Bait & Lures
What to throw for each species: live bait, cut bait, jigs, crankbaits and soft plastics, listed by water and season.
Bait & Lures · GuideBest Bait for Crappie: Minnows, Grass Shrimp and Rigs
Crappie baits state agencies name: small minnows, grass shrimp, worms and jig-and-minnow combos, with hook sizes, float depths and the seasons they suit.
Bait & Lures · GuideBest Bait for Bass Fishing: Live Bait First, Then Lures
Live baits state agencies name for bass: golden shiners, nightcrawlers, crayfish, minnows and frogs, plus the artificial baits to try and how to fish each.
Bait & Lures · GuideBest Fishing Lures for Bass: 6 Types and When to Throw Them
The bass lures state wildlife agencies name: soft plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater and jerkbaits, with season, clarity and depth cues.
Bait & Lures · GuideBest Lures for Trout: Spinners, Spoons, Jigs and Flies
The trout lures state agencies name, from inline spinners and spoons to jigs and flies, with sizes, line weights, water temperatures and best times to fish.
Bait & Lures · GuideBest Catfish Bait: What to Use for Channel and Blue Catfish
Catfish baits state agencies name: liver, nightcrawlers, cut bait, stink and dough baits, shrimp and live fish, with season, water and hook cues.
Bait & Lures · GuideCrappie Jigs: Weights, Colors and Bodies That Work
Crappie jig weights, colors and body styles from state agencies: tubes, curly tails, hair jigs and bobber jigs, plus season, depth and line cues.
Bait & Lures · GuideBest Lures for Northern Pike: Spoons, Spinners and Plugs
Northern pike lures state agencies name: spoons, spinners, large crankbaits, jigs, streamers and live bait, with leaders, weed-line depths and seasons.
Bait & Lures · GuideBest Lures for Walleye: Jigs, Crankbaits and Blade Baits
Walleye lures state agencies name: minnow-tipped jigs, crankbaits, blade baits, stickbaits and bottom bouncers, with sizes, colors, season and line weights.