Several years ago I got turned on to using live bait including crickets for fishing. Before that time I had used worms. Yes, worms are live bait too, but the world of live bait is much more than a crawler on a hook. Minnows, crawdads, and crickets are also a big part of live bait fishing. I have enjoyed using each type, but using crickets for fishing was my first venture into the “other-world” of live bait fishing.
Let's dive right in.
Using Live Crickets for Fishing
A good friend of mine first showed me how to use crickets for fishing when stream fishing for trout. We were Trout fishing the Silver Fork outside of Kyburz, California. The water was running and the scenery was outstanding.
Our plan was to hop boulders from up above and fish our way down stream. First on the agenda was my introduction to using crickets for fishing.
My friend grabbed a black cricket out of the cricket cage and said, “You just run the hook under the collar”. What? Was this cricket wearing a coat or something? I found that just behind the head of the cricket is something that looks like a collar.
Try Not to Kill the Cricket
The trick is to gently guide your hook under the collar and out the other side of the collar without killing the cricket. It is actually much easier than it may sound.
Next, as I continued learning how to go fishing with crickets, I went for a fishing bobber and was quickly corrected by my friend. No Bobber and if I needed, only the lightest of a sinker. The idea was to cast onto the rushing water and let the cricket float down stream.
I studied my cricket teacher as he gently flipped his line onto the water and the cricket floated down the creek. Then he was gone. Fish on!
Fishing with Crickets for a Variety of Fish
Since then I have learned that many people use crickets for a variety of other fish including Panfish and Breen. This technique is different from the one I used my first day. Many people use a bobber or a float with a #6, #8, or #10 hook.
They then put a lightweight split shot about 6 inches from the cricket. The idea is to let the cricket slowly and naturally descend through the water.
When fishing with crickets for Panfish, you will need to try several times and you may need to adjust your bobber depth until you find just the right spot.
Fish Like Variety
I have learned that fish like variety in their diet, just like we do. Live bait is definitely preferred by fish over artificial bait and they strike at it aggressively. So feel free to explore a live bait option to worms. Fishing with Crickets - The other live bait.
Now I'd like to hear from you.
If you found this post on using Crickets for Fishing informative please share it on social media through the buttons on this page and/or leave a comment below.
Thank You For Reading!
For more information and Cool Fishing Products check us out!
Leave a comment