Whether you just found a new pond in your area or you want some cut bait, one thing is for sure.
You need a bait (or lure) that is attractive to small fish while also fitting in their mouth.
I’m saying this because small fish will also chip larger baits, but they can’t swallow them. You’re going to see this especially while float fishing.
To be straightforward, any worms, whether bloodworms, nightcrawlers or meal worms will generally work for any small fish you might find.
But there are other baits that anglers tend to overlook.
So, without further ado, let’s see the best fishing baits for small fish.
Live Baits
When it comes to fishing for small fish, live bait can be a great option. Not only is it effective, but it’s also readily available and easy to use.
Worms and Nightcrawlers
Worms and nightcrawlers are some of the most popular live baits for small fish. They are easy to find and can be bought at most bait shops. These baits are best used for fishing in freshwater, and they work well for catching panfish, trout, and bass.
For larger worms, cutting them is the best option.
When using worms and nightcrawlers, it’s important to keep them alive and healthy. This can be done by keeping them in a cool, moist place and avoiding direct sunlight.
There are many ways of hooking worms on your hook, but the best way is just threading them through the middle, so the can still create movement for sometime.
Earthworms, mealworms, and waxworms work just as good.
Insects and Minnows
Insects and minnows are also great live baits for small fish. Crickets, grasshoppers, and leeches are commonly used for fishing in freshwater, while minnows are best for fishing in saltwater. These live baits work well for catching a variety of small fish, including panfish, trout, and bass.
As with any bait out there, sizes vary. Some insects may be to big for some fish, but just keep in mind that downsizing isn’t going to hurt while catching smaller fish.
A downsized minnow could also work for small catfish and toothy fish like pike, walleye and musky.
Artificial Lures for Small Fish
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In this section, I’ll cover more types of artificial lures that are particularly effective for small fish: jigs, spinners, soft plastics and crankbaits, and some flies too.
Jig: Trout Magnet Jigs
Design and Appearance: The Trout Magnet features a unique tube-like shape with a split tail which provides a natural and enticing fall in the water. This design mimics the behavior of small baitfish, which is irresistible to predatory small fish. The jig comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to match the hatch or try different colors until they find what the fish are biting on that particular day.
Size and Weight: The jig is small and lightweight, typically around 1/64 ounce, which is perfect for targeting small fish in streams, rivers, and lakes. Its size is an excellent choice for light tackle fishing, allowing for a delicate presentation that won’t spook wary fish.
Hook Quality: Equipped with a sharp and strong hook, the Trout Magnet ensures a solid hookset when a fish bites. The size of the hook is proportionate to the jig body and is ideal for small-mouthed fish.
Versatility: One of the great features of the Trout Magnet is its versatility. It can be fished in a variety of ways including on a float, cast and retrieved, or fished vertically under a boat or off a dock. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels.
Effectiveness: It works for a bunch of small species, including trout, crappie and bluegill. Its lifelike action and ability to be fished at varying depths make it a go-to choice for many.
Ease of Use: This jig is simple to use, making it a favorite among beginner and experienced anglers alike. It can be tied directly to the line or used with a small snap swivel to change colors quickly.
Price Point: The Trout Magnet is generally affordable, making it accessible for most anglers. The jigs can be purchased in kits that include multiple colors and spare bodies, providing good value for money.
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Spinner: Panther Martin Spinner
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Design and Appearance: Panther Martin spinners are known for their unique convex/concave blade mounted directly on the shaft, which allows it to spin faster and more easily than many other spinners on the market.
This design creates a distinctive vibration and sonic hum that is very attractive to fish. The spinners come in a wide array of colors and patterns, including naturalistic and high-visibility options, allowing you to choose the best match for the fishing conditions and target species.
Size and Weight: The Panther Martin comes in various sizes, but for small fish, the smaller sizes like 1/32 oz, 1/16 oz, and 1/8 oz are typically the most effective. These sizes are perfect for casting in small streams, ponds, or shallow bays where small fish are likely to be found.
Hook Quality: Each spinner is equipped with a sharp, high-quality hook that is designed to penetrate easily and hold firmly. The hooks are also proportionate to the size of the spinner, making them ideal for the small mouth of your target fish.
Versatility: Panther Martin spinners can be used in a wide range of environments and are effective for both casting and trolling. They work well in various water conditions, from clear to murky, and can be retrieved at different speeds to entice fish.
Effectiveness: These spinners are praised for their consistent performance. The action of the blade is irresistible to fish, and many report that these spiners outperform other similar lures when it comes to attracting bites. But, as with any lure out there, it’s not guaranteed to catch fish 24/7.
Ease of Use: These spinners are straightforward to use, making them suitable for anglers of all experience levels. Simply casting and retrieving with an occasional twitch or change in retrieve speed can yield excellent results.
Price Point: Panther Martin spinners are moderately priced and offer good value, considering their durability and effectiveness. They are widely available and can often be found in multi-packs or kits.
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Crankbait: Rapala Ultra Light Minnow
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Design and Appearance: The Rapala Ultra Light Minnow features a streamlined design that closely resembles a small baitfish, which is a primary forage for many small fish species. It has a weighted body that allows for excellent casting distance for its size, and it comes in a variety of color patterns to match local prey or stand out in different water conditions.
Size and Weight: This crankbait is available in very small sizes, such as 1-1/2 inches (4 cm) and 2-1/2 inches (6 cm) lengths, with corresponding light weights that make them suitable for ultra-light spinning gear. The small size is ideal for targeting species like trout, perch, crappie, and other panfish.
Action and Depth: The Ultra Light Minnow has a tight wobbling action that mimics a distressed baitfish. It’s designed to dive when retrieved, with a running depth that can vary depending on the size of the lure and the speed of retrieval. The smallest size typically dives between 1 to 2 feet, making it perfect for shallow water fishing.
