How to Bait a Hook for Lake Fishing

Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature, but it can be tricky to know how to bait a hook when lake fishing. The type of bait you use and the timing of when you set the hook are both important factors in catching fish. Corn kernels, hot dog slices, or ball-shaped bread can be used as less productive alternatives. However, for best results, it's important to use the proper hook configuration and wait until you feel the weight of the fish before placing the hook.A good rule of thumb for learning how to fish is to wait and feel the weight of the fish before you start fishing.

If the fish is cautious and only hits the fishing line and bait lightly and does not bite you, it's best to wait. Let the fish take the bait and then place the hook after feeling its weight.For example, when fishing for catfish, using circular baits often eliminates the need to place the hook, since it is generally trapped in the fish's mouth automatically. Any sudden additional force on the fish can widen the hook opening in the fish's mouth, increasing the chances that it will throw the hooks during the fight.A common culprit for fish caught in their guts are anglers who wait too long to set the hook when fishing with live bait. Unlike artificial lures (which fish quickly spit out when they realize they're not edible), live bait is a food that fish will swallow if given time.

Conversely, you'll need a hard hook if you're fishing for hard-mouthed pike to make sure you bury the hooks in the fish's mouth. This is an important step when fishing in areas with dense vegetation or fish with teeth, since the click of the rod is sometimes not enough to put the pick of the hook in the fish's mouth and you'll have to turn the reel a few laps to finish the game.Of course, fish with a neutral or negative mood rarely hunt for bait aggressively, but it's better to place the hook sooner and lose a fish or a piece of bait, than to wait too long and hook a fish in their guts, limiting their chances of surviving after release. This is particularly true for fishing in upper waters, since the explosion on the surface scares many anglers and forces them to place the hook before the fish has bitten the hook.Soft-mouthed fish (such as crappies) or those that bite poorly (such as certain trout) only need a firm and wide hook, especially when using ultra-light equipment, to ensure that the hook does not separate from the fish. On the other hand, if the fish are in a neutral or negative mood and hit the baits lightly, it is best to wait, let the fish pick up the hook and place it after feeling its weight.