Should I use live bait or artificial bait? Pros and cons

Last Updated on August 9, 2023

Are you a fishing enthusiast wishing to improve your angling skills?

Every angler must decide whether to utilize live bait or artificial bait. While each has its own set of advantages, it is critical to grasp the pros and disadvantages of each before making a selection.

In this piece, I’ll discuss the advantages of using live bait, such as worms, minnows, and crickets, and the simplicity of using artificial lures.

I’ll cover all you need to know when picking between live bait and artificial bait, from recognizing the fish you’re hoping to catch to considering your personal tastes.

So grab your fishing rod, bait your hook, and let’s debate live bait vs. artificial bait for the ideal fishing experience.

The advantages and disadvantages of live bait

One of the most significant advantages of live bait is its natural attraction to fish. Fish are more likely to bite on something that looks, smells, and tastes like what they naturally eat.

This is why live bait is frequently considered the more conventional option for fishers.

Depending on the species of fish you’re attempting to capture, live bait may be more effective in certain fishing conditions.

Live bait, such as worms, minnows, and crickets, attracts catfish, carp, and bass.

While live bait has advantages, it also has disadvantages. The expense is one of the most significant disadvantages.

Buying live bait daily can mount pricey, especially if you’re fishing in an area not recognized for its live bait.

Because it is perishable, live baits are more challenging to handle, store, and transport.
You must keep them cooled and treat them cautiously.

It can also be challenging to move depending on the live bait you’re using.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Artificial Bait

One of the most significant advantages of artificial bait, often known as lures, is its convenience. Lures are simple to use and adjust.

Five benefits of using artificial bait:

1. Convenience: Artificial bait is easy to use, and you can change them easily. Lures are a great option for anglers who want to fish in various locations or experiment with different fish types.
2. Longer shelf life: Unlike live bait, lures will last long. They are not perishable, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad before you have a chance to use them.
3. Versatility: Artificial bait, such as lures, come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. They can mimic different types of fish, insects, or other animals, and there are glow-in-the-dark lures too, allowing you to target different fish species.
4. Consistency: Lures always look the same, meaning that fish will be attracted to the same thing each time, making it easy to replicate a successful tactic.
5. Cost-effective: While some lures can be pricey, especially if you are buying high-end ones, you can find lures at a wide range of price points, and you can use them for a long time, making them cost-effective in the long run.

Five drawbacks of using artificial bait:

1. Less effective in certain situations: Some species of fish are more attracted to live bait, and in some cases, fish can be more selective, and lures may not be as appealing to them as live bait.
2. Requires more skill to use: Artificial bait can be harder to use than live bait, as it requires more skill to make it look like natural prey and retrieve it correctly.
3. It can be more expensive: Lures can be more expensive, especially if you are buying high-end ones. This can be a disadvantage for anglers with a limited budget.
4. May not attract the same fish: Artificial bait may not attract the same fish as live bait, limiting the angler’s ability to target specific species.
5. Limited by the time of day/water conditions: Some lures may not be suitable for certain times, such as the early morning or late evening, limiting the angler’s ability to fish at all times.

Exploring the Perfect Bait for Different Fishing Techniques

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of fishing techniques and how they impact the choice between live and artificial bait.

Trolling: A Dance with the Currents

Imagine gliding across serene waters, with your line trailing behind your boat, enticing fish with a moving target. That’s trolling, an effective technique for covering large areas and reaching fish at different depths.

When it comes to trolling, artificial lures often take center stage. Their vibrant colors and realistic movements mimic the appearance of prey, making them irresistible to predatory fish like salmon, trout, and muskies.

Whether it’s a flashy spoon, a diving plug, or a wobbling crankbait, artificial lures excel in this method by maintaining a consistent and enticing presentation.

Jigging: Entice, Pause, Strike

Jigging is like a seductive dance with your bait. It involves lifting, dropping, and jerking the bait to mimic the movements of injured or struggling prey. This technique is particularly effective in attracting bottom-dwelling fish like walleye, bass, and cod.

Here’s where the choice between live and artificial bait gets interesting. For jigging, live bait shines. Minnows, worms, or leeches suspended on a jig can be irresistible to fish, especially in scenarios where they’re lethargic or finicky.

The natural movement and scent of live bait can trigger strikes that artificial lures might struggle to achieve.

Casting: Precision and Patience

Casting is the quintessential image of fishing, where you aim and cast your bait toward a specific target. This technique is versatile, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and can be used from shorelines, docks, or boats.

When casting, the choice between live and artificial bait can depend on the situation. In scenarios where accuracy and precision matter, artificial lures offer control over presentation.

Whether it’s a topwater popper, a swimbait, or a soft plastic worm, these lures allow you to cover a range of depths and water structures, enticing fish hiding in different zones.

Factors to consider while deciding between live and artificial bait

The kind of fish you’re attempting to catch

When picking between live bait and artificial bait, keep the sort of fish in mind. Distinct fish species have different preferences, so keep this in mind when selecting your bait. For example, if you’re fishing for bass, use a worm as live bait because bass love worms. Similarly, fishing for trout, you should use a small minnow as live bait because trout are known to be drawn to minnows. Artificial lures that mimic little fish, on the other hand, are a fantastic option when fishing for pike.

Location of fishing

Another critical element to consider is the fishing location. Different fishing areas may have different types of fish, so choose bait that is known to be effective for that species.

For example, fishing in a lake known for its bass population, you’ll want to use a lure or live bait proven to catch bass.

Weather

Weather conditions play a role in the bait choice. In clear conditions, live bait might attract fish, whereas low visibility situations or specific weather patterns can make artificial lures more effective due to their flash and vibrations.

Personal preferences

Finally, fishing is a personal experience, so consider your tastes when picking between live bait and artificial bait. Some anglers prefer the conventional method of using live bait, while others prefer the convenience of lures. It all comes down to what works best for you and what you are most comfortable with.

Key Takeaways

So, anglers, what did we learn today? We’ve examined the benefits and drawbacks of both live and artificial bait and the elements to consider when choosing between the two.

We’ve discussed how live bait has a natural appeal to fish but is more challenging to handle and store, whereas artificial bait is more convenient and has a longer shelf life but may be less successful in some scenarios.

When it comes down to it, the choice between live and artificial bait is a personal one. It’s critical to consider the sort of fish you’re attempting to catch, the fishing area, and your personal tastes.

Whether you’re a traditional angler who favors live bait or a modern angler who prefers lures, the most essential thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience.

So, put up your fishing rod, bait your hook, and let the good times roll. Tight lines!