Hook Quality: Rapala is known for using high-quality hooks, and the Ultra Light Minnow comes with premium VMC black nickel hooks. These hooks are sharp and strong, providing reliable hooksets and holding power when you hook into a fish.
Versatility: While designed for casting and retrieving, the Ultra Light Minnow can also be effectively trolled. It works well in streams, rivers, and lakes, and its action is effective at a variety of retrieval speeds.
Durability: The build quality of Rapala lures is generally very high, and the Ultra Light Minnow is no exception. It’s built to withstand repeated use and the occasional bumps and knocks from rocks or structure.
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Fly: Elk Hair Caddis
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Design and Appearance: The Elk Hair Caddis imitates a caddisfly, a common aquatic insect that is a major food source for many fish. Its design features a buoyant elk hair wing and a dubbed body that can be tied in various colors to match local insect populations. The hackle around the body helps the fly to float and creates a realistic profile on the water’s surface.
Size Range: This fly comes in a range of sizes, typically from size 12 to 20, with size 14 and 16 being very popular for small fish. The size can be chosen based on the size of the natural caddisflies in the area or the size of the fish you’re targeting.
Versatility: The Elk Hair Caddis can be fished in a variety of water conditions and is effective in both fast-moving streams and still waters. Its buoyancy makes it a great choice for riffles and pocket water, where caddisflies are often active.
Effectiveness: Many anglers praise the Elk Hair Caddis for its ability to consistently entice strikes from fish. Its silhouette and movement on the water closely resemble that of a real caddisfly, making it hard for fish to resist.
Ease of Use: Fishing with the Elk Hair Caddis is relatively straightforward. It’s typically cast upstream and allowed to drift naturally with the current, although slight twitching can sometimes provoke strikes if the fish are being finicky.
Durability: While any dry fly will eventually become waterlogged and may suffer from fish teeth and rough handling, the Elk Hair Caddis is known for its durability. The materials used in its construction hold up well to repeated use, and its ability to float is maintained with proper care and occasional use of floatant.
Price Point: The Elk Hair Caddis is generally affordable and offers great value, especially considering its effectiveness and durability. It can be found in most fly shops and online retailers, and it’s also a popular pattern for those who tie their own flies.
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Soft Worm: Berkley Gulp! Alive! 1-inch Minnow
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Design and Appearance: The Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnow is designed to mimic the look and movement of a real minnow. Its realistic profile and tail action are convincing underwater, which can trigger strikes from even the most cautious fish. Available in several colors, it allows you to match the hatch or experiment with different shades for the best results.
Size and Scent: At 1 inch in length, this soft plastic is the ideal size for small fish such as trout, panfish, crappie, and perch. The Gulp! Alive! series is known for its potent scent formula, which is said to be more effective at attracting fish than traditional plastic baits. The minnows are soaked in a powerful attractant that disperses in the water, drawing fish in from a distance.
Texture and Durability: The soft texture of the feels natural to fish, encouraging them to hold onto the bait longer, which can increase hook-up ratios. While the material is softer than some other soft plastics, it’s still durable enough for multiple uses, especially when targeting small fish with smaller mouths.
Versatility: These soft plastics can be rigged in a variety of ways, including on a jig head, drop shot rig, or even a small hook under a float. This versatility makes them suitable for different fishing conditions and techniques, from casting and retrieving to vertical jigging.
Effectiveness: Anglers have reported great success with the Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnows, often out-fishing live bait due to the powerful scent and realistic action. The bait’s effectiveness is enhanced by its ability to attract fish from a wider area than unscented baits.
Packaging and Value: The minnows come in a resealable container that is filled with the Gulp! Alive! attractant, keeping the baits fresh and potent between uses. This packaging also makes it easy to “recharge” the bait by putting it back in the container.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective lures for catching small freshwater fish?
When it comes to catching small freshwater fish, there are a variety of lures that can be effective. Some popular options include small jigs, spinners, and crankbaits. It’s important to match your lure size and color to the type of fish you’re targeting and the conditions you’re fishing in. For example, if you’re fishing in clear water, a natural-colored lure may be more effective than a brightly colored one.
What type of bait is preferred for small trout?
Trout are known for being picky eaters, so it’s important to choose your bait carefully. Small worms, grubs, and insects like crickets and grasshoppers can be effective. Trout also tend to prefer live bait over artificial lures, so using a live worm or minnow can be a good option.
Which bait should I use for small fish in coastal saltwater areas?
In coastal saltwater areas, small fish like snapper, flounder, and sea trout can be caught using a variety of baits. Some popular options include live shrimp, small pieces of cut baitfish, and artificial lures like jigs and soft plastics. It’s important to match your bait to the type of fish you’re targeting and the conditions you’re fishing in.
What are some successful homemade baits for small freshwater fish?
Homemade baits can be a great option when fishing for small freshwater fish. Some successful options include bread dough, cheese, and cornmeal mixed with water to form a dough-like consistency. You can also try using small bits of hot dog or chicken liver as bait.
What live baits work best for targeting small fish in lakes?
When targeting small fish in lakes, live bait like worms, grubs, and small minnows can be effective. It’s important to use a hook size that matches the size of your bait and the fish you’re targeting. You may also want to try using a bobber or float to keep your bait at the right depth.
Which grocery store items can be used as effective bait for little fish?
Believe it or not, there are a variety of grocery store items that can be used as effective bait for little fish. Some popular options include canned corn, bread, and hot dogs. You can also try using small bits of cheese or lunch meat as bait. Just be sure to check your local fishing regulations to make sure these items are allowed as bait.
