Good natural freshwater fishing baits include worms, minnows, crickets and grasshoppers. Freshwater bottom-feeders like perch, lungfish and cod are also attracted to cut fishing baits (cut-up bait fish) and prepared baits called dough balls. Always check local fishing regulations to make sure the freshwater fishing bait you choose is legal for the lake you're fishing. Many lakes don't allow the use of rough fish minnows as freshwater bait because rough fish can take over a lake and starve-out the game fish. Compare the cost of losing one worm to losing a lure...