Best Bait to Use for Surf Fishing
How to Catch Fish along the Shore in the Eastern United States
Aug 17, 2009
At beaches along the Atlantic coast of the U.S.A., some anglers are very successful catching fish along the shore. Although a number of factors regulate success, such as weather conditions, water temperature, time of year, and abundance of fish, an angler must also do his or her part. It is important for an angler to know the best bait to use for surf fishing, as different baits have different strengths and weaknesses. Following is a list of some of the best baits for surf fishing.
Squid, One of the Best All-Around Baits for Surf Fishing
Cut squid is perhaps the most commonly used bait by surf fishermen. Squid is tough, strong-scented, and represents part of the diets of many fish that cruise the Atlantic shore. When fishing with a standard bottom rig, squid is the perfect bait to use. Croaker, spot, red and black drum, flounder, and bluefish are all avid fans of cut squid, making it perhaps the very best bait to use for surf fishing.
Shrimp, a Bait to Catch Fish along the Shore of the Atlantic
In the southeastern states (primarily from North Carolina, south) Florida pompano are common in the surf. These members of the jack family swim up in waves, chasing mole crabs, small minnows, and shrimp. The best bait to use when surf fishing for pompano, which are best fished for in calmer weather when the waves are not too rough, is shrimp. Lighter bottom rigs with cut shrimp are the most productive setups for these fish, although drum, bluefish, flounder, sea trout, and croaker will certainly take the bait these rigs offer as well. When fishing for pompano, the bait should not be cast too far, as most of these fish are within about twenty feet of the shore. For other fish, however, it is best to cast the bait out beyond the breaking waves. When fishing with shrimp, the rig should be inspected frequently to make sure the bait is still on the hooks.
Cut Mullet or Menhaden
Cut fish is probably the best bait to use for larger fish, such as trophy drum, striped bass, cobia, and large bluefish. However, other undesired fish, such as sharks and stingrays will also take this bait. Large chunks of cut bait, thrown out about as far as possible is a great technique for catching larger fish. Unfortunately, cut menhaden (also known as bunker and fatbacks) and mullet are more tender than cut squid, so it is a good idea to check fairly often to make sure that the bait has not washed off of the hooks. Smaller strips of cut fish work well when fished closer to the shore for puppy drum, croaker, spot, flounder, sea trout and small bluefish.
There are various other baits that work well when fishing along the shore, such as bloodworms, and even artificial cut bait, but the ones listed above are prime producers. Cut squid, shrimp, and fish all represent some of the best bait to use for surf fishing. These baits are usually available at tackle stores near the beach, prepackaged or fresh.
