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The complete guide to bait selection

Choosing the right bait is one of the most important factors for successful fishing. Even if you have a good fishing rod, a reliable reel, and the correct fishing line, the wrong bait can make fish lose interest.

Many people ask:

  • Which bait works best for trout?
  • Should I use a spoon lure or a spinner?
  • When is it best to fish with worms?
  • What color should I choose?
  • What size yields the most fish?

The truth is that there isn't one bait that works best under all conditions. The choice depends on factors such as the fish species, season, water temperature, weather conditions, and how the fish are behaving that day.

In this guide, you will learn how to choose the right bait for different situations. We will cover both natural and artificial baits, explain when the various options work best, and show you what factors you should consider before tying on your next bait.

The goal is simple: After reading this guide, you should feel more confident about which bait to choose ā€“ whether you're fishing for trout in mountain lakes, perch in forest ponds, or pike in larger lakes.

Contents

  1. What is bait?
  2. How to choose the right bait
  3. Natural bait
  4. Artificial bait
  5. Spoon lures
  6. Spinners
  7. Wobblers
  8. Jigs and softbaits
  9. Float fishing ā€“ which bait works best?
  10. Bottom fishing with a sinker
  11. Bait by fish species
  12. Bait by season
  13. Bait by weather and water conditions
  14. Color selection for artificial bait
  15. Bait size
  16. How to present the bait correctly
  17. Common mistakes in bait selection
  18. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  19. Summary

What is bait?

Bait is what you use to attract fish to bite. The purpose is to imitate something the fish naturally eats or to awaken its curiosity and hunting instinct.

Broadly speaking, bait is divided into two main categories:

  • Natural bait, such as worms, maggots, shrimp, or fish pieces.
  • Artificial bait, such as spoon lures, spinners, wobblers, and jigs.

Both types can be very effective, but they often suit different fishing methods and situations.

Natural bait emits scent and flavor, which can be crucial when fish are inactive or examining food carefully. Artificial bait, on the other hand, attracts with movement, vibrations, colors, and reflections, making it possible to cover large areas quickly.

Therefore, the most important thing is not whether you choose natural or artificial bait ā€“ but whether you choose a bait that suits the conditions of that day.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

Don't stick to just one type of bait. If fishing is slow, a switch from a spoon lure to a worm ā€“ or vice versa ā€“ might be enough to get the fish to bite. Flexibility is one of the most important qualities an angler can have.

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How to choose the right bait

There isn't one bait that works best under all conditions. A bait that yields many fish one day can be completely uninteresting the next. Therefore, good bait selection is about understanding what influences the fish and adapting your choice accordingly.

Experienced anglers rarely think only about which bait to use. They also consider where the fish are, what they're eating, what the weather is like, and how the bait should be presented.

By considering these factors, you significantly increase your chances of success.

What fish are you targeting?

The first consideration should always be which species you want to catch.

Different fish species have different diets and hunting behaviors.

For example:

  • Trout eat insects, small fish, worms, and crustaceans.

  • Perch often hunt small fish, insects, and larvae.

  • Pike prefer larger prey fish.

  • Arctic char eat insects, small crustaceans, and small fish, among other things.

  • Grayling mainly feed on insects and larvae.

The better the bait imitates what the fish naturally eats, the greater the chance of a bite.

Where are you fishing?

The fishing spot has a significant impact on which bait works best.

In a small forest pond, fish may react completely differently than in a large lake or a fast-flowing river.

Consider factors such as:

  • water depth

  • current conditions

  • vegetation

  • bottom conditions

  • water clarity

A light bait might work perfectly in shallow water, while a heavier bait may be necessary to reach fish in deeper areas.

What is the weather like?

Weather conditions affect fish activity more than many people realize.

On bright and sunny days, fish can become more cautious, while overcast weather often makes them more active.

Wind can also be an advantage. It creates movement in the water, adds oxygen, and can gather food along the shore or in bays.

Instead of thinking of the weather as "bad," you should ask yourself how the conditions affect the fish ā€“ and choose your bait accordingly.

