Worms
Night crawlers and earthworms are a favorite bait of young anglers and those with years of experience. Many different types of fish will offer at worms presented on various fishing rigs.
Insects
Many people use insects such as crickets and grasshoppers as bait. Ants, grubs, waxworms, mealworms and caterpillars all attract fish like crappie and trout.
Natural baits
Aquatic organisms such as crayfish, leeches, clams, mussels, shrimp, squid, octopi, eels and crabs can all wind up as bait.
Small fish
Minnows and shiners are often hooked behind their dorsal fin and suspended under fishing floats, fished in the current or used by ice fishermen as bait.
Prepared baits
Catfish and carp anglers favor prepared baits like dough balls and stinkbaits. Everyday food items such as kernel corn, bread and luncheon meat serves as bait for some anglers.
Lures
Artificial lures include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, soft plastic baits that look like frogs, worms, lizards and other creatures, and jigs. Fly fishermen will purchase or make their own fake flies using such materials as feathers and animal hair.
