Fishing bait: Difference between revisions

{{short description|SubstanceObject or devicesubstance used to attract fish}}

Fishing baits can be grouped into two broad categories: ''natural'' baits and ''artificial'' baits. Traditionally, fishing baits are natural [[food]] or [[prey]] items (live or dead) that are already present in the fish's normal diet (e.g. [[lumbricus terrestris|nightcrawler]]s, [[insect]]s, [[crustacean]]s and smaller [[bait fish]]), and such baits are both procured from and used within the same environment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ruxton |first1=Graeme D. |last2=Hansell |first2=Michael H. |date=January 2011 |title=Fishing with a Bait or Lure: A Brief Review of the Cognitive Issues: Review of Bait Fishing |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1439-0310.2010.01848.x |journal=Ethology |language=en |volume=117 |issue=1 |pages=1–9 |doi=10.1111/j.1439-0310.2010.01848.x}}</ref> Artificial baits, conversely, are not naturally acquired and must involve some kind of production process. These can be [[processed food]]s (e.g. [[bread]], [[cheese]], [[dough]], [[cutlet]]s, [[fish food]] or [[pet food]] pellets, etc.), commercially made mixtures (e.g. [[boilie]]s), and inedible imitative [[replica]] "[[fake food]]s" made of inedible materials known as [[fishing lure|lure]]s (e.g [[soft plastic bait|plastic worm]], [[swimbait]]s, [[spoon lure|spoon]]s, [[surface lure|stickbait]]s, hybrid [[spinnerbait|spinner]]s or even [[bionic]] [[robot fish]]). The variousvariety baitof baits that a [[fisherman]] may choose is dictated mainly by the target [[species]] and by its [[habitat]], as well as personal preference. Both natural and artificial baits frequently demonstrate similar efficiency if chosen adequately for the target fish. The overall bait type, size and [[fishing techniques|techniques]] used will affect the efficiency and [[ecological yield|yield]] when fishing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Eighani |first1=Morteza |last2=Paighambari |first2=Seyed Yousef |last3=Herrmann |first3=Bent |last4=Feekings |first4=Jordan |date=2018-03-01 |title=Effect of bait type and size on catch efficiency of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) in the Persian Gulf handline fisheries |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783617303314 |journal=Fisheries Research |language=en |volume=199 |pages=32–35 |doi=10.1016/j.fishres.2017.11.023 |issn=0165-7836}}</ref>

Fishing with baits does come with potential [[environmental issues|environmental concerns]], especially when large quantities of non-native ingredienot singredients are involved. A common concern is that some live baits are [[invasivelive speciesfood|invasivelive bait]] that can escapes (e.g. [[crayfish]] and [[pond loach]]) can escape and become [[invasive species]], or have the potential to spread [[disease]]s or serve as [[disease vector|vector]]s for [[parasite]]s (e.g. [[zebra mussel]]). It is also known that the use of artificial edible baits (especially [[groundbait]]s) can potentially cause [[eutrophication]] in the local water, which may lead to [[harmful algal bloom]]s. Using inedible lures, on the other hand, is associated with the issues of [[littering]] or loss of said lures, which typically do not [[biodegrade]] and can cause problems for the [[ecosystem]], especially if ingested by [[wildlife]]. Many materials used to make lures, such as [[lead]] (ubiquitous in [[jighead]]s), [[plastics]] and [[paint]], can [[chemical decomposition|degrade]] after prolonged exposure to the elements and release harmful [[toxic heavy metal]]s, [[volatile organic compound]]s and [[microplastics]] that are harmful to the environment.

The natural bait angler, with few exceptions, will use a common prey species of the fish as an attractant. The natural bait used may be alive or dead. Common natural baits include [[Earthworm|worms]], [[Leech|leechesleech]]es (notably bait-leech ''[[Nephelopsis obscura]]''), [[Cyprinid|minnows]], [[Frog|frogsfrog]]s, [[Salamander|salamanderssalamander]]s, and [[Insect|insectsinsect]]s. Natural baits are effective due to the lifelike texture, odor and color of the bait presented. Studies show that natural baits like [[Sciaenidae|croaker]] and [[shrimp]] are more recognized by the fish and are more readily accepted.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Gunnar Miesen |url=https://archive.org/details/livebaitfishing0000mies |title=Live Bait Fishing: Including Doughbait & Scent |author2=Steve Hague |author3=Steve Hauge |publisher=Creative Publishing |year=2004 |isbn=1-58923-146-5 |url-access=registration}}</ref>

