i like nightcrawlers. they never fail and are easy to obtain. but if im feeling ambitious, ill go to the outflow of the pond i live next to, and collect some large crayfish. then, when its time to bait the hook (squeamish people may not like this part) crush the crayfish's body to kill it. then pull off its tail, (the meaty yummy part) and break some of the shell off it to expose the meat, but leave a little on to keep it on the hook. bullpout and jumbo perch will hammer them.