Live Bait
Fishing with live bait is one of the most effective
saltwater fishing
methods available to you, for all but the largest of surf fish. Fishing
with live bait in the surf requires a few modifications to your general live
bait thinking. The fish in the surf are quite a bit more aggressive - this goes
for game fish as well as "trash" fish. In order for your bait to be
around long enough to be seen by the gamefish quarry of your choice, it needs to
be big enough to not be a target for the smaller fish that always hover hungrily
in the first few guts. The key is to THINK BIG. Live shrimp, as always, is an
effective bait - but you will be feeding mostly trash fish or perch. So while
you CAN use it, it is not on our list.
| Some of the most
effective live baits to use in the surf:
|
In approximate order of
effectiveness:
- Whatever baitfish the fish are chasing.
- Live mullet (finger size to 5 inches or so)
- Live croaker (up to 4 inches)
- Live perch/pinfish (3-4 inches)
|
Some other baits that are
used but not as frequently*:
*That's not to say that these
types are not as effective. They are just not as poplar due to lack of availability or
hardiness.
|
| The type of bait you choose is primarily
dictated by the species of fish you are pursuing and more importantly - what that the
fish is eating in the area where you are fishing. |
Rigging Live Bait |
| Croaker |
Should be hooked through the lips or
CAREFULLY through the back behind the dorsal fin. |
| Perch |
Should be hooked through the lips or
CAREFULLY through the back behind the dorsal fin. |
| Mullet |
Should be hooked through the lips or
CAREFULLY through the back behind the dorsal fin |
|
Rigging Live Bait |
| Shad |
Should be hooked through the nose (See Picture) |
| Whiting |
Should be hooked through the lips or
CAREFULLY through the back behind the dorsal fin. |
|
|
|
