7 Best Foods to Use as Fish Bait 2026

Unleash an irresistible fish frenzy with the Berkley PowerBait Glitter Trout Bait—a game-changer for anglers who demand both scent dominance and visual temptation. Engineered with Berkley’s legendary PowerBait formula, this dough bait doesn’t just smell authentic—it’s scientifically proven to make fish hold on 18 times longer, drastically increasing your hook-up success. The glitter infusion mimics shimmering fish scales, creating a flashy underwater profile that grabs attention in murky or sun-dappled waters, while the floating formula ensures maximum scent dispersion as it drifts just below the surface.

In real-world testing, this bait shines brightest when targeting trout in lakes, streams, and stocked ponds. Its moldable texture allows for precise application—whether forming a compact ball over a hook or threading onto a jighead—and slowly dissolves to release a persistent scent trail that pulls in fish from a distance. It performs exceptionally well in moderate currents, where the floating action keeps it in the strike zone longer. However, in fast-moving water, it can break apart faster than denser baits, requiring more frequent re-baiting.

Compared to the budget-friendly garlic-scented PowerBait, this glitter variant offers a dual-attack strategy—scent plus sparkle—making it ideal for cautious or pressured trout that ignore plain baits. While the 1.75 oz jar may seem small, a little goes a long way, especially when punching small chunks for panfish or trout. It outperforms natural baits like corn or mealworms in scent projection and holds up better than live bait on the hook. For anglers seeking a high-impact, multi-sensory lure, it delivers more consistent results than basic dough baits, even if it comes at a slight premium.

Fuel your tank’s cleanup crew with Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder, a protein-packed granule designed specifically for catfish, loaches, and other bottom-dwellers. With 40% Black Soldier Fly Larvae as the first ingredient, this formula delivers the high-protein nutrition these fish crave in the wild, bridging the gap between natural diets and commercial feeds. The sinking granules (1.4–1.6mm) descend quickly without disintegrating, ensuring food reaches the substrate where bottom feeders forage—minimizing waste and preventing mid-water scavengers from stealing the meal.

During extended feeding trials, the granules held their integrity well, releasing minimal dust and maintaining shape even after two minutes underwater—critical for fish that take time to locate and consume food. The inclusion of whole salmon boosts omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, visibly enhancing fin health and skin luster in bristlenose plecos and corydoras. However, in heavily planted tanks with slow feeders, some granules can get buried before consumption, though this is more a function of tank dynamics than the product itself.

When stacked against the Hikari Semi-Floating Micro Pellets, this food excels in targeted delivery but lacks versatility for mid-level feeders. It’s not designed to float or appeal to surface dwellers, so it’s best in species-specific or community tanks where bottom feeders need dedicated nutrition. While the 1.60 oz size suits small tanks, heavy users may go through it quickly. Still, its clean formulation—free of artificial fillers and preservatives—makes it a top-tier choice for health-conscious aquarists who prioritize natural ingredients over bulk quantity.

Precision nutrition meets perfect buoyancy in Hikari’s Semi-Floating Micro Pellets—a scientifically crafted staple for tetras, rasboras, and other small tropical fish. These slow-sinking pellets are engineered to hover in the water column, giving surface, mid-level, and even shy bottom dwellers equal access to food—dramatically reducing competition and underfeeding. The micro-coating technology is a standout: it locks in nutrients and prevents rapid dissolution, so water stays clearer longer, a major win for planted and nano tanks.

In real-world use, the 0.77 oz (22g) size is ideal for small aquariums, and the precisely colored granules enhance underwater visibility, prompting faster feeding responses—especially in dimly lit tanks. The blend of krill and spirulina delivers a noticeable boost in coloration over time, with neon tetras appearing more vibrant and dwarf rasboras showing richer hues. However, in tanks with strong filters or currents, some pellets drift too quickly, making it harder for slower fish to catch them before they sink.

Compared to JADINGSFARM’s brine shrimp liquid, this product offers greater stability and convenience—no refrigeration, no clouding—making it better suited for daily feeding. While it lacks the high-protein punch of live or liquid foods, it’s designed as a balanced staple, not a treat. For aquarists seeking minimal waste, maximum consumption, and long-term health, this food hits the sweet spot between performance and practicality. It may cost more per ounce than bulk flakes, but its efficiency and water quality benefits justify the investment.

Unlock explosive growth and vivid coloration with JADINGSFARM Brine Shrimp—a liquid powerhouse that delivers instant, high-protein nutrition without the hassle of live cultures. With crude protein levels optimized for muscle development, this ready-to-use formula is a dream for betta keepers, cichlid breeders, and aquarists raising fry or color-sensitive species. The slow-sinking liquid dispersion ensures food lingers in the water column, enticing even the pickiest eaters like dwarf cichlids and juvenile angelfish, while the triple-sterilized process eliminates parasites and bacteria—critical for disease-prone setups.

