How long can a bait be left in the water?
———————————————– Baits can be left in the water far far longer than most people think and still be effective. This statement needs some clarification. The type of bait and its size has a bearing on the length of time the bait is effective, as well as the activity of bait robbers such as crabs, shrimp or small fish. A single lugworm cannot be fished as long as a whole fish bait. I have found that when fishing into deep water with large fish baits from shore rock marks, fish can be caught on baits that have been in the water over an hour! This has even occurred in a tide run of a couple of knots which would have washed a lot of the scent from the bait. I am not saying that all baits should be left out this long, but there are cases when this can be a useful technique.
