Ninja 101 (Part 2: The Bait Ship)

In this guide I try to explain how to ninja without failing and hopefully without inspiring too many new ninjas because then I might be out of work =P

Part 2: The Bait Ship

This is probably the most complicated part of being a Ninja, for you will need a ship that can:
a) Invoke the wrath of the unsuspecting carebear
b) Tank said carebear and possible support
c) Point and Web the carebear and possible support
d) Pop the drones of the carebear as they are your biggest threat aside from friends in PvP ships
e) Keep up with the carebear (I've had an MWD Legion nearly escape me because he was 40 m/s faster than me and out of web range when he shot me)  Speed is CRUCIAL

The Popular Ninja Bait Ships and How to Fit Them

That said, your best bet is probably the Jaguar as it has T2 Resists, High Speeds and adequate DPS.  It also looks a good deal like its T1 counterpart the Rifter so it may also be mistaken at first sight.  Your Fit should look something like this:

High Power:
3x 125mm Gatling AutoCannon II
1x Salvager I

Medium Power:
1x Warp Disruptor II
1x Stasis Webifier II
1x 1MN Afterburner II
1x Medium Shield Extender II

Low Power:
1x Damage Control II
2x Power Diagnostic System II

Rig Slot:
2x Small Core Defence Field Extender I

Estimated Cost: 25 Million ISK

This thing will pretty much tank any mission runner(s) that does not have a web.  I have lost 1 Jaguar out of the 100's of people who have shot me and that was to a Rattlesnake with Dramiel support (web + webbing drones).  It is an effective ship, quite fun to fly and an excellent ninja ship.

Now there are alternatives to the Jaguar.  The next most popular bait ship that I have seen is the Ishkur.  It is effective, but a bit more fragile than a Jaguar or Harpy.  Fitting should like this:

High Power:
2x Light Ion Blaster II
1x Small Diminishing Power System Drain I
1x Salvager I

Medium Power:
1x Gistii B-Type 1MN Afterburner
1x x5 Prototype I Engine Enervator
1x Faint Warp Disruptor I

Low Power:
1x Damage Control II
1x Coreli C-Type Small Armor Repairer
1x Armor Explosive Hardener II

Rig Slot:
1x Small Anti-Explosive Pump I
1x Small Anti-EM Pump I

Drones:
5x Warrior II
Xx Logistic Drones For Aiding and Abetting Fellow Ninjas

Estimated Cost: 60 Million ISK

This fit is recommended for those of you who wish to use a Gallente Assault Frigate rather than a minmatar one.

For those of you who have a little more ISK or a little more gumption, the Worm is also an excellent choice of ship.  However, as I said before, its cost can run into the hundreds of millions (I know a ninja who has lost 2 worms, each worth over 600 Million ISK).  Here is my fit:

High Power:
2x Rocket Launcher II
1x Salvager I

Medium Power:
1x Republic Fleet Warp Disruptor
1x Federation Navy Stasis Webifier
1x Medium Shield Extender II
1x 1MN Afterburner II

Low Power:
2x Power Diagnostic System II
1x Damage Control II

Rig Slot:
3x Small Core Defence Field Extender II

Drones:
5x Warrior II
5x Light Shield Maintenance Drone I

Estimated Cost: 340 Million ISK

The Worm is fun to fly and can seriously ruin any carebear's day.  It's cost is also a factor in getting shot, as carebear's may wish to ruin YOUR day by trying to kill you and blow up your 70+ million ISK ship. 

Hianmar's Bait Ship (of choice):

I personally find that the Harpy is the best assault ship and bait ship in my Orca (I also have a Jaguar and a Worm in there).  It's high DPS (184 with my skills) and sturdy tank, coupled with its decent speed capabilities and low volume make it an excellent Orca based baiting ship.  Here is my fit:

High Power:
4x Light Ion Blaster II
1x Salvager I

Medium Power:
1x Warp Disruptor II
1x 'Langour' Drive Disruptor I
1x 1MN Afterburner II
1x Medium Shield Extender II

Low Power:
1x Damage Control II
1x Power Diagnostic System II

Rig Slot:
2x Small Anti-EM Screen Reinforcer I

Estimated Cost: 22 Million ISK

That pretty much covers the topic of baiting ships.  If you have any questions or comments, please add them below and I will get back to them ASAP. 

Part 3: Gank Ships coming soon