baitfish

American  

[beyt-fish] / ˈbeɪtˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

baitfish,

plural

baitfishes

1. a small fish that is a source of food for a larger fish.

   Fishermen knew the presence of baitfish meant plenty of bass nearby.

2. Angling. any small fish, as a minnow or shiner, used as bait.

---

Etymology

Origin of baitfish

bait + fish

Example Sentences

Silvery schools of baitfish dart and shimmer around the structures, chased by sleek, fast-moving predators.

From Salon • Dec. 30, 2023

Marine experts believe the increase in shark attacks is due to more baitfish returning to New York’s cleaner coastal waters.

From Washington Times • Jul. 5, 2023

Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, Blue moved through downtown like a barracuda in a shoal of baitfish, dodging open car doors, nipping through gaps in traffic, gliding through intersections.

From Washington Post • Nov. 29, 2022

He reels in the baitfish, unhooks it, rehooks it with the shark hook, and tosses the bobber, leader, and bait back out, before handing the shark rod to me.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2022

A lone osprey hovered overhead, attracted by a glimmer of baitfish in the shallows.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen