip.

There are many types of minnows and other small fish that also make good bait. Check with your local authorities to be sure this is allowed where you intend to fish. You can collect minnows with a trap or buy them at your local bait and tackle store. Frozen chunks of smaller fish are used for many species of larger fish. For instance, stripped bass will take a half or even a whole herring. Live herring would be better, but the supply may or may not be available when you want to go fishing.

By far, the widest variety of fishing bait is in the artificial lures, flies, plastic worms and bugs that are available in your favorite tackle shop or department store. This group of bait will offer something for any kind of fish you want to catch. It's all about trial and error. See what fish are biting what lure on your fishing outing.