Live bait being used to catch native species is a [[Sustainabilitysustainability|sustainable]] and [[Desire|desirable]] activity in a [[social]] and [[Economicseconomics|economical]] aspect.,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Henriques |first1=Marcelo Barbosa |last2=de Araújo Nunes |first2=Fabio Alexandre |last3=de Souza |first3=Marcelo Ricardo |last4=Castilho-Barros |first4=Leonardo |last5=Barbieri |first5=Edison |date=2022-02-01 |title=Live bait or artificial bait? Efficiency in recreational fishing for sea bass (Centropomus parallelus) |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569121004592 |journal=Ocean & Coastal Management |language=en |volume=216 |pages=105976 |doi=10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105976 |bibcode=2022OCM...21605976H |s2cid=244701171 |issn=0964-5691}}</ref> although it is subjected to [[fisheries law|local regulation]]s which may restrict usage due to [[ecological]] and [[animal cruelty|ethical]] concerns. The availability of live bait and cost factor can inhibit the use of natural baits year round.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wilson |first1=Alexander D. M. |last2=Brownscombe |first2=Jacob W. |last3=Sullivan |first3=Brittany |last4=Jain-Schlaepfer |first4=Sofia |last5=Cooke |first5=Steven J. |date=2015-08-18 |title=Does Angling Technique Selectively Target Fishes Based on Their Behavioural Type? |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=10 |issue=8 |pages=e0135848 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0135848 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=4540471 |pmid=26284779|bibcode=2015PLoSO..1035848W |doi-access=free }}</ref> Anglers can get various live baits from [[Fishingfishing tackle|tackle]] shops at the limitations of price and season. Other ways anglers get natural bait is through usual methods of catchingfishing, e.g. hook and line, [[Fishfish trap|fish trapstrap]]s and casting nets[[fishing net|net]]s. Once live bait has been obtained, it's important for the angler to keep it alive and fresh for it to be effective. Many anglers opt for a bait pen<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bait Pen - Live Bait Pen (Floating) |url=https://www.reeltexasoutdoors.com/products/bait-pen-live-bait-pen |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Reel Texas Outdoors}}</ref> or small fish cages<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fish Cages - Fish Holding Pens - Fish Baskets |url=https://www.reeltexasoutdoors.com/collections/fish-cage-holding-pens |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Reel Texas Outdoors}}</ref> in order to store and preserve their live bait.

Using lures is a popular method among North American anglers, particularly for catching [[prey detection#Visual|vision-oriented]] predators such as [[black bass]], [[trout]] and [[Esox|pike]]. The lure may require a specialized presentation to impart an enticing action e.g. in [[fly fishing]]. Artificial lures are rigged with different types of [[Fish hook|hooks]] in order to increase catch rate.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Beukemaj |first=J. J. |date=April 1970 |title=Acquired hook-avoidance in the pike Esox lucius L. fished with artificial and natural baits |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1970.tb03268.x |journal=Journal of Fish Biology |language=en |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=155–160 |doi=10.1111/j.1095-8649.1970.tb03268.x |issn=0022-1112}}</ref> Artificial baits are manufactured to be [[durability|durable]] and used repeatedly, unlike edible baits, which are generally single-use [[consumable]]s. Some common fishing lures include: [[swimbait]]s, [[jerkbait]]s, [[crankbait]]s, [[surface lure]]s (stickbaits), [[spoon lure|spoon]]s, [[spinnerbait]]s, [[soft plastic bait|trout worm]]s, frogs, etc.

Groundbaits are fishing baits that are thrown into the water as an "appetizer" in order to [[olfactory|olfactorily]] attract more [[fish]] to a designated area (i.e. the [[fishing ground]]) and increase the chance of catching some. Groundbaits are typically scattered in large quantities separately from the [[fishing hook|hook]], usually before even [[casting (fishing)|casting]] any [[fishing rod|rod]] or [[fishing net|net]], although in [[bottom fishing]] they can be deployed synchronously with hookbaits while contained inside a gradual-release device known as a ''method feeder''.

Groundbaits are also used frequently in [[big game fishing|blue water fishing]], known as "[[chumming|chum]]s", which usually consist of freshly cut up parts of a slaughtered fish often mixed with fresh [[blood]] and [[offal]]s, in order to attract large [[predatory fishhypercarnivorous]]es fishes such as [[shark]]s either directly via the [[odor|smell]], or indirectly by drawing opportunistic [[forage fish]] that are prey to the predatory fishes.

