Lure or Live Bait? Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each

When it comes to catching fish as quickly and effortlessly as possible, the question of which is better – artificial lures or real bait – depends on what you’re trying to catch and in what conditions you’re trying to catch it. Sometimes a lure is best, while other times, bait is the way to go. However, there are some general pros and cons to each method.

>> If you’re looking for a new fishing boat, check out our selection at Van Isle Marina: Boats for sale.

Fishing with Lures

Fishing lures are small, artificial objects often shaped like a fish’s prey that are attached to a hook and tied to the end of a fishing line. They are used to attract fish to your line.

There are many different types of lures on the market such as jigs, spinners, spoons, fly lures, crankbaits, and plugs. Some lure manufacturers have even added LEDs to the mix.

Whether they are made from rubber, plastic, metal or a mix of such materials, fishing lures are often weighted and use a combination of movements, vibrations, colours and shiny reflections to entice fish to bite.

The Pros of Fishing with Lures

• Lures are one-time, reusable purchases.
• Lures don’t require special storage like dirt or water tanks, which significantly reduces the weight of your tackle box.
• Lures are not dirty or smelly.
• Lures are fun to collect and actively engaging and satisfying to use.
• Lures often lead to bigger catches and fewer unwanted fish on your line.
• Lures help increase the survival rate of fish in catch and release fishing by reducing deep hooking – an occurrence that leads to higher mortality rates in fish.
• Lures reduce an angler’s use of bait, which helps maintain populations of bait species from being overharvested.

The Cons of Fishing with Lures

• With so many varieties of fishing lures out there, it can take some trial and error to find the best ones for what you’re trying to catch. This means you might end up with clutter in your tackle box.
• No matter how fun lures are to collect, lures can get expensive if you’re not careful, and they won’t all work.
• Lures can get stuck in weeds, branches, and rocks. And they won’t be all that effective in murky waters or at night time.
• Fishing lures work best when they are cast where an abundant amount of fish is present. Unlike bait, lures won’t attract fish from far and wide, so you might be waiting a while for a bite and be required to move around to different areas.
• Lures require the right combination of weight, hook sizes, and colours to work effectively for what type of fish you’re trying to catch, so they aren’t as straightforward as bait. In short – the number of options can be overwhelming for beginners.

When to Use Fishing Lures

For better or worse, the effectiveness of lures relies on just the right conditions. Lures are best used when:

• The water is nice and clear
• The weather is warmer
• You’re dealing with aggressive, predatory fish
• There are a lot of undersized or non-target fish present
• You’re in a catch and release area
• When signs are deeming the waters “artificial only” or “fly and lure only”

Fishing with Bait

Natural baits are living critters that are used to attract fish to your hook. The most common types are worms, minnows, leeches, insects and shrimp. Rather than artificial lures, which mimic a fish’s prey, bait ARE actual fish prey.

The Pros of Fishing with Bait

• Bait is highly effective because fish are more attracted to the real live prey you’re delivering. They latch on with gusto, improving the chances of a deep hooked fish on the end of your line – one who is less likely to fall off. (A deep-hooked fish is a con if you’re doing catch and release, however.)
• Bait appeals to a wide range of fish species, increasing the likelihood you’ll catch something.
• Bait is often cheaper than lures in the long run. It’s free if you find your own while out and about in nature.
• Bait attracts fish from far and wide, so you can easily set your rod up and just wait for something to bite.
• Unused bait can be returned to nature, or even frozen until your next trip.
• Researching bait basics helps give you a better understanding of which fish prefer which prey.

The Cons of Fishing with Bait

• Bait is messier and smellier than fishing with lures. Prepare to get your hands, clothing, and gear smelly and dirty, especially if you’re capturing your own bait.
• Bait needs special storage considerations like refrigeration or circulating water.
• Due to these storage considerations, bait is usually heavier to lug around than artificial lures.
• Bait requires more frequent trips to the bait shop and planning to make sure you have enough.
• Fishing with bait contributes to the overharvesting of fish prey.
• Bait attracts any and all types of fish, including small ones or otherwise not the ones you were looking to catch.
• Bait increases the rate of deeply hooked fish – only a con in catch and release fishing as this decreases the survival rate of the fish.

When to Use Bait

As with lures, the effectiveness of bait relies on just the right conditions. Bait is best used when:

• The water is muddy or murky
• It’s nighttime
• You’re a beginner looking to catch something, anything
• You’re fishing for keeps
• It’s cold outside, or better yet, when ice fishing
• Your next meal depends on it!

