Live bait consists of baitfish, shrimp, crabs, or any other food source that is attached to a hook while still alive. Fishing with live bait is one of the most effective ways to get a bite because it’s a natural food source and imitations are rarely better than the real thing. Bait can be caught with nets and traps or purchased at a bait shop then kept alive in a livewell until use. Live bait is set on the hook with the line either weighted for bottom fishing or secured to a bobber to fish near the surface.