fresh bait

Which Bait – It Depends

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We have talked about saltwater baits in the past and now is a great time to go over them again.

This is probably the second most frequently asked question So the simple answer is: It depends.

Just like the number of species, there are dozens of types of bait that work in our saltwater environment.

Now some work better on specific species. While others are good for general use.

Let’s focus on the three basic types of baits: There is live bait, fresh or natural bait and artificial or synthetic baits. And each type of bait has its place in your arsenal.

First, live baits are the most productive. Most saltwater species are more likely to choose a live bait over any other.

Examples of these baits are shrimp, sand fleas, crabs, small bait fish, clams, and many types of worms. The reason the living bait is best is because it’s a live and causes vibration, special sound and a scent that attracts just about any predator.

Live baits are typically the most productive and should be the preferred bait of choice. These baits are typically readily available in our waters and easy for most anglers to catch.

Next is fresh or natural baits. Natural or fresh baits also work very well. Examples of these baits are bagged shrimp, squid, and cut mullet or other species. Some natural baits will be found in individual packages or larger frozen packs. Fresh baits also come in the form of whole mullet fish. The angler should prefer the freshest bait possible and try to avoid using baits weren’t previously frozen and then allowed to thaw.

These baits typically work well because they appear an easy food source. Occasionally, the angler’s presentation can increase the attractiveness of the baits.

Fresh baits should be a single use bait. These baits lose scent and freshness over one day. So these should be discarded after one day and buy fresh the next day for best results.

Finally, artificial baits will also catch fish. These baits include synthetic materials such as “Fish Bites”, soft plastic worms or plastic or imitation or fake fish-like lures.  These baits and lures are also very productive in most settings. The advantage of artificial baits is their longevity and staying power. When using artificial soft plastics, always select the pre-scented types.

Most saltwater species have sharp teeth or a mechanism to separate the baits from the hooks, and using a tough soft plastic or synthetic material sometimes makes it difficult for the fish to steal it before being hooked.

A good rule to follow is to always check with the local tackle shop professionals before heading out. They can help determine which bait will provide you with the best opportunity for success.

Also, don’t be afraid to change to a fresher piece of bait frequently or even a different bait all together.

So we go back to the question of “which bait works best”?

Well, all of them under different conditions. And as the angler, your ability to find the correct bait when targeting a certain species can increase your success rate.

Final tip – there is an old saying for maximum success, always try to use a bait that will “Match the Hatch”.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Let’s Try Fishing – Which Bait

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The next topic is “Which Bait” in part four of the “Let’s Try Fishing” series for beginners. Bait or food for the fish can come in several different variations: Live, fresh or artificial. And each one has a place in your bait arsenal.

Bait Shrimp

A brief example of the most popular saltwater baits are: Live baits – shrimp, crabs, and other fish species and blood worms. Fresh baits – dead shrimp, cut mullet, blood worms and squid. And examples of artificial baits are synthetics like fish bites or fish gum. Obviously, there are many more baits but let’s limit them to the few that I like to use when fishing on the Outer Banks.

Of course, we want to keep this simple so we are only going to talk about fresh baits. These should be easier to use for the new angler.

Shrimp is probably the best bait, most frequently used and readily available. It seems everything that swims eats shrimp. It is important to buy only fresh shrimp. Tackle shops or seafood retailers sell the best bait shrimp. But you need to make sure it’s fresh not frozen. Frozen bait shrimp loses its scent quickly.

Next popular bait is cut bait. Cut bait comes from another fin fish species. Anglers use a variety of different fish for cut bait but jumping mullet gives off scent that will attract fish. I like mullet because it stays on the hook better. These whole mullet fish usually come in two sizes corn cob size and finger. Either one works.

Next is squid. Squid is an overall good bait and works well for just about every species. Unfortunately, I have found it attracts some of the unwanted species such as skates and sharks. So a last resort bait.

Finally, as you can see blood worms are on both the live and fresh bait list. I consider them right up there with shrimp. And some cases, better. They are really good at catching fish but also attract small bait stealers and crabs. One disadvantage is their cost but I will overlook this when nothing else works.

Regardless of which bait you use, make sure its fresh when you purchase it. It is imperative that you keep it on ice in a cooler and not in the heat or sun. I also recommend that you never use yesterday’s bait – buy fresh each day.

When baiting your hooks with either baits, don’t oversize the bait. Shrimp should be cut into segments, not whole. Cut mullet into small chunks and leave skin and scales on. I use only a small piece or less of the bloodworm. And finally when using squid, cut pieces in one inch by three inch strips.

When baiting your hooks, just use enough bait to cover the hook. It’s important to leave the tip of the hook and a little bit of the barb out. During the bite, the exposed hook helps it penetrate into the fish’s lip quickly.

Remember, fresh is best. And shrimp seems to be the bait of choice of most anglers.

Check back soon for the next in the series of “Let’s Try Fishing”

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony