Catching Bait for Your Fishing Trip
Saltwater fishing lends itself to both live bait picked clean from the ocean to artificial lures. Whether you need to drop quickly (using a 16 ounce diamond jig) to interfere with the group of bluefish, or you need something splashing across the surface such as a top water plug you have to determine which is the time and place for each.
In addition to the costly equipment that you already use for fishing, you can spend a small fortune purchasing live bait. In many cases, the only place to purchase it is a local bait and tackle shop. The problem then becomes is getting the live bait to your favorite fishing hole. Often by the time you arrive, your bait is listless from being so stressed out. In many cases, this can result in the bait not being able to be used immediately in which case you will have to catch your bait yourself.
Striped bass fishermen in the northeast have long known that their preferred diet consists mainly of menhaden. Known locally as “bunker”, these baitfish are plentiful in bait shops, but they are also fairly easy to catch with a snagging hook or a cast net. The best part of this is that they can easily remain totally active and alive for several hours in a live well and are practically guaranteed to produce far superior results over frozen or dead bait (or lures). While bunker are typically best fresh, leftovers can also be frozen and used during later trips, in the event that you’re unable to find fresh bait.
Live bait is very helpful if you are fluke fishing as well. While it may be easier to use dead and frozen bait, live bait can often provide an edge over those who are fishing with frozen bait. Mummichogs are the preferred bait for summer flounder. They can easily be found in creeks, the mouths of rivers, and other shallow estuaries that are typically found along the coast. It is not unusual to find these mummies in marinas. Place a trap and simply put a can of wet cat food into your trap, and within 30 minutes if you’ve placed in the right spot you’ll have all the bait you need.
Blackfish season in the Northeast means that many fishermen will be looking for green crabs. While they are easy to find in most bait shops, they tend to be rather expensive. The predicament comes in that blackfish are great at stealing this bait off the hook. Most anglers have discovered that in the long run, they will be far better off financially if they purchase a cheap crab trap. Rocks, jetties, docs, marinas and creeks are hiding spots for green crabs and Asian crabs. They swarm there in the thousands. It is not difficult to catch them, simply throw a filleted fish carcass into your trap and before you know it, you can fill a 5 gallon bucket.
While not everyone wants to take the time to catch their own bait, some find that it’s as much of a challenge as game fishing. It also allows you to learn more about the fish you intend on landing by learning the habits of their preferred prey. Not only can catching your own bait save you money, but it can help you become a better angler.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Reels, Penn Saltwater Reels, and Daiwa Saltwater Reels.
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