Minnows

• Minnows, which are sold in a variety of sizes, attract bites from most fish species in lakes and rivers. While small fathead minnows are more suited to small fish, like sunfish and crappie, larger sucker or shiner minnows will attract strikes from bass, walleye and northern pike. However, a small minnow that is an inch or two long can provoke a strike from a fish of any size. Some of the most popular and effective ways to fish minnows are below a bobber, on a jig or on a live-bait rig such as a Lindy Rig.
  
  

Leeches

• Like minnows, leeches are available in different sizes; typically small, medium, large and jumbo. Small leeches are good for perch and crappie while jumbo leeches often are the ticket for catching walleye. Leeches should always be hooked just below the sucker. They are especially effective when fished below a bobber or on a jig. Suspending a leech below a bobber and casting it into a weedbed is an effective way to catch nearly any fish that swims.
  
  

Nightcrawlers and worms

• Look for worms on sidewalks and other concrete areas after a rain. They also can be found in gardens and other places where dirt is present, or bought at a tackle shop. Small worms work well for perch and crappie, while larger nightcrawlers are a hot commodity among walleye anglers. Worms also are popular with trout fishermen. Impale the worm on a hook and fish it below a bobber, or attach it to a Lindy Rig and troll it along the bottom for walleye, bass or other large game fish.
  
  

Mushroom-head jig and worm

• While live baits tend to catch the greatest variety of fish, a 4- to 7-inch plastic worm hooked on a 1/8-to-1/4 oz. mushroom-head jig also catches nearly any fish that swims in fresh water. The combination can be bounced along the bottom or retrieved through the water. Either way, it catches fish. Try it around shallow vegetation, weedlines, boat docks and dropoffs.