Friday Fishing: Catching Your Bait
When going fishing, sometimes you need to use live bait. I generally prefer to use artificial lures, but sometimes the fish are picky or there is just a higher chance of success with live bait.
If live bait is needed or preferred, I like to "catch" that first before doing my fishing. When surf fishing on the ocean, I like to use sand crabs. They are generally found in the surf, as they bury themselves in the sand as the waves roll out.
The sand crabs generally found in Southern California are fairly small and do not have pinchers. However, occasional you can find a large one. Here are a couple of pictures of my son and I catching some sand crabs for surf fishing.... this was a huge one that kind of freaked Jacob out!
When it comes to freshwater, live worms are usually pretty successful for bass, trout or panfish. To catch live worms, one trick is to wet a newspaper and place it over a dirt patch and leave it over night. When you get up the next morning and life the newspaper, you will often find a number of worms just hanging out on the top of the dirt, as the moisture and cover draws the worms to the surface.
Of course, there are also minnow traps that work well in freshwater, and using Sabaki rigs to catch baitfish on the ocean.
However you decide to do it, there is something special about catching the bait (as opposed to buying) and then using it to catch something bigger that is rewarding.
Appreciate you stopping by!
Brian
Also, I once had a guy look down on me when I was slaying trout with nightcrawlers and he was using artificial flies and not catching much... I will never forget his comment as he passed by me...
"what are you doing there, you baiting them fish?!" (in a condescending tone)
I like that, you have to catch the bait in order to catch something bigger. It's all a part of the process. Good luck out there!
That is a huge sand crab. Several times bigger than the ones here in Oregon.
Yeah, they normally aren’t that big! Usually they are the size of a quarter or so here, though you can find tons of little ones after they hatch. Fun to use for bait tho!
I will have to try that!
We use them as bait here in Florida. The bottom feeders like 'em.
Here we call them sand fleas. The tourists are amazed when we show them that these little guys are in the sand right under their feet.
That is interesting. What kind of fish do you catch with sand crabs, and is it difficult to get them to stay on the hook?
Hmmm, I had never heard of that wet newspaper trick. Going to try that, thanks!
Let me know if it works out for you! Thanks for stopping by!
I have a worm bin, the red wrigglers are not quite as big as earthworms but they are handy.
I remember as a kid coming out at night with my dad to catch night crawlers for the next days fishing trip. I will often stockpile them when working in the garden but this year has been way to dry to get anything overnight. I have been buying worms unfortunately. They are fantastic for taking the kids out because you pretty much catch pan fish every time you drop on in the water. They actually get in the way of catching the good stuff. I will usually use lures or plastics if some sort. It has been a great summer of fishing so far. Looking forward to going again on Monday and maybe catching some more Pike. They have been very plentiful this year.
how are you friend?i know you doing alots of fish every friday.i am waiting your fishing story.its alltime excellent.i like your high quality skills.its appreciating me.really you catch very nice fish today.. i hope that,you enjoy your good day with your catch fish and i hope you making a good meal curry of fish.because its very delicious and healthy..obviously i think we are best parents in the world.because alltime doing proper take care and good teaching give your children.have a nice day.just awesome fish you catch today.i like your story..thanks to sharing alots of for your good moments with us.. its very good experience of you..all the best.take care yourself and best of luck of your great work.may god bless you.my blessing alltime with you and your family. my dear friend.. @brian.rrr
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Fishing is always interesting. I often go to our nearest river with my friends but your fishing is special because you are enjoying with your happy family. Thanks a lot for sharing your beautiful fishing moments with us.