Good freshwater natural baits in Georgia include worms, leeches, minnows, crayfish, crickets and grasshoppers.

Freshwater bottom-feeders like catfish and carp are also attracted to cut baits  and prepared baits called dough balls.

Good saltwater baits include sea worms, eels, crabs, shrimp, squid and cut baits. Always check local regulations to make sure the bait you choose is legal for the lake you're fishing. Many lakes don't allow the use of rough fish minnows as bait because rough fish can take over a lake and starve-out the game fish.

Compare the cost of losing one worm to losing a lure and you'll see that fishing with live bait can be less expensive than fishing with lures; and if you find your own live bait, you can save even more money.

Step1

Scout for an earthworm breeding colony. Understand that earthworms congregate in large numbers in specific locations where they breed. During rainstorms, worms come to the surface to breathe, and can be readily located and collected.

Step2

Look for large numbers of worms on the surface during a rainstorm. Search open grassy areas of public parks or golf courses, schoolyards, athletic fields and parking lots. Worm breeding colonies are common under large isolated trees.

Step3

Collect as many earthworms as you can find, in a cooler or a bucket with a lid. Store the worms in plastic containers with perforated tops.