Besides live bait, there are various prepared baits you can use. Some of them are commercial baits and others you can prepare yourself with some experimentation. Let’s go over some of these baits and how you can use them.
Dough Bait
Dough Bait
One of the most famous commercially available dough bait you will run into is power bait (sometimes referred to as PB). Used to catch trout, power bait is a scented, floating putty that comes in small glass jars. It is available in almost every color imaginable, and if you use this kind of bait it’s a good idea to have at least a few jars of different colors, because fish can be selective about what color they will go for, depending on the time of day, water clarity, and mood. The chartreuse (looks like day glow green) and rainbow colors are good ones to start with.
How to Put Dough Bait on a Hook
Traditionally, you would use a small treble hook with something like power bait. But, if you want to be able to release the fish if its too small or for whatever reason, then it would be a better idea to use a single hook instead. All you do is mold the bait around the hook. To keep the bait on the hook longer you can wrap some very thin wire around the hook shank before you apply the putty, or purchase special dough bait hooks that come that way.
How to Put Dough Bait on a Hook
Traditionally, you would use a small treble hook with something like power bait. But, if you want to be able to release the fish if its too small or for whatever reason, then it would be a better idea to use a single hook instead. All you do is mold the bait around the hook. To keep the bait on the hook longer you can wrap some very thin wire around the hook shank before you apply the putty, or purchase special dough bait hooks that come that way.
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Salmon Eggs
You can purchase real, preserved salmon eggs or you can buy some salmon egg imitations like Power Eggs. Both real and imitation salmon eggs come in different colors and flavors. Take your pick.
How to Hook Salmon Eggs
If you are using a single salmon egg, use a very small wire hook. Thread the egg onto the hook a little off center, the turn the egg and bury the barb back into the egg.
How to Hook Salmon Eggs
If you are using a single salmon egg, use a very small wire hook. Thread the egg onto the hook a little off center, the turn the egg and bury the barb back into the egg.
Otherwise you can simple put one egg on each point of a treble hook, like this:
Pork Rinds
Pork rinds are made from the skin of a hog, and come preserved in small glass jars. They are dyed in almost every color, and cut into various shapes. While they can be used by themselves, people often use them as “trailers”, by attaching them to the hook of whatever lure, spinner or jig they are using.
How to Hook a Pork Rind
Pork Rind is very tough, and pushing a hook through it is difficult. Most manufacturers cut a small slit in the strip to make it easy for you to attach your hook. Look for the slit on the colored side of the bait. You may have to dry it a little to see it. If your pork rind doesn’t come with a slit, you might want to cut one yourself.
Pork rinds are made from the skin of a hog, and come preserved in small glass jars. They are dyed in almost every color, and cut into various shapes. While they can be used by themselves, people often use them as “trailers”, by attaching them to the hook of whatever lure, spinner or jig they are using.
How to Hook a Pork Rind
Pork Rind is very tough, and pushing a hook through it is difficult. Most manufacturers cut a small slit in the strip to make it easy for you to attach your hook. Look for the slit on the colored side of the bait. You may have to dry it a little to see it. If your pork rind doesn’t come with a slit, you might want to cut one yourself.
This should get you started with prepared baits. You can also try using what people call “picnic baits”, things like corn, pieces of bread or hotdogs. Experiment and have fun!
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