In the end, there is no clear winner in the lures vs. bait debate. And this is by no means an exhaustive list of each method’s strengths and weaknesses.

Each method of fishing has its pros and cons – it all depends on what species you’re trying to catch, your level of experience, and your conditions.

At Van Isle Marina in Sidney, BC, near Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal, we love talking fishing with our clients and visitors and would be happy to give you some pointers and talk about what works for our waters. Come see us with all your fishing and boating related questions. Find us at 2320 Harbour Road. Find out how to get here.

 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has announced the launch of a new streamlined, yet comprehensive way to clear customs for boaters travelling from Canada to the United States. ROAM (Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile) is an alternative method to the typical face-to-face customs clearing that most people are used to.

Small pleasure craft arriving to the United States must immediately declare themselves to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Using ROAM, boaters have the option of remotely reporting their arrival through the app on their mobile phone. This method reduces wait times for clearance, as no officer is required on board to search the vessel. Instead, boaters input their personal information and the specifications of their trip and officers can choose to video chat with boaters and remotely inspect if they deem it to be necessary.

Exceptions to using the app are:

• Travelers who require an I-94;
• Travelers who wish to obtain a cruising license;
• Travelers who must pay duties on imported goods; and
• Other circumstances as applicable.

The app is available on Google Play and Apple iTunes Store, and is currently in use in Alaska, Washington, Detroit, Port Huron and Sault St. Marie.

More information can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website, or contact your local port of entry.

Previously, bird watching has been known as your “Grandmother’s hobby”, but more recently it has become a wildly popular past-time for all ages. Due to Sidney’s many ecological reserves and parks, local birdwatching has taken off. With Vancouver Island’s mild climate, there are large selections of birds who permanently nest, as well as migratory birds who only show themselves seasonally.

Keep an eye open for bird sanctuary signs like the one below that indicate areas for bird watching. Frequently there are information signs with listing common species to the area and information on their habitats.

 

Check out our local favourite spots below:

Robert’s Bay – Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary

 

 

Robert’s Bay is only a few steps away from Van Isle Marina. It is home to many native shrubs and trees that provide hunting grounds and nesting sites for many mammals, not just birds! The mud flats at Robert’s Bay are an important part of the local ecosystem as many mud shrimp and small creatures are found here, which feed many birds. The ever first photo documented record of the rare Laughing Gull in British Columbia took place here!

Common birds:

• Harlequin Duck
• Great Blue Heron
• Bonaparte’s’ Gull

Land’s End Road

 

Land’s End Road is the northern-most point of the Saanich Peninsula, mostly commonly known for being home to the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal. This area is also home to a significant amount of birds who rely on the sandy beaches and low tides to feast. The dense forests surrounding the area provide shelter from the elements and provide perches to nest.

Common Birds:

• Black Oystercatcher
• Bald eagle
• Killdeer

Victoria International Airport

 

Even with constant airplanes passing over, sightings of rare birds are frequent in this area! The airport is the only place in North America that you can spot Skylarks. The Victoria International Airport Authority has worked alongside the Victoria Natural History Society make the lands that surround the airport more of a suitable habitat for the Skylarks. As these birds are ground nesters, initiatives include mowing specific plots of land to make the area more suitable to nests. The 9 km pathway around the airport is a great way to see birds by foot or by bike.

Common Birds:

• Black-capped Chickadee
• Bald Eagle
• Northwest Crow

Sidney Spit

 

During Fall and Spring migrations, Sidney Spit is a birder’s paradise. Due to recent efforts to better preserve the spit and surrounding area, Purple Martins have made a comeback and can be seen in the nesting boxes along the docks.

Common Birds:

• Purple Martins
• Nighthawks
• Marbled Murrelets

Are any of your favourite bird watching locations on the Saanich Peninsula? Let us know in the comments!

 

At Van Isle Marina, we are fortunate to be located in the heart of the Gulf Islands, one of the best cruising grounds in the world. There are more than 200 islands in the region, each different than the last. The sheltered waters of the islands are wonderful for fishing, swimming, and sailing, while the isolated forests are perfect for hiking and camping. Below are five of the most popular hikes in the area, and are, of course, only accessible by boat!

Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail (Moderate – 7.2 km)

Located on Portland Island, (nice and close to Van Isle Marina!) the Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail is one of the most highly rated hiking trails in the Gulf Islands. It is a dog friendly loop trail that follows the shoreline around the island, showcasing the pristine white seashell beaches. If 3 hours is a bit too long, there are cross island trails that can shorten the hike to 1 hour. There is a dinghy dock located on the North side of the island at Princess Bay and Royal Cove for the convenience of local boaters.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 3 hours

Tumbo Island (Easy to Moderate – 3.5 km)

Take a step into seclusion on this quiet island to enjoy an easy hike through a few of British Columbia’s various ecosystems; garry oak and douglas fir forests, marshes and coastline. While you are walking, try to spot the remains of the coal mine that inhabited the island in the 1900s! This island’s name comes from “tombolo” which is a sand, shingle and driftwood bar.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 90 mins

Mt. Norman Hike (Difficult – 1.5 km)

On the southwest side of Pender Island is a short but very steep trail, leading to amazing views of the Gulf Islands, Olympic Mountain Range and Mt. Baker. There is a boardwalk and viewing platform, so you can relax and truly enjoy the beauty that you worked plenty hard for! The elevation gain is 199 m, so this trail is not for the faint of heart.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 60 minutes

Russell Island Trail (Easy to moderate – 1 km)

Russell Island is the closest you can get to feeling like you are in Hawaii, without being in Hawaii. In fact, during the mid-19th century it is estimated that at least 1000 Hawaiians came to the Pacific Northwest and some even settled on Russell Island. Take a walk around the island on the well maintained trail to experience a near-tropical environment, and to see the artifacts left over by the Hawaiian residents.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 30 Minutes

Roe Lake Trail (Moderate – 1.2 km)

Located on Pender Island, Roe Lake is a small fresh water lake on the western side of the island. The area is local to many wildlife including deer, beaver and plenty of wild birds. On any given day in the summer, the area is enjoyed by plenty of picnickers and families, as there is an easier 0.5 km trail accessible from Magic Lake Estates. The full 1.2 km trail is accessed through Shingle Bay Rd.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 55 minutes

Enjoy your hiking on the Gulf Islands!

Boating, as a recreational sport, has been around for over 300 years. During this time many customs and traditions have been developed; traditions that, over generations, have become the unwritten rules of the road. Just like being on land, we need to be good neighbours; help others when they need it, tidy up after ourselves and be respectful of the people and environment around us.

Top 10 Boating Etiquette Tips

1. Watch Your Wake: You’re responsible for making sure that your wake isn’t causing harm to your fellow boaters. Not only can big wakes in small, crowded places be dangerous, it’s a definite way to anger your neighbours. Be sure to respect the wake rules to keep marine life and everyone else on the water safe and sound.
2. Lend a hand: While there is almost always a Van Isle Marina employee nearby to help, you should be prepared to help your fellow boaters. This unwritten boating law will say a lot about what kind of boater you are and will be really helpful to those in need of an extra hand.
3. Respect your neighbours: If you have blasting music and lots of loud friends on board, be courteous to others on the water and leave plenty of space.
4. Always stop to help, if you see someone in trouble.
5. Keep it tidy: No matter if you’re at the marina or anchorage, be sure to clean up your space and pick up all of your trash, dock lines, and equipment. Your neighbours and local animals will appreciate a clean, hazard-free space.
6. Move along: Whether you’re on a fuel dock or boating ramp, be efficient. Delegate tasks and be prepared so that you can get out of the way of others and out on the water. Our Fuel Dock staff are there to help you get on and off the dock in safe, timely manner.
7. Turn off your Radar: Ensure if it’s not being used that you turn all your radar equipment off. Radar waves can be harmful to anyone who is exposed to them.
8. Select your anchorage carefully: giving yourselves and your new neighbours ample room. Remember winds change, anchors line tangle and hulls and dinghy’s can easily bang into each other.
9. If you use the head, use your head: ensure that it goes into your holding tank, not overboard.
10. Be thoughtful at night; don’t run your generator around the clock, paddle rather than motor to shore and back and be conscious of your activity and noise levels.

Whether underway, anchoring, mooring, docking at a marina or cruising with friends, as in most aspects of life, respect and courtesy go a long way! Being part of the boating community means knowing and following good boating etiquette. When you know the common expectations that have developed over centuries of boating, it will help make your experience a positive one for everyone on board.