The capture, [[Transport|transportationtransport]]ation, and [[culture]] of bait fish can spread [[Damage|damaging]] organisms between [[Ecosystem|ecosystemsecosystem]]s, endangering them. In 2007, several American states enacted regulations designed to slow the spread of fish diseases, including [[viral hemorrhagic septicemia]], by bait fish.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-06-15 |title=LSC - Fish Disease Leaflet 83 |url=http://www.lsc.usgs.gov/fhb/leaflets/83.asp |access-date=2022-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615014901/http://www.lsc.usgs.gov/fhb/leaflets/83.asp |archive-date=2007-06-15 }}</ref> Because of the risk of transmitting ''[[Myxobolus cerebralis]]'' (whirling disease), [[trout]] and [[salmon]] should not be used as bait. The Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Act of 1990 focuses on the effect of aquatic [[nuisance]] species. The introduction of these invasive species in various bodies of water have spread disease, killed fish, clogged water intakes, and covered [[Beach|beachesbeach]]es and [[Boat|boatsboat]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bacheler |first1=Nathan M. |last2=Runde |first2=Brendan J. |last3=Shertzer |first3=Kyle W. |last4=Buckel |first4=Jeffrey A. |last5=Rudershausen |first5=Paul J. |date=March 2022 |title=Fine-scale behavior of red snapper ( Lutjanus campechanus ) around bait: approach distances, bait plume dynamics, and effective fishing area |url=https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/cjfas-2021-0044 |journal=Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences |language=en |volume=79 |issue=3 |pages=458–471 |doi=10.1139/cjfas-2021-0044 |s2cid=237810319 |issn=0706-652X}}</ref>

Anglers may increase the possibility of contamination by emptying bait buckets into fishing venues and collecting or using bait improperly. The transportation of fish from one location to another can break the [[law]] and cause the [[Introduced species|introduction]] of fish alien to the ecosystem. There has been [[legislation]] passed within the last couple years in attempt of protecting big and small fisheries.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Murray |first=Alexander G |date=2013-02-01 |title=Epidemiology of the spread of viral diseases under aquaculture |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879625712001812 |journal=Current Opinion in Virology |series=Virus entry / Environmental virology |language=en |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=74–78 |doi=10.1016/j.coviro.2012.11.002 |pmid=23206337 |issn=1879-6257}}</ref>

=== Nutrient pollution and anoxia ===

{{seefurther|Eutrophication|anoxic waters}}

The popularity of artificial baits, especially lures, has increased drastically over time. With this, concerns of harm to the [[natural environment|environment]] have been brought up. One of these concerns comes from the lost or carelessly discarded lures left in the environment, as these tackles are made of materials that typically do not [[biodegrade]] easily. The [[littering]] of lines and lures, intentional or not, can cause potential harm to the ecosystem, especially to [[water bird]]s, [[reptile]]s and [[semiaquatic]] [[mammal]]s who can mistakenly strike at abandoned lures and get entangled by the line or injured by the lure hooks (especially [[fish hook#Points and barbs|barbed hook]]s that cannot be easily dislodged). Another concern would be towards the [[health]] of the fish, as it is not uncommon to findcatch luresfish with lost [[treble hook]]sed lures lodged intoinside the [[gastrointestinalmouth]], tract|digestive[[gullet]] tractsand even [[gill]]s, ofand these fish whenoften suffer [[starvation]] from inability to properly ingest food due to the lure caughtobstruction. Along with that, fish will swallow discarded [[fishing line]], which can get retained in the fish's gut and cause [[digestive tract]] complications.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Raison |first1=T. |last2=Nagrodski |first2=A. |last3=Suski |first3=C. D. |last4=Cooke |first4=S. J. |date=2014-02-01 |title=Exploring the Potential Effects of Lost or Discarded Soft Plastic Fishing Lures on Fish and the Environment |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-014-1869-1 |journal=Water, Air, & Soil Pollution |language=en |volume=225 |issue=2 |pages=1869 |doi=10.1007/s11270-014-1869-1 |bibcode=2014WASP..225.1869R |s2cid=42949733 |issn=1573-2932}}</ref>

{{fishingFishing tackle}}

{{fisheriesFisheries and fishing}}