baitfish

noun

bait·fish ˈbāt-ˌfish

: a small fish (such as a golden shiner or menhaden) that attracts and is a food source for a larger game fish

also : a fish used for bait

Examples of baitfish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All of these monikers refer to the same thing: a user-friendly technique for holding a baitfish profile above suspended bass, or above the bottom structure to bass relate. —

David A. Brown, Field & Stream, 27 June 2024 Crankbaits: Usually trolled via a flatline or lead-core or run off to one side of the boat with a side planer, crankbaits mimic the small baitfish that walleyes prey on. —

M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 20 June 2024 Other baits that mimic baitfish beneath the surface work well, too, like spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and squarebill crankbaits. —

Shaye Baker, Field & Stream, 6 June 2024 Again, when bass are focused on small baitfish, especially in the fall in particular, a 1/4-ounce spinnerbait works really well. —

Shaye Baker, Field & Stream, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for baitfish

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'baitfish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.