Best Bait for Survival Fishing — What Should You Use?

Choosing Effective Bait

When it comes to survival fishing, the effectiveness of the bait is crucial. Natural baits like insects and worms are excellent choices, as they are readily available and can be easily caught or collected. Insects like flies, bees, and ants can be used whole or crushed to create a paste. Worms, on the other hand, can be used as is or cut into smaller pieces. When using natural baits, it’s essential to choose ones that are familiar to the target species.

Making Homemade Bait

In situations where natural baits are scarce, homemade alternatives can be created using readily available materials. Bird feathers, for example, can be used as bait for larger fish, such as bass and catfish. Plant extracts like those from the cottonwood tree can also be used to create a fishing paste. To make a basic fishing paste, combine equal parts of plant extract and water, and add a small amount of mud or clay to thicken the mixture. When using homemade baits, experiment with different combinations to find the most effective one.

Improvising Fishing Gear

Effective bait is only half the battle in survival fishing. Improvising fishing gear, such as hand lines and trotlines, can greatly increase the chances of catching fish. When creating hand lines, use a sturdy material like cord or twine, and tie a small hook made from a paper clip or a piece of bone. For trotlines, use a longer piece of cord and attach multiple hooks, spaced evenly apart. When setting up fish traps, use a sturdy frame made from branches and line it with bait and hooks.