Baiting is one of the most used fishing methods. Traditionally, people used live baits to catch fish, for example, worms and locusts.
However, today there is a wide variety of fishing methods that don’t need live bait or any other type of bait. Anglers today use different techniques such as using traps, nets, electrofishing, and using barriers, among others.
Bait is mainly used by recreational anglers or those who do it on a small scale.
Also, using bait comes with a ton of disadvantages, including:
- Catching bait can be difficult, dirty, and time-consuming.
- Bait does not necessarily attract the fish you want to catch.
- Live bait can smell very bad on your clothes, hands, or gear.
- Baits primarily work best in some conditions and not in others.
- Baits work well only when you are doing small-scale fishing.
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What Are Other Fishing Methods You Can Use?
1. Use of Traps
While trapping fish is a traditional method, it is still used up to date.
It involves placing a container-shaped object at a shallow and still location and patiently waiting for the fish to swim in.
You can place windsock-like clothing or container for you to trap in the fish. Ensure your hands are still and steady to avoid spooking the fish.
When you sense a fish has swum in your trap, remove the container as fast as you can.
It is important to note that this is not the most effective method, and it mainly relies on luck. That is why it is not recommended for large-scale fishing.
Also, traps can be hazardous to aqua life as most materials used are non-degradable.
2. Use of Nets
Fishing with the use of nets is one of the oldest methods used to catch fish, and it’s still very efficient up to today.
Cast nets are round nets with small weights attached at the edges. The net is thrown wide open on the water surface and sinks slowly into the waters.
This method is more efficient when targeting a school of fish. It is also one of the safest modes of fishing.
Nonetheless, it leads to indiscriminate fishing, which increases the chances of catching wrong, young or endangered species.
Also, most nets are made from sturdy materials that might kill the fish or cut its head while escaping.
Apart from using cast nets, you can also use dip nets, especially if you are fishing in a pond or catching a small number of fish.
Dip nets are usually attached to a long rod at the end. You simply need to dip it in the water and scoop out the fish.
For this method to work, you need to choose a favorable position with plenty of fish.
3. Dapping Fishing Method
Another straightforward method you can use is dapping. Dangle and tap the hook of the water surface.
This creates an insect or small fly illusion that will attract fish.
Tap the water surface with the hook, dangle the hook and tap the water surface again.
Do this repeatedly, and eventually, the fish will think it’s a fly and strike getting trapped on the hook.
While the method might seem unorthodox, it does work. The only disadvantage is that it is time-consuming and you have to fish in shallow waters.
4. Use of a Hook Only
As shocking as it might seem, you can actually fish using a hook only.
It works similarly to the dapping method. All you have to do is dip the hook only a few inches deep, creating insect-like vibrations that attract the fish.
Though this is a less effective method than dapping, it is also likely to be successful. Shake the hook while in the waters to mimic the live bait behavior.
The bouncing back and forth of the light, while the hook is shaking will also make the fish curious, making it want to bite.
5. Electrofishing
Electrofishing is a modern method of fishing that uses the current flow between submerged cathodes and anodes.
When the current is activated, it forces fish to swim towards the anode, which stuns them.
Regular anglers do not use this method; instead, scientists use it to sample fish populations, determine their species and conduct further research.
The good thing about this method is that it does not kill the fish; rather, it immobilizes them for a couple of minutes (1 or 2).
6. Corner the Fish with a Barrier
For this fish method, you will have to work in a group of two or more people.
It also works best in shallow waters. This is because you have to see the fish you want to catch physically.
Using long clothing, place a barrier to corner the fish into a small place. Make sure the fish will not escape underneath the waters.
You can avoid these by attaching your weights at the bottom edge of the nets. You can also tie stones to act as sinkers.
Move towards the fish mutually in an isolated shallow corner where you can finally get them out using a container.
7. Use of Artificial Lures
Fish are attracted mainly by sound, smell, or vibration.
Most fish will strike on any shiny moving object. That is why understanding the feeding habits of the fish and how the water temperatures affect them is vital.
When choosing artificial lures, try to match these factors to make it more convincing to the fish it’s live bait. It would help if you categorized the lures by color, shape, and size.
Knowing what type to use can be very helpful and makes it easier to fish a specific species. This is because some lures are made for saline waters, and others for freshwater bodies.
For example, Berkley Gulp Shrimp and Golden Spoon work best in saline waters. In freshwaters, you can use spinnerbaits or plastic worms.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Artificial Lures
- Artificial baits can be used in deep-sea fishing. Fishing at deeper levels means more fish
- You can use them more than once
- It saves time as you do not have to catch live bait
- Artificial lures are more expensive than live baits
- It is challenging to catch bigger fish using artificial lures
- Artificial baits could harm aqua life since they might break off while the fish is struggling
- You need more skills while using an artificial lure
Final Thoughts
You can fish without a bait since there are many other more efficient methods to use.
You can choose to use the traditional fishing techniques or modify your methods using available resources.
Some methods, such as net casting, can even help you catch a large number of fish compared to baiting.
Nonetheless, always make sure to check if it’s legal before using new or modified fishing methods.
