Bait is still the most reliable way to catch fish in India, from carp in village ponds to snapper off the rocks. The best bait is usually what the fish already eat where you are fishing.
Buying guide
Kinds of bait
Live bait (prawns, small fish, worms, crabs) is the most natural and works for predators. Frozen and dead bait (prawns, squid, sardine, mackerel) is convenient and keeps for weeks in a freezer. Salted and dried bait is tough and lasts days without a fridge. Prepared baits such as dough, paste, pellets and boilies are made for carp, rohu, catla, mrigal and tilapia.
Matching bait to fish
Carp and other bottom feeders in ponds take paste, dough and pellets, often with groundbait to draw them in. Predators such as murrel, barramundi, mangrove jack, grouper and seer fish prefer live or fresh dead bait. From the shore at sea, prawn, squid and sardine pieces catch many species. The fish pages in our species guide list the baits that suit each fish.
Buying bait near you
Live and fresh bait is local by nature: it travels badly and should be bought close to your fishing day. In the shop, check where a bait ships from or where it can be collected. Frozen, salted and prepared baits travel better and can be shipped further.
Rules and good practice
Never use protected species as bait, and follow the rules of the water you fish, including private ponds. Do not release live bait or leftover bait fish into a different pond, lake or river, because that can spread disease and invasive species. Take bait packaging home.
Storage
Keep live bait cool, shaded and aerated. Keep frozen bait frozen until the day you use it and carry it in a cool box. Store dry baits and pellets in airtight containers away from damp.
General advice for anglers in India. Check the product details and ask the shop if you are unsure.
Common questions
Where can I buy live bait near me?
Live bait is sold by local bait and tackle shops, often close to the water. On Fishing Journey the bait section shows where each listing ships from or can be collected, so you can pick a shop near you.
What is the best bait for sea fishing in India?
Fresh or frozen prawn, squid strips and sardine or mackerel pieces catch the widest range of sea fish from piers, rocks and beaches. Live baitfish work best for larger predators.
What bait works for rohu and catla?
Dough and paste baits, pellets and groundbait are the usual choice for Indian major carps in ponds and reservoirs. Fish them on small hooks near the bottom or under a float.
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