Do you guys replace the worm, minnow, shiner, etc. after each bite or do you use it until it turns into mush?  Some buddies and I were fishing over the weekend and I noticed this was the first time we didn't try to re-use the bait.  As a result, we hooked more fish using minnows and worms.  

I'm under the impression that when a fish bites, it leaves a scent on the live bait that turns other fish away.  Well, sometimes dumb bream and catfish will still take it but.....anyone know for sure?

Thanks.

They call it live bait for a reason.  It does make a huge difference but it depends on the presentation.  If you are doing some split shotting or another finesse technique be sure to use lively bait.  However, I will leave a partially mangled minnow on there if I am doing something like pulling it behind a spinner and bottom bouncer, etc.

I think the biggest problem that people do with live bait is fish it way to fast.  You should never move it faster than it can swim, and with a leech that can be pretty slow.

The way that I look at it is that I have spent way too much money on fishing rods, line, reels, boat, that the last place that I really want to cut corners is on what the fish actually bite.

No offense but this is a bass fishing forum.  I dont think live bait should ever be mentioned.  Live bait is for crappie and catfishermen.  Oh and 5 year olds with snoopy rods.

No offense but this is a bass fishing forum. I dont think live bait should ever be mentioned. Live bait is for crappie and catfishermen. Oh and 5 year olds with snoopy rods.

I don't fish live bait often, but there are times and places where it is appropriate.  A lot of guys on here have probably used live bait at one time or another for bass.  I'm sorry if you feel like it is "cheating" but no one should feel bad about choosing that method.

     No offense but this is a bass fishing forum.  I dont think live bait should ever be mentioned.  Live bait is for crappie and catfishermen.  Oh and 5 year olds with snoopy rods.      

Live bait might be for crappie but it will catch bass.   Nothing beat natural pray.  That is what all artifical bait is trying to minic.

Yes, live bait will cach them, but WHERE IS THE CHALLANGE???????? :

The most fun I get while fishing is figuring out how to fool them, not waiting for the bobber to go under....

hookum12_0,

Smallmouth like shiners, too! Both of the brown fish in my avatar were caught on big shiners.