Bream/Perch/Bluegill for bait

[MathGeek]

Using small fish caught on a rod is a family tradition. The children call it the "special trick."

In fresh water it has yielded muskellunge, walleye, catfish, bass, and snapping turtles. In salt water it has yielded redfish, gafftops, sharks, and big stingrays.

The food chain works. Use it to advantage. It was prohibited in the People's Repiblik of Colofornia, but it is legal in most other states where I've checked. We keep a small bait well in the boat sometimes because the best place to catch bluegill and pinfish isn't always the best place to use them.

Pinfish are our favorite saltwater fresh caught live bait, but sand trout, croaker, ladyfish, etc. work well too. Bluegill are the most common freshwater bait, but some of the softer finned and/or more elongated species work slightly better.

One thing about the special trick is you're not sure what's gonna bite, but it's usually gonna be exciting!