Bait fish Bait fish 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
Fish or cut bait (fish), or, if unwilling, withdraw the threat and proceed with the case (cut bait). In this example, the expression is similar in intent to another common colloquialism: put up or shut up. The expression occurs twice in the 1987 comedy film "Three Men and a Little Lady", referring to the point in a romantic relationship when the couple must consider marriage, or splitting up. Part of the humor is that the expression is never explained, and the fishing imagery is totally incongruent with the idea of marriage. A similar but cruder expression occurs in "The Bachelor" (1990), when the bachelor