What Is the Best Fishing Bait to Use in Indiana?

Bass Bait

The best fishing bait to use in Indiana depends on what type of fish you are trying to catch and the time of year you're fishing. Live fishing bait--worms, minnows, night crawlers, crayfish and leaches--is used to help catch fish in lakes, streams and rivers. Indiana also has state specific bait called Hoosier lures which can be found online or in local Indiana bait shops.

Instructions

1. Get familiar with the waters you will be fishing; how deep are they, what the temperature is, and which types of fish are most commonly caught there. Hooking a walleye, a large mouth bass, a catfish or a bluegill in Indiana is a matter of knowing where to go, when to go, and which bait to use. Experienced anglers will tell you that the best bait to use is the one that works, but a little knowledge about your environment will help better your chances of a big catch.

2. Learn about the species of fish in those waters. Catching catfish in colder Indiana waters works best with live bait from the water you're fishing in, like bluegill and shad. The best bait to use for large walleyes is minnows, while other predators prefer crayfish. Walleye's also like bright colors, so add a neon lure to catch their attention. Finding the best bass bait in Indiana or anywhere else depends on the time of year, the water, and the type of bass you're fishing for. It also depends on who you ask, as there are as many opinions on the best bass bait as there are species of bass. Some say the 5-inch senko, some say plastic worms. Try different lures and find what works best for you.

3. Find the best bait to use for non predatory fish, like carp. This is also a matter of trail and error. What works one day, may not work the next. Boilies made from worms and other meats will attract carp, but so will sweet corn and cheese. Try getting their attention with canned meats or bread for both top and bottom fishing. Non-predatory fish often choose to find places to rest or they will linger around the growth on the bottom, searching for food. They prefer places with no current, under banks, in deep holes and around tree roots. You can also find them close to the surface, where the deep and shallow waters meet. The best bait is one that fits the depth of the water you are fishing.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask the local bait shop owner for his input. It's his business to know about the fish in the local ponds, rivers and lakes. He may also have information on what has been biting recently, so you can determine which bait will be best for that species of fish. Talk to other fishermen in the area. Finding the best bait for fishing in Indiana is a matter of opinion, most of the time, so listen to other fishermen and see if you find a common thread. Indiana's Department of Natural Resources offers a pamphlet with information on fishing licenses and limits, bait limits, and fishing locations. There are some endangered fish in Indiana, like the lake sturgeon, so be aware of this list in case you snag something you shouldn't. Crayfish and minnows are popular live baits, but you are only allowed to catch them with a valid fishing license.

• Always know the limit and size regulations before you go fishing.

Resources

• Indiana Fishing Lures