Bait fish are small fish caught for use as
bait to attract large
predatory fish, particularly
game fish. Species used are typically those that are common and breed rapidly, making them easy to catch and in regular supply. Examples of marine bait fish are
anchovies,
gudgeon,
halfbeaks such as
ballyhoo, and
scad. Some larger fish such as menhaden, flying fish, or ladyfish may be considered bait fish in some circles, depending on the size of the gamefish being pursued. Freshwater bait fish include any
fish of the
minnow or
carp family (Cyprinidae), sucker family (
Catostomidae), top minnows or
killifish family (Cyprinodontidae),
shad family (
Clupeidae),
sculpin of the order
Osteichthyes or sunfish family (
Centrarchidae), excluding
black basses and
crappie.