How to Find Bait Outdoors for Fishing

Going fishing is a pretty nice and relaxing past time. However, spending the money on all of the fishing gear, including bait, isn't as fun as the simple idea of fishing. Instead of going to a bait shop and buying your supplies, why don't you catch your own live bait? It's not hard, in fact, it's rather easy, and you'll be saving a little bit of money at the same time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A bucket with soil in it to keep your ground bait
• A bucket with water in it to keep your water bait

Finding Bait

1. The best time to look for night crawlers is after a good rain. Rain tends to fill up the night crawlers holes which bring them up to the surface so that they do not drown (this is why sometimes you see them being baked by the sun on the sidewalk after rain). It's best to just pick the night crawler up while he's completely on the ground. If you try to grab him while he's going in or coming out of a hole, most likely you will rip him in half.
2. Grub worms are very easy to find. The best way to find them is by digging. They are usually found about 3 + inches underground and look white-ish, fat, and juicy. They usually curl up into little circles. To catch a grub worm all you have to do is pick them up and toss them in the bucket.
3. Crickets are the hardest bait to catch (in my opinion). The best place to find them is in areas where the grass or brush is higher than usual (about 6 inches to a foot - anything higher and you won't find them). Just brush your hand or foot over the area and you will see them hopping around. You need very good concentration and quick hands if you intend on catching a lot of crickets.
4. Tadpoles can be caught with a net down in creeks, on riverbends, and lake shores. It's finding them that is the most difficult part, but it can be done with the right amount of patience.
5. Leeches and minnows can be caught the same way that tadpoles are caught. Minnows tend to be very fast but the good thing is that they usually swim in "schools" so you'll be likely to catch a good amount if you catch any at all. Leeches are harder to find due to their dark color and the fact that they don't move as much as minnows and tadpoles.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not psyched about touching creepy crawlies, then it's best that you wear latex gloves. Otherwise, wash your hands when you're finished.
• Be careful when messing with leeches. They do suck blood.
• Wash your hands after catching live bait.
• Be careful when using hooks.