Fresh and brackish water fish called tilapia are becoming just as popular with anglers as they are with cooks. You must be aware of the top tilapia baits in order to catch tilapia successfully. Corn, peas, bread balls, and earthworms are a few of the best tilapia baits. Read this article and you can learn more about catching Tilapia.
Tilapia
The term “tilapia” actually refers to more than 100 different fish species, all of which are indigenous to the Middle East and some regions of Africa. The tilapia fish has, however, recently been introduced to many other regions of the world for agricultural purposes.
Since it can easily survive in a crowded environment, grows quickly, and eats a relatively inexpensive plant-based diet, tilapia is actually currently farmed in an estimated 135 countries worldwide.
In other words, tilapia is a fish that is great for farming and a seafood option that is reasonably priced. Additionally, this mild-flavored fish is the fourth most popular fish consumed in the US, according to HealthLine.
Best Bait To Use For Tilapia
The best part is that since tilapias are herbivores, you won’t need to spend money on pricey bait like minnows or nightcrawlers. Algae and other tiny aquatic plants are among their food sources. The best tilapia fish bait is listed below:
Pea
Peas make excellent tilapia bait, and we suggest using frozen ones so they will stay on the hook for a long time. Peas are readily available in stores, online, etc. The same results will be obtained whether you use canned or shelled green peas.
Corn
Fishing lures are most frequently made of corn. Frozen corn, feed corn, canned sweet corn, imitation corn, and flavored corn bait are the five varieties of corn used in fishing. Among this corn, frozen corn and canned sweet corn are the most effective corn baits. Corn attracts trout, catfish, and perch in addition to tilapia.
Bread Balls
You can use bread balls if pea or corn are difficult to come by. Additionally, you can freeze the bread balls if they don’t stay put on the hook well. In this manner, the balls harden just enough to allow the hook to pierce and stay in place.
Earthworms
Additionally, you can use earthworms to catch tilapia fish, and you can get them from vermicomposting. Make sure they resemble tiny invertebrates to increase the likelihood that these tilapia fish will eat them.
Read: What Is The Best Bait For Croaker Fish, Tarpon, Grass Carp, Groupers.
How To Catch Tilapia
Fish During Spawning Season
One of two things will cause tilapia to mouth the bait: hunger or territoriality. Both approaches are successful, but during the time when they are spawning and raising their fry, tilapia become so aggressively territorial that they will attack almost anything that comes close to their spawning beds.
Tilapia spawn for lengthy periods, and they might not stop until the water drops below 60 degrees, so you have plenty of time to dredge lures close to their beds.
The likelihood of catching tilapia with a line and reel dramatically decreases after the spawning has finished.
Know Their Locations
Tilapia prefer to spawn in areas with lots of vegetation because it offers cover from predators and the water is very shallow. Their crater-like beds, which cover the pond or river bottom, are fairly simple to identify. Tilapia are jittery, easily startled fish, so take care not to get too close to the beds.
Tiny Tackle
Light tackle is appropriate because tilapia is a small fish. Use a lightweight, 6- or 7-foot pole equipped with a spinning reel. Use No. 4 or No. 8 monofilament line to wind the reel with. 4 hooks.
Bring some tiny floats to suspend your baits over spawning depressions and some light split shot to keep a bait on the spawning beds’ bottom when necessary.
Tips On Catching More Tilapia
Many anglers prefer to catch tilapia because of its mildly flavorful meat as well as the fact that it is exciting and difficult to lure. Targeting this fish species requires skill and testing, especially for professionals.
Here are some suggestions to help you catch more tilapia if you don’t like their shy and herbivorous nature.
Catch Tilapia During Spawning Season
Tilapia baiting during spawning season is the first piece of advice for catching them. Tilapia frequently mouth the bait out of hunger or because they are feeling aggressive.
They exhibit the latter during the spawning season and while raising fry and fingerlings, and they use it to defend their territory by attacking anything that comes into view.
Fish In The Shallow Waters
The majority of tilapia species lay their eggs in shallow waters with lots of vegetation because it protects them from predators. Also preferred by them are locations with still water or those close to the banks.
They can also frequently be found close to marine structures, but it is still advised to fish for tilapia in ponds and lakes because it can be risky for anglers to visit these locations.
Avoid Getting Close To The Spawning Beds
If you decide to fish during the spawning season, it is best to stay away from getting close to tilapia’s spawning beds because they are easily startled.
Because tilapia are shy, most anglers’ tactics fail, so learning how to stay away from their beds will help you catch them. The best strategy is to cast your line from the shore, where they cannot see you or your shadow.
Learn How To Hook Baits Properly
Because the hook was not set properly, some anglers fail to notice that the tilapia has already mouthed the bait. The first skill necessary to catch any fish is learning how to use hook baits.
The tip of the hook should be visible to make sure the bait is properly positioned. Always use a high-quality hook when tilapia fishing.
Use Light Tackle
Because tilapia isn’t very large or heavy, using light tackle would already be effective. It is advised to use a rod that is 6 to 7 feet long and has a spinning reel. Put your bait on a number four hook and spool your reel with a monofilament line.
Conclusion
Most anglers think that catching tilapia is challenging but enjoyable. As we mentioned, peas, corn, bread balls, and earthworms make the best tilapia baits. To increase your chances of successfully catching tilapia, we advise you to use these baits in addition to following our tips on how to do it.
