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| Bill Kinney Photography |
Live Baits
Worms
Worms are good for about anything, but you will find the best luck when using them on pan fish (such as sunfish, crappie, etc) trout, walleye, bass, and catfish. Worms are a live bait and are good for those fish that like moving things, they also have a very strong smell which helps to attract the fish.
Crayfish
Crayfish have the same great qualities as worms, but need to be used on larger fish. You will probably get nibbles on them if trying to use them for small fish, but they won't be able to take the hook. Crayfish are ideal when fishing for walleye, trout, catfish, and bass.
Grubs
Grubs move a little less than worms or crayfish, but have the advantage of being smaller and better for tiny mouths. Use them on trout and pan fish throughout the year. Grub are perfect when ice fishing and make good bait.
Artificial Baits
Spoons
Spoons are a very lively looking bait and are best used on large game fish such as northern pike and muskie.
Spinners
Spinners are also a very nice choice of bait because they give the appearance of moving through the water. Spinners can be used on about any type of game fish because they come in a variety of sizes.
Plugs
Plugs come in a variety of sizes, but are a little larger and used on larger species such as walleye, bass, muskie, and sometimes trout. Plugs are meant to mimmick small minnows and can be used at varying speeds for a number of effects.
Jigs
Jigs are used to create small, jerking, and quick movements. They are smaller and have soft bodies to attract fish. You will have the most luck with jigs when using them for walleye and crappie.
Flies
Flies come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are specialized for fly fishing. Fly fishing is targeted mainly towards trout fishing, but can be used for other fish such as sunfish or bass.