Baits that are effective in surf fishing reflect the natural food sources at the shore that fish are accustomed to eating. In some cases, you can scavenge for live bait on the beaches before you start fishing. Otherwise, check with local seaside bait shops for good bait products.
Shrimp
Saltwater species love to eat shrimp. They will be attractive bait for blue fish, red fish, grouper and other popular sport fish. You can use either live or dead shrimp. If you must use dead shrimp, remove the heads and the tails before baiting them up on your hook. This approach appears to be more successful. Otherwise, bait your hook with a live shrimp. Hook the shrimp through the dorsal back plate so the shrimp remains alive and can move its legs.
Mullet
Mullet is a species of fish that many sport fish eat in the wild. Take a mullet and cut it into chunks for casting. Discard the head and tail. You can use a net to catch mullet to use as bait before starting to fish.
Crabs
Small crabs are excellent bait for nearly every sport fish at the shore. Trap your own crabs by attaching a piece of raw chicken to your fishing line. Throw the chicken part into a small, shallow bay or pool, or just park it on the edge of the beach near dune grasses. Small crabs will come running. You can gather them by hand and keep them in a 5-gallon plastic bucket. Punch holes in a lid for ventilation, but be sure you keep the lid in place to prevent a mass escape. Cast the whole crab or cut it up for chub bait.
Sand Fleas
Sand fleas, or mole crabs, are small crablike animals that are often washed ashore in waves and then dig into the sand. You can spot sand fleas because their bodies cause a “V” to be formed in the retreating surf. Dig out sand fleas with a small rake. Store them in a bucket with a wet cloth over the top. Throw some wet sand in the bottom of the bucket first, but don't submerge the sand fleas in water. Bait up your hook with the sand fleas intact.
Menhaden
Menhaden is another baitfish that works well with sea trout, striped bass and blue fish. You can buy menhaden at most seaside bait shops on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Cut up the menhaden into chubs and hook them.
Squid
Many saltwater fish see squid as particularly delectable bait. You can buy squid fresh or frozen at most saltwater bait shops near the shores. Use small, whole squid, or cut up larger squid into strips.
Clams
Clams make great bait, but they have a short shelf life unless you buy or dig for fresh clams. As clams die, they will deteriorate and slide off your hook. Frozen clams work but are also more apt to slide off the hook than fresh meat. Remove the clam meat from the shells of course.
References
- “The Complete Book of Surf Fishing”; Al Ristori; 2008
- “The Surfcaster's Guide to Baits, Rigs & Lures: Over 50 Time-Tested Baits, Rigs and Lures—and How to Fish Them”; Milt Rosko; 2004
- “Salt Water Fishing Tactics: Learn From the Experts at Salt Water Magazine”; Editors of Creative Publishing; 1999
- “Surf-Fishing Basics: 101 Things to Know Before You Go"; Bill Dobiecki; 2005
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