by Minute Major

Created on: June 15, 2010

The sport of fishing can be one of the most relaxing, challenging, and exciting ways to spend the day. The thrill of the hunt, the mystery of the deep, and the presence of natures boundless beauty drives fisherman from all over the world to throw in their lines and take part in the enchanting game of fishing. With so much variety in equipment, sportsmen are able to test their luck using a multitude of setups, ranging from lightweight pan-fish poles, to heavy-duty musky systems. A lot of fishermen have memories of their youth, catching an abundance of blue gill on a cheap plastic 3 foot pole and with a simple hook and worm; but is live bait truly superior to artificial bait?

Fish feast upon live bait in the wild right? So why use anything other than what they are used to eating? The answer lies with the intentions of the fisherman. Large fishing corporations that go out to catch the most fish to sell on the market use live bait, because in reality it does produce results. However, contrary to popular belief, fishing is not always about catching the most fish. The sport, like any sport, is meant to challenge the self, test patience, and force the player to adapt to an environment and learn from mistakes. It is a test of man vs nature and requires skill, knowledge, and a bit of luck. If catching a fish an easy task the addictive thrill of angling would be replaced by the dull repetitive nature of catch and release.

Artificial bait offers something that live bait cannot provide: control. Using live bait relies on the activity of fish and does not test the skills of the angler; only when using artificial bait is the fisherman in complete control over his destiny. Different lures have different techniques for retrieval; some require a fast recovery while others are meant to be slowly jigged until eventually reaching the boat. The vastness of lure technology allows the fisherman to try new things, change the game play of the sport and adapt his choice of lure to the conditions. The thrill of the hunt arises when the sportsman effectively displays the lifeless lure to a hungry or territory fish.

Live bait may provide better results, but artificial lures maintain the spirit of the sport by testing the fisherman’s skill, rather than luck, in the hunt between animal and man. To truly enjoy fishing, one must recognize the challenge and master the skills of a deceptive angler. The result will not only be fish, but the rewarding feeling of conquering the trial using a lifeless lure and the skills of a clever hunter.

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