I used them a bit for channel cats in the river. I always used what they liked the most and that was usually chubs on all hooks. Also, I suggest you use kahle hooks, they really help with the self hooking needed on a trot line. Oh... one other note. Don't let your pet dog come with you when you are putting out the lines. My dog got really excited about seeing the fish and the flipping bait. She jumped into the trot line on the shore and accidentally got hooked in her flank. She excitedly jumped over the river bank, pulling the trot line through my hands until I hit the first hook. I had to jump over the bank to get slack line and catch the dog to stop her from pulling the hook deeper into my hand. The hook was sunk so deep in my finger that I had to go to the doctor to get it cut out... other than that, I had much success with trot lines where they are legal. Good luck and watch those hooks!

I will bait with whole minnows, crawfish or catalpa worms...oh... those catalpa worms, um um um! If using multiple bait types I usually alternate hooks. I've started using circle hooks and have been amazed at the hooking ability of the crazy looking things. 95% of the fish are also hooked in the corner of the mouth as the hooks are designed to do.

I've used cut bait, worms, minnows and live bream/perch. I've caught the most with live bream/perch.

You need to check your local laws regarding the use of bass as bait. Many states don't allow game fish (especially bass) to be used as bait. Bluegills are legal in most states though. I personally think that a chub or blue gill will be better than a little bass anyway.