What season is it?

Fish activity levels vary throughout the year.

In spring, the water is often cold, and fish may be sluggish after winter.

In summer, they are usually more active, especially early in the morning and late in the evening.

In autumn, many species eat extra much before winter, often leading to very good fishing.

In winter, metabolism slows down, and fish move less. A slowly presented bait can then be more effective than rapid movements.

Are the fish active or passive?

Observe the water before you start fishing.

Do you see:

  • rising fish?

  • small fish jumping?

  • insects on the water surface?

  • hunting predatory fish?

Such observations can provide valuable hints about what the fish are eating at that moment.

If the fish are active, an artificial lure with a lot of movement can be effective.

If they seem passive, natural bait or a calmer presentation may yield better results.

Start broad ā€“ adjust as you go

It's rarely possible to know the perfect bait before you've tried it.

A good strategy is to start with a versatile bait that suits the conditions, and then adjust if you don't get any bites.

You can, for example, change:

  • bait type

  • size

  • color

  • fishing depth

  • retrieval speed

Often, small changes are all it takes for the fish to decide to strike.

Have several alternatives available

Even if you have a favorite bait, you should always bring several alternatives.

A good selection might consist of:

  • a few spoon lures of different weights

  • a couple of spinners

  • one or two wobblers

  • jigs in different colors

  • worms or other natural bait if applicable

This way, you'll be prepared if conditions change during the day.

Learn from every fishing trip

The best way to get better at choosing bait is to gain experience.

After each fishing trip, it can be useful to reflect on:

  • Which bait caught fish?

  • What was the weather like?

  • Where were the fish?

  • How deep were you fishing?

  • Which retrieval method worked best?

Eventually, you will see patterns that make it easier to choose the right bait next time you are by the water.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

If you've been fishing with a spoon lure for a long time without results, it might be smart to switch to natural bait. A worm under a float or a simple bottom rig with a sinker can often be just what's needed when fish are sluggish or extra cautious. Many of the best fishing days come after you dare to try something different from what you started with.

Ā 

Natural bait

Natural bait has been used in fishing for as long as humans have fished. Although modern artificial lures have become very popular, natural bait remains among the most effective options in many situations.

The advantage of natural bait is that it looks, smells, and tastes like real food. This often makes the fish hold the bait in their mouths longer, which can give you more time to set the hook.

Natural bait is especially effective when fish are inactive, the water is cold, or the fish are wary of artificial lures.

Worms

Worms are perhaps the most classic fishing bait available and work very well for a variety of freshwater species.

Worms can be used both:

  • under a float

  • for bottom fishing with a sinker

  • on a hook without a float in small streams and rivers

  • together with certain artificial lures, where regulations permit

Worms are an excellent choice for:

  • trout

  • Arctic char

  • perch

  • grayling

  • burbot

  • many other freshwater species

A lively worm moving naturally in the water is often hard for fish to resist.

Maggots

Maggots are small fly larvae widely used for coarse fishing.

They are especially suitable when fish are cautious or when you are fishing with small hooks.

Maggots work well for:

  • grayling

  • Arctic char

  • perch

  • roach

  • whitefish

Several maggots on the same hook often provide more movement and make the bait easier to spot.

Shrimp

Shrimp are often associated with sea fishing, but they can also be very effective in freshwater.

Many fish species naturally eat crustaceans, and a fresh shrimp can therefore be a surprisingly good bait.

Shrimp are used for, among other things:

  • sea trout

  • cod

  • flounder

  • pollack

  • occasionally also trout

It is recommended to use raw, peeled shrimp for the best scent and presentation.

Fish pieces

Small pieces of fish are mainly used when fishing for predatory fish.

They emit a lot of scent in the water and can be very effective when fish are hunting larger prey.

Fish pieces are often used for:

  • pike

  • burbot

  • wolffish

  • various saltwater species

Make sure to follow local regulations if you use fish as bait.

Insects and larvae

In nature, many fish species eat large quantities of insects.

This is especially true for:

  • trout

  • grayling

  • Arctic char

Natural insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, or larvae can therefore be very effective when they occur naturally around the water.

However, it is important to handle them gently and follow local rules for collection if it concerns protected areas.

When does natural bait work best?

Natural bait can be used all year round, but it is often particularly effective when:

  • fish are inactive

  • the water is cold

  • fish are feeding cautiously

  • you are fishing with a float or bottom fishing

  • you want the bait to remain still for a longer period

It is also a good choice for beginners, as the method is easy to learn and often yields good results.

Advantages of natural bait

Natural bait has several properties that make it very effective.

Among the advantages are:

  • natural scent and taste

  • realistic appearance

  • works well with low fish activity

  • can be used for many fish species

  • easy to present with a float or sinker

Disadvantages of natural bait

Although natural bait is effective, there are also some disadvantages.

For example:

  • often needs to be stored cool or moist

  • does not withstand repeated casting well

  • can fall off the hook more easily

  • covers less water than artificial bait

If you want to actively search for fish over large areas, artificial bait will often be a more effective choice.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

If you've been fishing with a spoon lure for a long time without success, it might be smart to switch to natural bait. A worm under a float or a simple bottom rig with a sinker can often be exactly what's needed when fish are sluggish or extra cautious. Many of the best fishing days come after you dare to try something different from what you started with.

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Artificial Bait

Artificial bait is designed to imitate the natural prey of fish or to provoke their hunting instinct through movement, vibrations, colors, and light reflections. Unlike natural bait, you don't need to replace it after each cast, and you can cover large areas in a short amount of time.

For many anglers, artificial bait is the first choice, both because it is effective and because there is an enormous selection adapted to different fish species, seasons, and fishing methods.

By learning when different artificial baits work best, it becomes easier to choose the right bait for your fishing trip.

The most common types of artificial bait

There are many different types of artificial bait, but most anglers mainly use:

  • Spoon lures

  • Spinners

  • Wobblers

  • Jigs and softbaits

  • Flies (for fly fishing)

Each type has its strengths, and there are situations where one type works better than another.

Advantages of artificial bait

Artificial bait has many advantages compared to natural bait.

Among the most important are:

  • Can be reused repeatedly.

  • Covers large areas quickly.

  • Available in many sizes, colors, and weights.

  • Easy to switch between different models.

  • Requires little maintenance during the fishing trip.

  • Suitable for a wide range of fish species.

This makes artificial lures a very versatile choice, whether you are fishing in small forest ponds, large lakes, rivers, or along the coast.

Disadvantages of artificial lures

Although artificial lures are very effective, there are also some disadvantages.

For example:

  • Lacks natural scent and taste.

  • May be less effective when fish are very passive.

  • Often requires more active fishing.

  • Some types require a bit of experience to be used optimally.

On days with slow fishing, natural bait can therefore be a better alternative.

How to choose the right artificial lure

When choosing an artificial lure, you should consider:

  • what fish you are targeting

  • the clarity of the water

  • the depth you want to fish at

  • weather and light conditions

  • season

  • fish activity level

There is no single right answer, but the better you get to know the conditions at the fishing spot, the easier it will be to choose correctly.

When should you use artificial lures?

Artificial lures are particularly suitable when you want to:

  • actively search for fish

  • fish large areas

  • vary retrieve speed and technique

  • try different sizes and colours

  • fish efficiently without frequently changing bait

Many anglers start their fishing trip with artificial lures to find active fish, and switch to natural bait if conditions warrant it.

Don't be afraid to experiment

A common mistake is to give up on an area too soon.

Sometimes it's not the fishing spot that's the problem ā€“ it's the lure.

Feel free to vary:

  • size

  • colour

  • type of artificial lure

  • retrieve speed

  • fishing depth

Small changes can be enough to get the fish to bite.

