Fishing Basics

Bait and Lure Selection

What to tie on the end of your line for common freshwater species.

Beginner

By William Blacklock · Last updated April 2026

When to use this

When rigging up - match what you're using to the target species and conditions.

First-time anglers who were handed a rod without a plan
Switching techniques when nothing is working
Choosing what to pack before a trip to an unfamiliar lake or river

See it done

Fishing 101: Bait and Lures - Texas Parks and Wildlife

What you need

For live bait: nightcrawlers, wax worms, PowerBait, minnows (check regulations)
For artificials: a selection of spinners (Mepps, Rooster Tail), soft plastic worms, small spoons
A tackle box with assorted hook sizes (size 6-10 for small to medium fish)
Split shot weights, bobbers, and swivels

Step by step

1.Start with live bait if you're new or uncertain. A nightcrawler on a size 8 hook under a bobber catches bass, panfish, catfish, and trout. It's the closest thing to a universal first option.
2.Panfish (bluegill, sunfish, crappie): small hooks (size 8-10), small baits. A piece of worm the size of your thumbnail is all you need. Bobber setup, shallow water, near structure.
3.Trout in streams: match the hatch - look at what insects are on the water and match size and color. In the absence of a hatch, a small Mepps spinner or a gold Kastmaster spoon is reliable.
4.Bass: soft plastic worms (4-6 inch, rigged weedless) fished slowly near structure. In spring when water is cold, slow down considerably - bass are lethargic.
5.Catfish: strong-smelling baits near the bottom. Prepared catfish dough, cut bait, or nightcrawlers. Heavy sinker setup, no bobber, on the bottom.
6.Water clarity guides color: in clear water, natural colors (brown, green, silver). In murky water, high-contrast colors (chartreuse, orange, black) are more visible.

Pro tips

Ask the bait shop near the campground what's working. This 30-second conversation is worth more than any guide - they've been watching that specific water all week.
Start simple: one rod, one rig, one bait choice. Master that before changing. Anglers who constantly switch lose time and confidence.

Common mistakes

Using a hook that's too large for small species. Panfish can't swallow a bass hook; they hit and miss it every time.
Storing nightcrawlers in the sun. They die in minutes in heat. Keep bait in the shade or a cooler.

Recommended gear

A short list of what makes this skill easier.

Beginner Tackle Box Lure Assortment~$25

Analog companion

One rig, one knot, one cast. This is the setup that gets a first-timer from a bare rod to a baited hook in the water, plus the knot you'll tie more than any other.

Rig & Cast

Thread the linePull line off the spool and run it through every rod guide, bottom guides first.
Tie on a swivelAttach a small swivel or clip with the improved clinch knot at right.
Add weightPinch one split shot about 12 inches up the line from the swivel.
Add a bobberClip a bobber on about 3 feet up the line from the split shot.
Bait the hookClip on a hook sized for the target fish and thread on the bait.
CastHold the rod at 10 o’clock, open the bail, sweep forward to 2 o’clock, and release the line off your finger.

Improved Clinch Knot

ThreadPass 6 inches of line through the eye of the hook or swivel.
WrapWrap the tag end around the main line 5 times (4 times on line over 20 lb test), wrapping away from the eye.
First loopPass the tag end through the small loop that formed just above the eye.
Improved loopPass the tag end through the larger loop you just made - the step that keeps this knot from slipping.
Wet and cinchWet the knot, then pull both ends steadily until the wraps seat tight against the eye. Trim the tag to about ¼ inch.

Before every castLook behind and overhead for people, branches, and power lines. For kids, pinch the hook barb flat with pliers first - easier releases and far fewer trips to the first aid kit.

What to Use, By Species

Panfish (bluegill, sunfish, crappie)Hook: Size 8-10Bait: A piece of worm the size of a thumbnailSetup: Bobber, shallow water, near structure

Trout (streams)Hook: Size 8-12Bait: Match what’s hatching if visible; otherwise a small spinner or gold spoonSetup: Light line, drift with the current

BassHook: Size 1-4, weedlessBait: A 4-6 inch soft plastic wormSetup: Slow retrieve near structure; slower still in cold water

CatfishHook: Size 1-4Bait: Strong-smelling dough bait or cut baitSetup: Heavy sinker, no bobber, on the bottom

Not sure where to start? A nightcrawler on a size 8 hook under a bobber catches bass, panfish, catfish, and trout - the closest thing to a universal first choice.

Catch & Release

Land it quicklyA long fight exhausts the fish before it ever reaches your hands.
Wet your handsDry hands strip the slime coat that protects the fish from infection.
Hold it horizontallyOne hand under the belly, one near the tail. Never squeeze, and never lift by the gills or jaw.
Remove the hookBack it out the way it went in. If it’s deep, cut the line close instead of digging for it - the hook will dissolve.
Let it swim offLower it into the water facing the current and let it kick free on its own. Don’t toss it.

Most states require a fishing license for anglers above a certain age, and set their own size and bag limits by species and water. Check your state wildlife agency's rules before you cast.

Free with email

Camp Fishing Quick Reference Card

One rig. One knot. Four species. Everything a first-time camp angler needs on one card, front and back.

Prefer the full landing page first? See the camp fishing quick reference card.

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