I use live and cut bait when fishing for catfish. This article has been viewed 132,801 times.

Mealworms and other live grubs are usually used for trout or bass. Thanks

Learn what to do with the fishing rod to ensure that you keep that fish hooked all the way in. I have just seen it happen a lot when others and myself have used Carolina rigs. Let’s take a closer look so you can decide which type of hook would be best for you.

Generally the bigger the fish, the slower you need to reel it in.

So far I am talking about heavy lines such as 16lb test or bigger. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.Ask someone at the bait shop if you're not sure what kind of bait to use in your area.If your bait keeps coming off your hook, switch to a hook with more barbs, or one better suited in size and shape to your fishing purpose.Keep your fishing rod secure and let out enough fishing line that you can easily hold the hook.All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being publishedUse local live bait only and do not release excess bait in order to preserve the local environment. You can do this by loosening your drag, thumbing your baitcaster, or using the back reel on a spinning rod. Well, that is exactly how you are going to rig real nightcrawlers. Make sure the knot is secure by pulling on the hook to ensure it doesn’t slip through the eyelet of the hook. I’ve noticed that power hooksets do not have as much control as finesse hooksets. The arm movement or sweep should be in the same direction that you are working the bait. It feels like you are punching someone as hard as you can who is peaking over your right shoulder if the rod is in your left hand. They usually try and hit it again because you just kept working it. Aggressive fish are easy to hook. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. A reduced strength or a loser drag can help make sure the line does not break if you want to keep doing this hookset. This hookset is paired with a bait that is dragging on the bottom, and usually the bait it worked or crawled sideways to feel bottom contact.

This is a deadly hookset when using a thin diameter hook that is exposed such as a drop shot or ned rig.

Live Bait Rigs Rigging Live Bait Correctly Is An Art, Not A Science. For panfish, 1/2 a red worm and 1/4 of a nightcrawler would be ideal.These baitholder hooks by Gamakatsu are premium-quality hooks that offer enough flexibility to prevent breaking but are sharp enough for any task.

A big thump or heavy weight is usually a big bass. This is not as much of a factor with thin diameter hooks, but it is a huge factor in thick diameter hooks.

Do not turn your body. This is the process of swinging your arm to the side while twisting your body to increase the distance your rod travels from its starting point. Pair it with a nylon monofilament line for an affordable and easy combination. That is why a rod that is not stiff is crucial with treble hooks. When you set the hook while your bait is under the water, the bait maybe moves about 3 to 6 ft because the water acts as a cushion. I have set the hook as hard as I can on bass under the boat. The bait flies behind you at lightning speed and would like to rip a bass’s lips if biting the bait. This hook set is popular with treble hooks.

This hook set is usually done with very heavy baits that are on the bottom such as ¾ oz football jigs or Carolinarigs. Hold the rod lower as you work the bait keeping the rod out of the wind as much as you can.

They feel heavy on the rod and you give a power hookset with a lot of strength and all is good. I find this a bit ironic since most fish will never see a worm in their lifetime unless there is a hook attached to it.