The next chapters

In the next sections of the guide, we will take a closer look at the most common types of artificial lures:

  • Spoons

  • Spinners

  • Wobblers

  • Jigs and softbaits

You will learn when they work best, which fish species they are suitable for, and how to use them most effectively.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

There is no one artificial lure that works best everywhere. Bring several types in different sizes and colours, and be willing to change if the fish shows no interest. Often, a small change in lure choice is what distinguishes a quiet day from a successful fishing trip.

Ā 

Spoons

Spoons are among the most widely used artificial lures in Norway, and for good reason. They are easy to use, can be cast far, and work for a variety of fish species in both fresh and saltwater.

A spoon usually consists of a metal body that moves from side to side when reeled in. This movement, combined with reflections from the surface, mimics a wounded or fleeing small fish ā€“ an easy prey for predatory fish.

For many anglers, the spoon is the natural first choice when exploring new waters.

When do spoons work best?

Spoons are a very versatile lure and can be used in most conditions.

They work particularly well when:

  • fish are actively hunting

  • you want to cover large areas

  • the water is relatively open

  • you are fishing from shore or boat

  • you want to vary the fishing depth

By changing the retrieve speed or letting the spoon sink longer before you start reeling, you can fish at different depths without changing lures.

Which fish species are spoons suitable for?

Spoons can be used for many species.

Among the most common are:

  • trout

  • Arctic char

  • perch

  • pike

  • salmon

  • sea trout

  • pollack

  • cod

  • coalfish

This makes the spoon one of the most versatile artificial lures you can have in your tackle box.

How to choose the right weight?

The weight of the spoon has a big impact on how it fishes.

A light spoon is well suited when:

  • the water is shallow

  • the fish are high in the water

  • you want a gentle presentation

A heavier spoon is often a better choice when:

  • you need long casts

  • it's very windy

  • the water is deep

  • the current is strong

Choose a weight that suits both the fishing conditions and the casting weight of your fishing rod.

Which colour should you choose?

The choice of colour depends on the light conditions and the clarity of the water.

Generally, these rules of thumb apply:

Clear water

  • silver

  • natural colours

  • bluish tones

Dark or humus-coloured water

  • copper

  • gold

  • orange

  • fluorescent details

Overcast weather

  • gold

  • copper

  • strong contrasting colours

Sunny days

  • silver

  • more natural colours

This is not a definitive guide, but a good starting point when choosing.

Vary the retrieve

Many anglers retrieve the spoon at the same speed all the time.

That can work, but often you get more bites by varying it.

Try for example to:

  • stop retrieving for a moment

  • retrieve slower

  • retrieve faster

  • make short jerks with the rod tip

Such changes can make the spoon look like an injured fish, which often triggers a bite.

Common mistakes with spoons

Some mistakes are common among many anglers.

Among the most common are:

  • using too heavy a spoon in shallow water

  • retrieving at the same speed all the time

  • giving up on one spoon after only a few casts

  • using the same colour in all conditions

  • fishing at only one depth

By varying colour, size, depth, and retrieve, you increase your chances of finding what the fish want.

Storing spoons

Spoons last a long time if they are well cared for.

After the fishing trip, it is advisable to:

  • rinse them in fresh water after saltwater fishing

  • dry them before putting them away

  • store them in a tackle box with good ventilation

  • check that the hooks are still sharp

Good maintenance ensures that your spoons last longer and perform optimally when you need them.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

Always bring spoons in various weights and colours on your fishing trip. If conditions change, or the fish don't respond to the first spoon you try, a simple change can be enough to trigger a bite. Many experienced anglers change spoons several times before finding the combination that works best.

Ā 

Spinners

Spinners are one of the most effective artificial lures when fish are actively hunting. They are a favourite among many anglers because they are easy to use and create both light reflections and vibrations that attract predatory fish.

A spinner typically consists of a metal blade that rotates around a wire when the lure is reeled in. The rotation creates flashes and vibrations that can be perceived by fish from a long distance, even in murky water.

Spinners are particularly well suited for rivers, streams, and smaller lakes, but can also be very effective in larger bodies of water.

