Scientists estimate that over 20,000 different species of fish live in the world’s saline water bodies. Saltwater fish come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some live in shallow water near shore, and others can only be found at the deepest depths. Some fish prefer warm waters, while others thrive in icy cold temps.
When it comes to saltwater bait types, catching certain species requires specific equipment and bait, while others seem to jump at anything put in front of them. Sound overwhelming? Luckily, some baits have a universal appeal to almost every species of fish. Also, most baits are inexpensive, and easy to handle. Overall, saltwater fishing bait falls into one of three different categories – live bait, dead bait, and/or artificial bait. Here’s a rundown on each.
Live Baits
Cigar Minnows
Round Scad, more commonly known as Cigar Minnows, work well for trolling Sailfish, Barracuda, King Mackerel, and Bonito. Cigar Minnows typically come in lengths from six to nine inches but can grow as large as twelve inches at times. Area fishermen use dead Cigar Minnows when chasing Grouper and Snapper, as well.
Eels
Eels can be hard to handle, and many anglers prefer not to use them. But Eels work exceptionally well for a variety of big fish, especially Tuna.
Sand Fleas
Popular with surf fishermen, Sand Fleas work great for pompano, Redfish, croakers, and more. Also called Mole Crabs, Sand Fleas can be pulled out of the sand along the beach’s waterline by hand or with a rake.
Shrimp
Just about every type of saltwater fish likes Shrimp. When used for bottom-fishing, live Shrimp swim freely with the tide. As a dead bait, some people cut off the head and tail and use just the meat portion of the Shrimp. Among others, Redfish, Cobia, and Bonefish are only a few of the many Gulf Coast species that love Shrimp.
Sand Shrimp
Also known as Ghost Shrimp because of their translucent properties, these little baitfish actually live in the sand. Sand Shrimp attract all of the same fish as regular Shrimp. Sand Shrimp are also popular with freshwater anglers targeting Salmon and Steelhead.
Mullet
Gulf waters come alive with Mullet during the warm summer months. Mullets are easy to catch with a net and easy to keep alive. They make excellent bait, especially when used for bottom fishing. Anglers use larger Mullet offshore for Tarpon, Striped Bass, and Sharks. Smaller sized Finger Mullet work great for most inshore species, including the Gulf’s popular Redfish. Mullet can be purchased frozen and used to catch a wide variety of other fish, as well.
Pilchards
Fishermen use the small, oily Pilchards (Sardines) to target a variety of Gulf water fish, including Tuna, Redfish, and Spanish Mackerel. Pilchards work best as live bait for bottom fishing or on a weightless rig. Some anglers also use them as cut bait on bottom rigs.
Pinfish
One of the Sunshine state’s most common baitfish, Pinfish, are easy to catch and popular with many different fish species. Most anglers use Pinfish on a fish finder rig, but any other live bait rig will work, as well. Tarpon, Grouper, and Redfish are just a few of the many Gulf Coast fish species that feed on Pinfish.
Crabs
Prized predators like Tarpon, Grouper, Snapper, and Cobia find Blue Crabs hard to resist. They are versatile and can be used inshore and offshore, as well as dead or alive. The slightly smaller variety, known as Pass Crab, works just as well for most species of Gulf water fish and exceptionally well for Tarpon.
Dead Baits
Ballyhoo
Charter boat fishing crews use Ballyhoo as cut bait and for trolling offshore. Ballyhoo works excellent for a range of the Gulf’s most popular big-game fish, such as Dolphin, Sailfish, and Tuna. Local bait and tackle shops even sell rigs explicitly made for trolling with Ballyhoo.
Squid
Squid is probably the most universal saltwater bait types available. Anglers all over the country use squid in one form or another to tempt a wide variety of fish species. Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Redfish find the whole squid hard to resist. Gulf Coast fishermen often use frozen squid, cut into long strips, to catch Tuna, sharks, mackerel, kingfish, and numerous other types of fish.
