baitfish
noun
bait·fish
ˈbāt-ˌfish 
: a small fish (such as a golden shiner or menhaden) that attracts and is a food source for a larger game fish
also
: a fish used for bait
Examples of baitfish in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This attracts baitfish, which attracts crappie, bluegills, largemouth bass, catfish and even walleye.
—
Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
Trolling baitfish-imitating lures such as a Bomber Long A or Rat-L-Trap along and through bridges also works.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Below me is a group of hungry whitetip reef sharks, hunting for snapper and baitfish, circling our boat.
—AFAR Media, 22 July 2025
These frogs typically walk well, and are often intended to mimic baitfish, in addition to an actual frog.
—Kristine Fischer, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for baitfish
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Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
Trolling baitfish-imitating lures such as a Bomber Long A or Rat-L-Trap along and through bridges also works.
—Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026
Below me is a group of hungry whitetip reef sharks, hunting for snapper and baitfish, circling our boat.
—AFAR Media, 22 July 2025
These frogs typically walk well, and are often intended to mimic baitfish, in addition to an actual frog.
—Kristine Fischer, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for baitfish
Cite this Entry
“Baitfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baitfish. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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