When do spinners work best?

Spinners are often at their best when fish are active and willing to chase.

They work particularly well:

  • in spring when the water gets warmer

  • throughout the summer

  • early in autumn

  • in rivers and streams with current

  • along reed banks and vegetation

  • in areas where small fish are present

Since the spinner starts working almost immediately when you reel it in, you can fish effectively at both shallow and medium depths.

Which fish species are spinners suitable for?

Spinners are very versatile and are used for many popular fish species.

Among the most common are:

  • trout

  • perch

  • Arctic char

  • grayling

  • pike

  • salmon

  • sea trout

Smaller spinners are often well suited for trout and grayling, while larger models can be a good choice for pike or large trout.

How to choose the right size?

The size should be adapted to both the fish species and the conditions.

Small spinners are well suited when:

  • fish are cautious

  • the water is clear

  • you are fishing for smaller trout or grayling

Larger spinners are often a better choice when:

  • you are fishing for large fish

  • the water is murky

  • you want long casts

  • the fish are hunting larger baitfish

It can be useful to have several sizes available so you can easily adapt to the conditions.

Which colour should you choose?

The choice of colour follows many of the same principles as for spoons.

Clear water and sun

  • silver

  • natural colours

Overcast weather

  • gold

  • copper

Dark water

  • copper

  • black details

  • strong contrasting colours

Some spinners have spots, red details, or coloured beads that can work very well when fish need a little extra attention to bite.

How to fish with a spinner

A spinner is easy to use, but a few small adjustments can make a big difference.

Try to:

  • start retrieving as soon as the spinner hits the water

  • maintain steady contact with the lure

  • vary the speed during retrieval

  • let the spinner pass close along rocks, reeds, and edges

  • fish from several angles if you don't get any bites

Often, fish are near structures or cover, so it pays to fish thoroughly around such areas.

Common mistakes with spinners

Even though a spinner is a simple lure to use, there are some typical mistakes.

You should avoid these:

  • reeling so slowly that the spinner blade stops rotating

  • fishing only in the middle of the water

  • using the same size all day

  • giving up after a few casts

  • ignoring areas with current or vegetation

By varying casting length, speed, and direction, you present the spinner in multiple ways, which often increases the chance of a bite.

Maintenance of spinners

A spinner requires little maintenance, but it is advisable to:

  • rinse it in fresh water after saltwater fishing

  • dry it before storage

  • check that the spinner blade rotates freely

  • check that the hooks are sharp and not rusty

Good maintenance ensures that the spinner functions optimally and lasts for many seasons.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

If you see fish following the spinner without biting, try changing the retrieve speed or pausing briefly before continuing. That small change in movement can be exactly what triggers the fish's predatory instinct.

Ā 

Wobblers

Wobblers are artificial lures designed to imitate small fish. They have a lifelike shape and swim with a characteristic side-to-side movement when pulled through the water. This movement, combined with realistic colours and details, makes wobblers very effective when predatory fish are hunting.

Compared to spoons and spinners, wobblers often provide a more natural presentation. Therefore, they can be a good choice when fish are selective or have plenty of time to examine the prey before biting.

When do wobblers work best?

Wobblers are particularly effective when fish are hunting small fish.

They are well suited for:

  • lakes

  • rivers

  • coastal areas

  • fishing from a boat

  • fishing from shore where you can reach deeper water

Many people use wobblers throughout the season, but they can be especially effective in summer and autumn when small fish make up a large part of the diet of many predatory fish.

Which fish species are wobblers suitable for?

Wobblers are used for a variety of species, including:

  • trout

  • sea trout

  • salmon

  • pike

  • perch

  • Arctic char

  • pollack

  • coalfish

  • cod

By choosing the right size and diving depth model, wobblers can be adapted to many different fishing conditions.

Floating, sinking, and suspending wobblers

There are several types of wobblers, and they behave differently in the water.

Floating wobblers

Floating wobblers rise to the surface when you stop retrieving.

