Bait facts for kids
Bait is any substance used to attract an animal, often to catch it. It can be a special food, a smell, or something that looks interesting to the animal. People use bait for many reasons, like catching fish or helping hunters find certain animals.
Catching Fish with Bait
When people go fishing, bait is super important! It's what makes fish want to bite the hook. For a long time, fishermen have used natural things like worms (often called nightcrawlers), insects, and even smaller fish.
But fishing bait has changed over time. Now, you can find plastic baits that look like real fish or worms. There are even electronic lures that make sounds or vibrations to attract fish!
It's important to be careful with bait. For example, some fish like trout and salmon should not be used as bait. This is because they can carry a sickness called whirling disease. Using them as bait could spread the disease to other fish in the water.
For saltwater fishing, natural baits often work best. Studies show that fish recognize and prefer natural baits like croaker and shrimp. If you're trying to catch Red Drum (also known as Red Fish), a good bait is the pogie or menhaden. In the fall, fish like specks often go for croakers, especially in marshy areas.
Using Bait in Hunting
Bait is also used in hunting to attract animals. For example, when hunting leopards on a safari, hunters often place a dead, smaller antelope high up in a tree. Leopards are usually very cautious, but the bait can lure them closer. The hunter might watch the bait from a distance or track the leopard if it comes during the night.
Bait is also common in bear hunting. In places where bears are hunted, you can often buy special bear bait at gas stations or hunting stores. This bait is usually something sweet, like frosting or molasses. It's often mixed with something smelly, like rotten meat or fish, to attract the bears. The bait is spread out, and the hunter waits hidden for the bear to arrive.
Baiting Programs in Australia
In Australia, "baiting" often refers to specific programs to control problem animals. These programs use poison baits to manage populations of foxes, wild dogs, and dingoes. These campaigns are usually organized with local government departments and wildlife services. They help control these animals in areas where they cause problems.
Australian hunters also use carcasses when hunting feral pigs. After shooting some feral animals, their bodies are sometimes left in the field. The smell of the decaying animals attracts more pigs over the next few days, making it easier for hunters.
