Animal cruelty is a state of mind. It is not about the animal. It is about the intent of the human. If, in the mind of the humans involved, this is strictly about using the best bait, it is not about being cruel to animals. It is about catching fish, aligators, etc.
It is like using live worms. Whether or not it is animal cruelty depends on where you draw the line. Don’t get me wrong. Kittens are not worms, but nor are they human infants.
I know PETA thinks there is no difference, but I do.
Anyone who thinks that their interest in catching fish with the “best bait” is more important than the pain and suffering inflicted on these helpless animals is a sorry excuse for a human being. Survival situation and need to catch food? That’s different. Wanting to catch the biggest bass in the lake? Not so much.