They are well suited when:

  • you are fishing shallow

  • you want to avoid the bottom and vegetation

  • you want to vary with short stops during retrieval

Sinking wobblers

Sinking wobblers sink when they are not moving.

They are well suited when:

  • fish are deep

  • you want to fish near the bottom

  • there is current or wind that makes lighter lures harder to control

Suspending wobblers

Suspending wobblers maintain approximately the same depth when you stop retrieving.

This can be very effective when fish follow the lure without biting. The short pause gives the fish time to strike.

How to choose the right size?

The size should be adapted to both the fish species and the size of the baitfish in the water.

Generally:

  • small wobblers for smaller trout and perch

  • medium wobblers for larger trout, sea trout, and Arctic char

  • larger wobblers for pike and large predatory fish

If you see small fish in the water, it often pays to choose a wobbler that is similar in both size and colour.

Which colour should you choose?

The choice of colour depends on the water conditions.

Clear water

  • naturalistic silver colours

  • grey

  • blue

  • green

Dark or murky water

  • gold

  • copper

  • chartreuse

  • orange

On very sunny days, more natural colors often work well, while strong contrasting colors can be easier for fish to spot when visibility is poor.

How to fish with wobblers

Wobblers can be fished in many different ways.

You can:

  • retrieve steadily

  • vary the retrieve speed

  • incorporate short pauses

  • make small jerks with the rod tip

  • let the wobbler sink to the desired depth before retrieving

It pays to experiment. Often, it's the variation in movement that triggers the fish to strike.

Common mistakes with wobblers

Some of the most common mistakes are:

  • choosing a model that runs too deep or too shallow

  • using the same retrieve speed all the time

  • choosing too large a wobbler for small fish

  • changing lures too quickly without trying different techniques

  • fishing only in the middle of the water and not along edges or structures

By adapting both technique and wobbler choice to the conditions, you often get much better results.

Wobbler maintenance

To extend their lifespan, wobblers should be regularly maintained.

Remember to:

  • rinse them in fresh water after saltwater fishing

  • dry them thoroughly before storage

  • check split rings and hooks

  • replace rusty or blunt treble hooks

A well-maintained wobbler swims correctly and increases the chance of hooking the fish when it strikes.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

If you see fish following your wobbler without striking, you shouldn't necessarily change lures immediately. First, try varying your retrieve with short stops or small jerks of the rod tip. An unpredictable movement can make the wobbler resemble an injured baitfish ā€“ which often triggers the predator's strike instinct.

Ā 

Jigs and softbaits

Jigs and softbaits have become increasingly popular among sport fishermen in recent years. They are highly versatile artificial lures that can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and they are particularly effective when you want a lifelike presentation.

A jig usually consists of a soft rubber body mounted on a jig head with a hook. The soft body moves lively in the water, mimicking small fish, larvae, or other prey that predatory fish naturally eat.

Softbaits come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, making it easy to adapt the lure to different fish species and conditions.

When do jigs work best?

Jigs are very effective when fish are near the bottom or unwilling to chase fast lures.

They are especially suitable:

  • in cold water

  • when fish are inactive

  • at greater depths

  • along the bottom

  • around rocks, vegetation, and underwater structures

A jig can be fished both fast and slow, making it a flexible choice throughout the season.

Which fish species are jigs suitable for?

Jigs are used for many different species.

Among the most common are:

  • trout

  • perch

  • pike

  • arctic char

  • sea trout

  • cod

  • saithe

  • pollock

By choosing the right size and jig head, the same type of jig can be used for very different fishing conditions.

How to choose the right jig?

There is a large selection of jigs, and the choice depends, among other things, on:

  • the fish species

  • the fishing depth

  • current conditions

  • water clarity

  • the size of the baitfish

A small jig can be perfect for perch and smaller trout, while larger models are often used for pike or cod.

Choosing a jig head

The jig head determines both how the jig sinks and how it moves.

