local bait

[fisherman00]

is local bait better or is store bought shinners better? I set traps and caught an amazing amount of bait and haven't got to try things out yet. Should i stick with the medium shinners i have or try the local bait i caught? 

[Yukon Roz]

I believe local bait always gets more action and the price is right.Just the time to set up trap and tend every day.

[Jessox80]

I agree, local bait is the way to go, particularly if it's large (at least I find that true in open water). You may even want to clip some fins to make it easy prey.

[lowaccord66]

Local for sure, nothing throws fish of more than bait shop bait in bad shape with red faces and such.  Matching the forage base should be your best bet and cheapest!  Ive read a bunch regarding how much it makes a difference to use local bait for smallmouth...

[dmach83]

In a recent post I broached that subject.On weathersfield cove friday my buddy and did far better on those river shiners we caught then on the bought bait.Makes sense though if you think about it.That is there forage.They also were much more active since they were accustomed to the water temp.

[Fresh Fish]

I always use native bait when I can especially Trout fishing in the rivers. Catch what they are eating.

[Velcro]

I've always done better with minnows I had freshly caught than any I've bought. The minnows I've bought lately have been in rough shape, faces smashed in from hitting walls, half dead before I even rig them. Gonna try to catch some fresh shiners tomorrow, only problem is finding them.

[lives2fish]

Go local if possible. GOOD store bought is very tough if not impossible to find. I only goto one place to get shiners if I have to get them.
Local is hardier, easier to keep and much more resillant to climate changes and water conditions.