With the price of live bait these days, many sport fishermen have decided to trawl for live bait instead of buying it. By doing this, they save money, don’t have to wait in long lines and get fresh lively bait every time.
Using a small trawl is an easy way to catch enough live shrimp and croakers for a day of fishing. Bait trawls start at 6 feet and go to 16 feet. The smaller ones only use a single rope with a bridal near the net.
Gus at Gus’ Tackle and Nets in Slidell has a simple method to catch bait. He recommends getting a plastic tub big enough to fit the net, ropes and boards. The tub does not take up much room in the boat, and can be stowed away when not in use.
On the way out to the fishing grounds, find a bayou or lake with some tidal and bait movement on top of the water and drop the net. Pull it eight to 10 minutes.
Fill the tub up with water and empty the net into it. The bait will stay alive in the water, and you can use a small net to fish out the live shrimp, croakers and pogies that you want to use for bait and toss them in your livewell.
Empty the tub and put the net, ropes and boards back in it and head on out to your favorite fishing spot.