A light jig head is suitable when:

  • the water is shallow

  • fish are high in the water column

  • you want a slow sinking speed

A heavier jig head is often necessary when:

  • the water is deep

  • there is a strong current

  • you are fishing from a boat

  • you want good contact with the bottom

Always choose a weight that matches the conditions and the casting weight of your fishing rod.

Which color should you choose?

Color selection follows many of the same principles as for other artificial lures.

Clear water

  • natural colors

  • silver

  • grey

  • olive

  • brown

Dark or murky water

  • chartreuse

  • white

  • orange

  • pink

  • strong contrasting colors

If the fish aren't responding, a simple color change can be enough to make a difference.

How to fish with a jig

There are many techniques, but one of the most effective is to let the jig sink to the bottom before gently lifting it with the rod tip.

Then let it sink again.

This movement mimics an injured small fish or prey moving along the bottom.

You can also:

  • retrieve steadily

  • vary the speed

  • incorporate short pauses

  • fish with small jerks

  • keep the jig near the bottom for longer periods

Try different techniques until you find what the fish are responding to.

Common mistakes with jigs

Many beginners make the same mistakes.

Among the most common are:

  • using too heavy a jig head in shallow water

  • retrieving too fast

  • not letting the jig sink far enough

  • using the same color all day

  • giving up too early

Jig fishing often requires patience. Small adjustments in presentation can lead to many more strikes.

Jig maintenance

Jigs require little maintenance, but they last longer if you:

  • rinse them after saltwater fishing

  • store them dry

  • check the hooks regularly

  • replace damaged or torn rubber bodies

Also, avoid storing different types of soft rubber lures tightly together if the manufacturer recommends it, as some materials can react with each other.

šŸ’” Tips from Utmarksliv

Jigs are often most effective when fished slower than many people think. Don't be afraid to let the lure sink all the way down and use small, controlled movements. On days when the fish are sluggish, a slow presentation often yields the best results.

Ā 

Float fishing ā€“ which bait works best?

Float fishing is one of the most popular fishing methods in Norway, suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. This method allows you to present the bait naturally at the desired depth, often yielding good results when fish are feeding in the upper or middle water layers.

The float itself is not a bait, but an aid that keeps the bait floating or at the correct depth. Therefore, it is important to choose a bait that suits the fish species and conditions.

Worms ā€“ the classic choice

Worms are undoubtedly the most common bait for float fishing.

They are very suitable for:

  • trout

  • arctic char

  • grayling

  • perch

  • roach

  • whitefish

A worm moving naturally under the float can be very tempting for fish, especially when it swims calmly through the water.

Maggots

Maggots also work well with a float, especially when fish are cautious or you are fishing for smaller species.

This bait is often used for:

  • grayling

  • arctic char

  • roach

  • whitefish

  • smaller perch

Several maggots on the hook provide extra movement and make the bait easier to spot.

Small artificial lures under a float

Although natural bait is most commonly used, some small artificial lures can also be fished under a float.

For example:

  • small flies

  • small jigs

  • small insect imitations

This can be effective when fish are feeding near the surface or in the upper water layers.

How deep should the bait hang?

The correct depth is often more important than the bait itself.

If you're not getting bites, it might be smart to adjust the distance between the float and the hook.

As a general rule of thumb:

  • Fish near the surface when you see rising fish.

  • Fish deeper if the fish are not showing themselves.

  • Try several depths before changing bait.

A small adjustment of 20ā€“50 centimeters can be enough to find the fish.

Choose the right float

There are many types of floats, including:

  • fixed floats

  • slider floats

  • casting floats

The choice depends on how far you need to cast, how deep you are fishing, and the conditions you encounter.

A light float often provides a more natural presentation, while a heavier float makes it easier to cast far.

Watch the float

One of the advantages of float fishing is that the float acts as a bite indicator.

Keep an eye on whether it:

  • disappears underwater

  • moves sideways

  • stops

  • lies flat

Small movements can be signs that the fish is investigating the bait before deciding to take it.

When does float fishing work best?

Float fishing is well suited when: