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Fishing: How To Fish: Basics

Bait & Lures: Natural Freshwater Baits
Live bait is the real thing! Even the most avid purist would concede that living bait, when properly presented, is one of the deadliest of all lures. Many times, however, live bait is incorrectly rammed onto a hook. When this happens, the bait does not act naturally, may die quickly, and will likely turn away lunkers that grew big by learning how to recognize food that "doesn't look right."

Live bait will only appear natural if placed on the hook correctly, and this depends on how you plan to fish it. You wouldn't for example, hook a minnow behind the dorsal fin if you plan on trolling. Minnows just don't swim backwards.

Be sure to ask your local bait shop to recommend the best bait for your region. You can also get detailed information about all popular freshwater baits, how to catch them and how to rig them on a hook in the Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia. To order an autographed copy of this 830-page comprehensive volume , contact Vin T. Sparano, the author, at: [email protected]


 
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  FAQ: Is fly-casting more difficult than other types of casting?
  FAQ: Should I retrieve with my right hand or left hand?
  FAQ: What is a Fly?
  FAQ: What is a leader and why do I need one?
  FAQ: What is Fly Fishing?
  Knots: How to tie your fishing knots (Animated)
  Knots: How to tie your fishing knots (Video)
  Reference: Fly Fishing Glossary
  Reference: Free Discover Fly Fishing Book