Don’t get it wrong! Just because Clams and Mussels are last on our list of saltwater baits, does not make them least! In fact, Clams and Mussels make a great fishing bait! Clams and Mussels are a favorite to many marine species and are sure to land you good fish! However, Clams and Mussels can be a little burdensome to use as a saltwater fishing bait.
Due to their sloppy and slippery nature, Clams and Mussels would not sit tight on a hook, and hence, it is generally advisable that they are pierced multiple times by a round hook like a folded bedsheet and tied with a cotton string to the fishing hook.
When used, Clams and Mussels should be used fresh and not frozen. Frozen Clams and Mussels tend to have a weak scent, and do not attract as many fish.
4. Bait Fish
Certain types of bait fish can be used as excellent bait for targeting more desirable fish. Bait fish can be used in whole (usually small in size) or chopped up into smaller pieces (for bigger bait fish). As was the case with Clams and Mussels, bait fish is better used fresh and not frozen in order to retain the smell. The smell, together with the natural look-and-feel of bait fish is what makes them an excellent choice of bait for saltwater fishing. However, it is important to note that bait fish, especially when used chopped up, is not likely to stay on your fishing hook for long.
Common fish to use as bait for saltwater fish include:
- Sardines
- Mullets
- Minnows
- Ballyhoos
- Mackerels
3. Shrimps
Shrimps are the most commonly used saltwater fishing bait, especially for shore fishing anglers. The reason behind that is that shrimps serve as a delicacy to not only the fishermen themselves, but even to just about every targeted saltwater fish species!
When using shrimps as bait, some anglers tend to use whole shrimps and others use chopped up shrimps. Simultaneously, some anglers prefer to keep the shrimp shells on, while others have found that peeling off shrimp shells provided better results.
In our view, we would lean towards using whole shrimps if targeting large enough species. However, if you wish to target smaller fish as well, it is recommended to use chopped up shrimps. In both cases, it is highly advisable to keep the shell on for saltwater fishing! This will ensure the bait stays on your hook for a longer period of time, and the glossy appearance of the shell tends to be appealing to bite! Additionally, the shell ensures that the strong scent remains intact.
As was the case with bait fish, it is preferable to use shrimps fresh and not frozen.
2. Octopus
Yes, you read that right. Octopus! While not as common as the above baitfish for deep sea fishing, Octopuses make a great bait for almost every saltwater fish out there. Due to their chewy flesh and good-looking tentacles, Octopuses stick for quite a long time to your fishing hook, and attract some of the most interesting saltwater fish!
Unfortunately, they are a little too expensive to be used as bait. However, if you choose to use them, ensure to use fresh ones! And unless they were small enough, it is probably a good idea to hook them up as chopped chunks.
1. Squid
Squid, also known as the king of saltwater baitfish. Squids make the best bait for saltwater fishing. They combine all advantages of every other saltwater fishing bait, with almost no disadvantages! Squids are not too expensive to buy, they are rubbery and stick to your hook for a long time, they target all saltwater fish species, and they can be used for deep sea fishing and trolling fishing too! Squids are also quite stenchy, which makes them an excellent choice for attracting even the far away targeted saltwater fishing species!
As was the case with Octopuses, unless they were small enough, it is probably a good idea to hook them up as sliced squares. Medium-sized squid tends to work best for deep sea fishing, as the smaller counterparts tend to fall off the hook quickly, while the larger counterparts do not seem to attract as many bites.
As squids use their skin for camouflage, it is highly advisable to peel off the skin prior to slicing your squid to be used as bait.
As with all saltwater fishing bait up there, use fresh squids and avoid the frozen ones for better rates at landing fish!
The only disadvantage we could possibly think of when it comes to squid is that they are too slimy and slippery and might be a little hard to handle and place on a hook if you are just starting to use them.
Reached the end of the blog? Let us give you one final tip as a reward! Never wash saltwater fishing bait. Washing bait removes a significant portion of the attractive fishy-scent, and makes the bait less likely to stay on your fishing hook during your fishing trip.
