Bluegill as Bait
Bluegill are one of the best baits for largemouth bass. In ponds, this may be one of the easiest ways to target quality bass on a consistent basis.
What Size Bluegill Work Best?
For both action and quality catches, opt for bluegill in the 3 to 4-inch range. Largemouth bass measuring 12 to 18 inches can easily prey on bluegill of this size, making it an effective choice for targeting these fish.
Will Larger Bluegill Work?
Absolutely! If you’re aiming to target largemouth bass in the 3 to 5-pound range, consider upsizing your bluegill bait. Using bluegill in the 5 to 6-inch range might lead to fewer bites, but the ones you do get are likely to be from quality bass. This trade-off often results in catching larger, more impressive fish, making it worthwhile despite the reduced overall action.
Hooking the Bluegill
Hook the bluegill through the lips or back to allow natural movement, making it more enticing for bass.
Regulations
Always check local fishing regulations regarding the use of bluegill as bait because there are a variety of different regulations that can vary greatly from state to state. Where they are legal, anglers have another options for catching quality largemouth bass.
Leeches
Leeches work well for largemouth bass, however, lively leeches are key. Leeches work better in water above 50 degrees. In colder water, leeches will end up rolling into a ball on the hook. Most bait shops won’t start getting leeches until late spring or early summer.
What Size Leeches Work Best?
For both action and quality catches, opt for leeches in the 3 to 4-inch range. The larger leeches do work well for bigger bass, so many anglers do use the larger, jumbo leeches for them.
Hooking the Leeches
Insert the hook through the suction cup on the thinner end of the leech. This allows the leech to swim naturally and remain lively, which is more appealing to fish.
Regulations
Always check local fishing regulations regarding the use of leeches as bait because there are a variety of different regulations that can vary greatly from state to state.
Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers are one of the most popular types of live bait to use for largemouth bass. They are great for action and they will catch some big bass too.
What Size Nightcrawlers Work Best?
Use the entire nightcrawler for largemouth bass. You can catch plenty of bass with a half nightcrawler, but largemouth have big mouths that can easily inhale these full length nightcrawlers.
Make Your Nightcrawlers Bigger Overnight
Most nightcrawlers that you will buy from bait shops and retail stores will usually be slightly dehydrated. To get them up to size quickly, soak the dirt or worm bedding to be slightly soggy and then place them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, you will notice that the worms will be a lot bigger. Take them out of the soggy dirt or worm bedding and place them in dry dirt or bedding. Take them fishing or just put them back in the refrigerator to store them for a future date.
Hooking the Nightcrawlers
Most anglers will hook the worm in the head, but they can be super effective when hooked in the center of the worm as well. This is called wacky style and the worms look great when hooked wacky style.
Regulations
There are some places throughout the United States where nightcrawlers are not allowed to be used as bait, so make sure you check the local regulations before fishing with them. However, most places throughout the United States do allow fishing with nightcrawlers, so you have plenty of places to use them as bait.
Minnows
Minnows work great for largemouth bass. Anglers catch bass from 7 inches up to over 7 pounds on minnows. Depending on whether you are fishing for action or for trophy bass, the size of the minnow you will be using can vary greatly.
What Size Minnows Work Best?
Smaller Minnows
2.5 – 3.5″
When using smaller minnows, you will usually catch smaller largemouth bass. Expect to have more action with bass under 12 inches with an occasional bigger bass. Some very big bass are caught on smaller minnows all the time, so don’t rule them out, however, they are usually going to be best for smaller bass.
Medium-Sized Minnows
4-5″
Some of the bigger bait fish that anglers use for bass are chubs, golden shiners and suckers. Using minnows in this size range will usually get you plenty of action with lots of better-sized bass and some very big bass mixed in too. Largemouth bass from 1 to 5 pounds will gladly eat minnows in this size range.
Big Minnows
6″ and up
If you want to go even bigger, you can upsize with the chubs, suckers and shiners. Down south, you may be using baits as big as 12″ long as you fish for largemouth bass up to and above 10 pounds. Up north, you may go bigger with a huge chub or sucker in that 6 to 7 inch range. You may not get many bites when going to these sizes, but when you do get a bite, there is a very good chance that it will be a big bass.
Huge Minnow Baits
Large Shiners, Suckers, Chubs
When you want to target a giant bass, you can go even bigger with your bait selection. In Florida, anglers will use golden shiners that are up to and larger than 12 inches. As you work your way north, anglers turn to suckers and chubs when looking for huge live baits to entice a bite from a giant largemouth bass.
Hooking the Minnows
Hook the minnows through the lips or back to allow natural movement, making them more enticing for bass.
Regulations
There are some places throughout the United States where minnows are not allowed to be used as bait, so make sure you check the local regulations before fishing with them.
Best Live Bait Rigs
Bobbers or Floats
A bobber or float is one of the better ways to target largemouth bass with live baits. Whether you are fishing for bass in shallow water or just higher up in the water column, a well placed bobber can get the job done.
Carolina Rig
This rig is a great live bait rig. Most anglers use the Carolina rig when fishing along the bottom in deeper water.
Drop Shot Rig
The drop shot rig is an awesome way to fish a variety of live baits. Fish it shallow, deep, in open water or around cover and you can have a lot of success.
Jigheads
A simple jighead works great with a variety of live baits and it is super effective when fishing hard bottom with minimal cover.
Split Shot Rig
The split shot rig is a great rig when you just need a little extra weight to get your live baits down deeper in the water column. Most anglers use this rig when the bass are shallow as it can be a super effective shallow water technique.
