Live usually wins in cold water
Real waxworms and crawlers wiggle and give off scent, and sluggish fish respond to both. Scented artificial bait like Gulp is a strong backup that's easier to store.
Where stores keep it
Look for a small glass fridge labeled "Live Bait" at the end of the fishing aisle, behind the sporting goods counter, or near the garden center. Many store apps show the aisle if you search "nightcrawlers." If you can't find it, ask at the sporting goods counter.
Keep it alive
Keep bait cool, not frozen. In winter, store it in the car, not on frozen ground.
Trout note
PowerBait is for stocked trout. Skip it for bass and panfish.
Which bait for which fish
- Bluegill and perch: waxworms, small crawler pieces.
- Crappie: small minnows where legal, or tiny jigs tipped with bait.
- Bass: whole or half nightcrawlers, minnows.
- Catfish: cut bait, crawlers, chicken liver.
- Stocked trout: worms, small spinners; PowerBait in stocked lakes.
Rules to know
Never dump unused live bait into a lake or stream, and never move live fish between waters. Some waters ban bait entirely, including many Gold Medal trout stretches that are flies and lures only. Check the CPW Atlas.
Questions anglers ask
- Is Gulp as good as live bait?
- Close, and it's easier to store. Live bait usually has the edge in cold water.
