What does the term “desperation bait” mean?

Desperation bait is what an angler turns to when all else fails. Every angler has a bait box stocked with anywhere from one to three different baits that are a favorite. These can range from what type of fish the angler is looking for to water conditions to weather seasons. It varies from angler to angler. No two will have the same “favorite” bait catcher. Whatever has worked in the past is mostly likely to be the angler’s favorite for future fishing expeditions. If only the fish played along with the “favorites” game. This, of course, is never the case. Fish are fussy about what they go after. If it is a winter month, their action will be slower and they will not wish to extend the energy necessary to go after a piece of bait. Anglers are aware of these factors and create a bait box to cater to all fish needs and conditions. First, the angler tries an old “trusty” piece of bait. Nothing happens. Next, the angler moves on to the second best thing in the box - perhaps a plastic grub or a floating jig. The fish are still not biting to any avail. Frustration starts to set in. Before the angler reels it in for the day, there is at least one more thing to try. Alas, that too fails to bring in the fish. This is where desperation bait comes in. Any available item in and out of the bait box is up for grabs. Anglers have gone so far as to tear off a piece of Styrofoam from the cooler, stick a hook in it and cast it off. Desperation has set in and the angler will use anything and everything available to catch that fish. In comes the desperation bait.

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