Suspending Baits

A suspending bait is a type of hard-bodied lure designed to hover in the water column without sinking or floating, mimicking the behavior of natural prey. These baits are equipped with two or three sets of trailing treble hooks beneath the body, ensuring a good hook-up ratio.

The neutral buoyancy of suspending baits allows them to maintain their depth during pauses in the retrieve, which can trigger predatory fish to strike. The depth at which the bait suspends is typically determined by the shape and size of the bill, as well as the weight distribution within the lure. Longer and deeper-set bills will enable the bait to suspend at greater depths.

This style of lure is particularly effective for species like walleye, perch, bass, lake trout, and northern pike, which are often found at depths ranging from just below the surface to 20 feet down. Suspending baits excel in clear water conditions, where their lifelike presentation can entice even the most cautious fish.