Choosing the Right Bait for Off Shore Fishing

When fishing in saltwater or briny estuaries, choosing the right bait can make all the difference between success and failure. The choice depends on what a fisherman wants to catch. It is helpful to know what species of fish are likely to bite on certain kinds of bait. I prefer to catch fine-tasting pan fish over inedible game fish, and this is a guide for catching the tastiest specimens.

Sheepshead is a species of fish that grow up to 15 lbs, and have a distinctive appearance with black and white stripes covering their body. They have uniquely flat, broad teeth that are suited to crushing the crusty barnacles clinging to underwater bridge abutments and sea walls. To catch this fish, use a fiddler crab on a small hook. Present your bait right up against the shells and barnacles where they usually dwell.

Mangrove snappers are named for their tendency to swim in and out of the shoreline channels created by roots of mangrove trees. They can be distinguished from other snappers by the greenish brown hue on their flanks. These fish are good eating, and easy to filet with no bones getting caught in the meat. On an incoming high tide, cast your line by some coastal mangroves to catch this snapper. Use live shrimp on a small to medium sized hook for best results.

Black drum are large, black colored fish that can grow up to 4 feet long and can weigh over 50 lbs. Specimens that are heavier than 20 lbs are not recommended for eating. The best bait for this fish is sand fleas that burrow into the shoreline on sandy beaches under the foamy, pounding surf. The best tool to catch live sand fleas is a sand flea rake. You can buy one at select bait shops that carry them. Drag your rake against the receding wave, just where the shoreline meets the water's edge. Shake out the sand and separate these critters into a bucket for some great saltwater bait.

Sand fleas can also be used to catch pompano that swim near shallow sand bars to feed on them. Wade into the ocean about hip deep when the tide is in, and cast your bait into water that is at least 3-4 feet deep. Pompano are whitish-yellow in color, with sharply defined dorsal and tail fins.

When the season is right, you can fish and keep the highly sought after snook. This is a strong fighting fish, so be prepared to battle if you get one on the line! Use pinfish or live shrimp to catch a snook. With all fish, be sure that your catch is within size regulations, and be mindful not to exceed the daily limit of any species that you keep. Good luck and keep fishing!