In practice, the 12.5oz bottle offers exceptional value, with each serving spreading widely across the tank. The astaxanthin and algae carotenoids produce measurable improvements in red and orange pigmentation within weeks, outperforming many dry foods. It’s especially effective as a growth accelerator during fry development, where its balanced amino acids support rapid, healthy maturation. However, because it’s a liquid, overfeeding is a real risk—excess can cloud water and spike ammonia if not monitored closely.

Compared to Fluval Bug Bites, this isn’t a daily staple but a premium booster best used 2–3 times weekly. It lacks the structural integrity of pellets, so it can’t replace dry food entirely. Yet for breeders and show-fish enthusiasts who demand maximum color and growth, it’s unmatched. While the need for post-opening refrigeration limits portability, the 30-day swelling guarantee adds peace of mind. It delivers more nutritional density per drop than any pellet, making it the ultimate high-protein upgrade for serious fishkeepers.

Dominate the deep tank with Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid, a slow-sinking powerhouse engineered for large, aggressive eaters like Oscars, Jack Dempseys, and African cichlids. With 40% Black Soldier Fly Larvae as the lead ingredient, it delivers the high-protein, high-energy diet these fish evolved to consume, promoting robust growth and vibrant coloration without the digestive issues linked to fillers. The 5–7mm pellets are perfectly sized for large mouths, and their slow descent allows dominant fish to feed at their preferred depth—minimizing aggression by reducing competition at the surface.

In real-world use, the pellets maintain integrity for over two minutes, resisting immediate breakdown even in high-flow tanks. This is crucial for cichlids that may take time to inspect or crush food. The whole salmon content supports skin and scale health, and long-term use results in noticeably thicker fins and richer hues. However, smaller fish or juveniles may struggle to consume the large pellets whole, often requiring breaking—a minor inconvenience given the formulation’s quality.

When compared to Hikari’s micro pellets, this food is in a different league—built for size, not subtlety. It’s not suitable for small or surface feeders, but for cichlid tanks, it’s unmatched in nutritional density and palatability. While the 3.53 oz size may seem modest, the high feeding efficiency means less waste and longer-lasting supply. For aquarists who want natural ingredients, big bites, and bold results, this is the gold standard. It outperforms generic cichlid sticks in digestibility and ingredient quality, offering a cleaner tank and healthier fish.

Maximize value without sacrificing performance with Berkley’s PowerBait Natural Scent Trout Bait in Garlic—a budget-savvy angler’s secret weapon that punches far above its price point. Don’t let the low cost fool you: this 1.75 oz jar packs the same proven PowerBait formula that’s been landing trout for decades, with a garlic-infused scent so potent it mimics live bait and outperforms salmon eggs in controlled tests. The soft, moldable texture makes it easy to rig on hooks of all sizes, and its natural appeal triggers aggressive strikes from both stocked and wild trout.

In field tests, the garlic scent proved especially effective in slightly stained or cool water, where scent travels well and trout rely more on olfaction than sight. It dissolves gradually, creating a moderate scent trail that draws fish without disappearing too fast. However, it lacks the visual pop of glitter-enhanced baits, making it less effective in clear, bright conditions where flash and movement matter. It’s also denser than the glitter version, so it sinks faster—ideal for deeper pools but less so for surface drifts.

Pitted against the Glitter Trout Bait, this version trades sparkle for savings—delivering core PowerBait performance at a fraction of the cost. It’s perfect for beginners, kids, or high-volume fishing scenarios like pond stocking days where bait loss is expected. While it doesn’t float or glitter, it still gives you the 18-times-longer bite retention that defines PowerBait’s success. For anglers who prioritize scent strength and affordability over flash, this is the ultimate no-frills performer—more bang for the buck, less glitter, same results.

Turn dead bait into dinner bells with Red 40 Fishing Liquid—a scent-amplifying elixir that transforms ordinary bait into a fish-drawing magnet. This dual-pack attractant doesn’t fish—it supercharges whatever you’re already using, whether it’s worms, corn, or even soft plastics. The Red 40 formula floods the water with scent and taste stimulants, triggering feeding instincts in sluggish or pressured fish like carp, trout, and cod. It’s especially deadly in cold water or low-visibility conditions, where fish rely heavily on smell to locate food.

In real-world use, a few drops on a hook bait or in a groundbait mix dramatically increases bite frequency, with testers reporting faster hookups and more aggressive takes. The liquid soaks into dough baits, enhancing their longevity and diffusion, and works equally well in freshwater lakes, rivers, and brackish estuaries. However, it doesn’t add buoyancy or visual cues—so it won’t help if fish aren’t in the area. And while it’s safe and non-toxic, overuse can overwhelm the scent profile, potentially repelling fish if applied too heavily.

Compared to Berkley’s PowerBait, this isn’t a standalone bait but a force multiplier—best paired with another lure or natural offering. It lacks the nutritional appeal of fish foods like Fluval or JADINGSFARM, but that’s not its job. For anglers who fish tough spots or face line-shy fish, this attractant delivers a tactical edge few budget tools can match. It’s not as flashy as glitter bait or as complete as dough, but as a scent booster, it’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. More bites, less guesswork—just pure olfactory persuasion.