Menhaden
Menhaden (A.K.A. Peanut Porgy) work well in live form, cut into chunks, or as chum. East coast fishermen target Striped Bass, Bluefish, and large Fluke with live Menhaden. In the Gulf, Menhaden cut into chunks attract a wide variety of fish, including Redfish, Cobia, and Amberjacks.
Artificial Baits
Fishermen have used artificial baits for many years in the form of lures. More recently, bait look-alike products have also gained in popularity as saltwater fishing bait. While live bait works well in most situations, artificial baits do hold an edge in some ways. The right lure dangled in the middle of a school of fish may trigger a strike even when they aren’t biting. Also, anglers using artificial baits enjoy the convenience factor of always having bait on hand. On the downside, artificial rigs cost more upfront. Just like any other setup, losing them on the rocks or over wrecks can run into a few bucks. Here are six of the most popular artificial baits used to catch a wide variety of fish in various situations.
The Jig and Grub Combo
The jig and grub combination is versatile, economical, and yields excellent results just about anywhere. It consists of a lead head with a hook molded into it near the eye. The weight near the front causes the lure to hop and then fall in a jigging manner (thus the name). Jig heads come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes that suit almost any situation.
Bucktail Jigs
Bucktails work similarly to the Jig and Grub Combo. They have a small, painted lead head with a trailing molded-in hook. Attached deer hair flows behind the head and disguises the hook. Bucktail lures come in many colors and weights that correspond with the most commonly used sinkers. When used with braided line, a two-way swivel, and short leader, bucktails replace the hook and sinker on a traditional bottom rig. Straight bucktail rigs also provide exceptional feedback.
Gulp Baits
Some people swear by these soft plastic baits with a built-in scent. They can be purchased in bait shops, sporting goods stores, and even online. In Florida, fishermen use the 3-inch Gulp Shrimp on the shallow grass flats with great success. Gulp baits come in various colors and over one-hundred styles that mimic everything from Mullets to Peeler Crabs.
Shallow Diving Plugs
Usually made from molded or hollow plastic, shallow diving plugs come in styles that resemble many types of baitfish, as well as mice, insects, frogs. Their shape causes them to vibrate and wobble as they move through the water. To other fish, Shallow Diving Plugs appear as an injured bait and trigger the fish’s natural instinct to attack.
Spoons
Spoons have been around for many years. The simple, usually teardrop shaped piece of metal with a hook attached comes in a variety of metallic finishes such as gold, copper, silver, and brass. When jigged, they spin and flash, and attract all kinds of fish. Some anglers add natural bait to their hook to make the offering that much more enticing.
Topwater Plugs
Topwater Plugs float on the water’s surface and remain there while being retrieved. Typically made from plastic or Balsa wood, Topwater Plugs can draw sudden and explosive strikes. Topwater plugs come in several different styles including Walk-the-Dog, Poppers, and Prop baits.
So Which Bait for Which Fish?
With so many types of fish in the sea, that list could go on forever. Especially considering that some baits work better for the same species of fish based on location, the time of year, and even the angler’s technique. Here’s a list of some of the Gulf’s most popular fish and their favorite temptations:
-
- Redfish – Crabs, Shrimp, and Sand Dollars in the Summer and Fall, and Menhaden, Pinfish, and Mullet in the Winter and Spring. Redfish Baits.
- Cobia – Pinfish, Crabs, Bright bucktail jigs. Cobia Baits.
- Grouper – Pinfish, Goggle Eyes, and big Pilchards. Grouper Baits.
- Spanish Mackerel – Spanish Mackerel Sardines, Mullet, Cut Bait, Squid, and Shrimp. Spanish Mackerel Baits.
- Yellowfin Tuna – Live Threadfin Herring, live Menhaden, live Blue Runners, and live Mullet. Yellowfin Tuna Baits.
Image source: Sam Carlson