Fishing is Great with Live Crickets! Live crickets are an excellent bait for catching many species of fish, especially bream, bluegill, perch, and all sunfish. However, it has not been until recent years that research has proven why live bait is often better than many artificial baits on today's market. The reason for this is that fish can determine within milliseconds whether or not the bait they have taken into their mouths is live. Upon realizing this, the fish can then expel the artificial bait from its mouth before the fisherman has time to set the hook. With live bait the fish continues to swallow and is more often caught by the fisherman. Where to Fish with Crickets Since insects are a natural part of the food chain, you can catch fish with crickets in ponds, streams, lakes or any body of water where there are fish. Try to fish close to the bottom and change locations until fish are located. When fishing from a boat, troll slowly along the bank and cast in front, close to logs and brush, changing the depth you are fishing as you go. Many species of fish build their beds on sand and gravel deposits. Once you have located a bed, try not to frighten the fish. Fishermen routinely catch many fish around beds. Hooks The most widely used hook for fishing with crickets is the no. 6, long shank wire hook. A larger hook should be used if fishing for catfish.The japanned color approaches that of the cricket. The long shank allows for easier removal if the hook is swallowed, and since often times it is necessary to fish in brush or other places where hooks can be entangled, the wire hook will bend and can be retrieved. Then bend the hook back to its original shape and you're ready to fish. Lines Nylon monofilament line of from 4 to 10 pound test make excellent fishing lines. Fishing Rods and Poles Fishing poles (canes) are readily available in bait shops and sporting goods stores. The line should be the same length as the pole. Spinning rods with SLIP FLOATS allow the fisherman to cast up to 50-60 feet and easily adjust the depth that they are fishing. Floats and sinkers Most all floats will work, however we recommend a 3 inch slip float. A split BB shot placed about 8 inches above the hook will aid in casting. More shot can be added until the fisherman can control his casting as he desires. Hooking the Cricket Fishermen have different methods by which crickets are placed on their hooks. The techinque that seems to work the best, is to bring the point of the hook from the abdomen (tail) through, exiting the insect just below the head. This allows the cricket to stay on better during casting. Advantages of fishing with crickets 1. Very economical, a fisherman can bait his hook cheaper than with many other types of live bait. 2. Left-over crickets will live up to two weeks with proper care. Store in a warm, dry area and add quartered apples, potatoes or oranges in the cage for food. 3. Crickets are clean and easy to handle. 4. Crickets attract many kinds of fish.