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Here’s what we got for you today:

• The straight business on how to fish with live bait (and most importantly, how to keep your bait alive) 🎣

• A Norwegian fishing crew accidently hooked a US nuclear submarine 💣

• All the different ways you can turn sardines into great table fare 🐟

• Scroll To The Bottom - we have an unreal referral program and are giving away free Early Bird Fishing stickers, neck gaiters, and boonie hats 💸

Why Fishing With Live Bait Is An Art

Fishing with live bait is often misunderstood. It’s not a shortcut—it’s a craft. Choosing the right bait, keeping it alive, and presenting it effectively requires knowledge, preparation, and finesse. Mastering live bait fishing can elevate your angling experience and lead to some incredible catches.

And no, using live bait doesn’t mean you’re lazy—it just means you’re smart enough to outsource the hard work to a worm that swims better than you.

The Skill Behind Live Bait Fishing

Choosing the Right Bait
Not all live bait works for every fish. Different species prefer specific bait types: Bass love shiners, minnows, or crayfish; trout prefer worms, small minnows, or aquatic insects; and saltwater species like snook or redfish are attracted to shrimp, pilchards, or mullet. Matching the bait to your target species and water conditions is a key skill. Larger baitfish may attract trophy-sized predators, while smaller bait may work better in heavily pressured waters.

Proper Hooking Technique
Hooking live bait correctly ensures it moves naturally in the water and stays alive longer. Techniques vary depending on the type of bait and how you plan to fish. Hooking through the back or dorsal fin is ideal for free-lining bait in still water or light currents. Hooking through the lips or nostrils works well for trolling or fishing in fast-moving water. Hooking through the tail is useful for bottom fishing or when targeting slower-moving species. Incorrect hooking can kill the bait or make it less enticing to fish, so practice is essential.

How to Keep Live Bait Alive

Use an Aerator
An aerator is essential for keeping the water oxygenated. Baitfish need plenty of oxygen, especially in warm weather or when kept in small containers. Battery-powered aerators are ideal for fishing trips.

Keep Water Cool
Baitfish thrive in cooler water temperatures. Use ice packs or frozen water bottles to lower the temperature in your bait bucket, but avoid drastic temperature changes that can shock the fish.

Change the Water Regularly
If you don’t have an aerator, changing the water frequently is critical. Use water from the body of water you’re fishing in, as it contains the right oxygen levels and temperature for the baitfish. Avoid using tap water unless it’s been treated to remove chlorine.

Avoid Overcrowding
Crowding too many baitfish into a small container can quickly deplete oxygen levels and stress the fish. Use a large enough bait bucket or livewell to allow them to swim freely.

Remember, if your baitfish look like they’re in a packed subway car, they’re not going to be very motivated to swim around enticingly.

Minimize Handling
When transferring baitfish, handle them as little as possible. If you need to touch them, wet your hands first to protect their slime coat, which is vital for their health.

Provide the Right Conditions
For specific baitfish, such as shad or minnows, water movement is critical. Some aerators create gentle water circulation that mimics natural currents, helping keep the bait lively and healthy.

Keep It Clean
Remove dead or injured baitfish promptly to prevent ammonia buildup, which can harm the remaining bait.

Mastering the Art of Live Bait Fishing

Fishing with live bait isn’t just about throwing a worm on a hook. It’s about understanding fish behavior, water conditions, and bait care. By choosing the right bait, keeping it alive and active, and presenting it effectively, you can elevate your fishing game and enjoy a more rewarding experience.

And if anyone calls you out for using live bait, just remind them: “Some artists paint; others rig the perfect minnow. We all have our talents.”

🎣 IN THE FIELD

• "How a Fly-Fishing Trip in Montana Taught Me to Open Up" – This article explores how a fly-fishing retreat in Montana's Paradise Valley provided a supportive environment for men to discuss mental health issues, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of nature and open communication. CONDE NAST

• "Report Finds That America Is Catching and Eating a Little Less Fish" – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2022 report indicates a decline in both the volume and value of the U.S. commercial fishing industry, with per capita seafood consumption also decreasing, reflecting broader trends in the nation's fishing practices. ASSOCIATED PRESS

• "Fishermen Hunting for Halibut Accidentally Catch US Nuclear Submarine Instead" – A Norwegian fishing crew inadvertently ensnared the 7,800-ton USS Virginia nuclear-powered submarine in their nets near Troms. If that’s not a PB, we don’t know what is. THE SUN

• One of our favorite YouTubers, BlacktipH, came out with a compilation of their best videos:

AI CORNER

Every week we generate fishing related AI images. See the coolness/weirdness below:

CHEF’S KISS

🐟 Best practices on how to use sardines (from a Michelin star chef)

🥫 A pasta with sardines recipe from the New York Times. We may actually try this…

🔥 It sure doesn’t get much better than this:

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