The Best Bait of All Time

What’s the best bait of all time? Everyone has their favorites, but there are some classic baits that have been around ever since Ogg the caveman realized that those slimy critters swimming around in the lake were good to eat. Which bait is your own personal pick? We want to know—so check out these top choices, which are in no particular order, and then post your comments and tell us which should be number one. While you’re at it, let us know your likes and dislikes, too. Next week, we’ll tabulate the results and let you know what bait shall henceforth be known as the top bait of all time!

1. Worms
   Likes: They’re easy to dig up so they’re cost-free, and just about anything that swims eats worms.
   Dislikes: Eeeew, they’re slimy. They also don’t freeze well, and they wiggle around when you’re trying to skewer them on a hook.
   
   
2. Minnow
   Likes: Nothing says “eat me” like a live, wiggling minnow.
   Dislikes: Eeeew, they’re slimy. Some species are also tough to keep alive.
   
   
3. Squid
   Likes: Virtually every species of saltwater predator eats squid; it’s extremely tough so it stays on the hook well, and you can catch multiple fish on a single bait. Plus, it still works well after being frozen.
   Dislikes: Eeeew, they’re slimy… and stinky… and sorta sticky. Freshwater fish won’t bite.
   
   
4. Maggots
   Likes: They get finicky fish to bite, especially through the ice. You can harvest your own for free, from roadkill.
   Dislikes: Eeeew, AWW—EEEEEW!!! They’re good for freshwater, only.
   
   
5. Shrimp
   Likes: Many species eat these with abandon. They’re readily available just about anywhere, they keep in the freezer, and if the fish aren’t biting you can still eat well when you get home—just fry up your leftover bait.
   Dislikes: Ouch—they’re expensive! After you rip off the tail, the head section crawls around and stares at you with those beady little black eyes.
   
   
6. Crawfish
   Likes: They get fish to bite when more common baits do not; crawfish work in both fresh and saltwater (try it – you might be surprised!)
   Dislikes: Ouch—they pinch! After you rip off the tail, the head section crawls around and stares at you with those beady little black eyes.
   
   
7. Hot dogs
   Likes: They can be cut up and put on a hook to tempt many species, or they can be rigged as a surface plug and used like a Spook.
   Dislikes: They’re a choking hazard for young children.

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