Why Bait Matters in Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is all about reading the water and having the right bait. Thus, choosing the best surf fishing bait for your desired species while looking into the conditions plays a huge role in a successful fishing experience. If you are new to this, fret not. This comprehensive guide will break down the best surf fishing bait for the major surf species you want to catch, like Pompano, Whiting, Redfish, and more.
Whether you are new to surf fishing or a seasoned angler, this guide filled with a list of some of the best surf fishing bait will surely help you unlock the power of bait.
From shrimp to sand fleas, blue crab to cut bait, let’s also dive deep into the prime baits for surf fishing. In this article, you will discover proven tips and techniques for each of the surf fishing bait. We will also cover the best rigs and hooks to help the bait shine. Equipped with this knowledge, you can confidently head to the surf on your next fishing mission.
Prime Baits for Major Surf Species
| Bait Type | Target Species | Rig Recommendations | Tips |
| Shrimp | Pompano, Whiting, Redfish, Bluefish | Fish finder, popping cork | Live shrimp should be used in the 30-50 count range for panfish and 16-21 count for reds. Tip with fish bites or cut bait. |
| Sand Fleas | Pompano, Whiting, Sheepshead | Pompano rig, fish finder | Collect fresh sand fleas yourself, or buy frozen ones. Add a fish bite tip. |
| Clams | Whiting, Redfish, Sheepshead | Dropper loop, fish finder | Cut strips of clam work well. Enhance with clam juice. |
| Blue Crab | Redfish, Black Drum | Dropper loop | Use chunks of blue crab body and leg meat. Soak in menhaden oil. |
| Cut Bait | Variety of species | Fish finder | Match cut bait type and size to target. Enhance with extra scents. |
| Squid | Redfish, Bluefish, Flounder | Fish finder | Whole small or strips of large work well. Add glow at night. |
Shrimp – A Versatile and Appealing All-Rounder
If there is one true star bait among the best surf fishing bait out there, then it is most definitely shrimp. The tasty crustacean of shrimp tempts everything from Pompano and Whiting to Redfish and Bluefish. Its versatility across species makes it a prime choice for anglers seeking a mixed catch.
Smaller shrimp in the 30 to 50-count range works well for fishes like Whiting and Pompano. Keep in mind that larger varieties, from 16 to 21, can be deadly to redfish. No matter the size, carefully thread the shrimp on the hook to keep it lively. You can add a Fish Bite or strip of cut bait to add extra scent.
Sand Fleas – A Surf Fishing Staple
Sand fleas, otherwise known as mole crabs, are among the best surf fishing bait because they play a quintessential role in fishing. What makes them stand out is their unique movements in the waves that drive the fish crazy. If you are targeting species like Pompano, Whiting, Sheepshead, and more, hone in on the vulnerable fleas tumbling in the surge.
The best way to get sand fleas is to dig them in the first few inches of wet sand near the waterline. Look for their telltale V-shaped furrows and scoop them up. You can also purchase frozen or dried sand fleas. Rig one alone, or tip it off a Fish Bite.
Clams – A Flavorful and Practical Bait
Clams might not seem exciting, but they are among the best surf fishing bait out there because they catch fish. The clam’s strong, sweet scent that drifts in the water appeals to fish like Whiting, Redfish, Sheepshead, and more.
Moreover, clams are super easy to find and can be stored long-term.
When you are surf fishing with clams, you should opt for small live clams or cut strips of larger ones. For added action, you can rig the clam on a loop knot. When you bury the hook into just the siphon/neck area, it leaves the bait fluttering. You can also consider enhancing clams with scents like Clam Juice.
Blue Crab – Predator Candy
Nothing gets the predators in the surf fired up like blue crab, making it one of the best surf fishing bait. The blue crab is the ultimate bait for fish like the ocean brute Redfish and large Black Drums. Are you targeting more giant gamefish? Blue crab is the answer you are looking for.
You should use chunks of blue crab rather than whole crabs, which are difficult to obtain. Also, look for pieces with darker meat from the body and legs. Be sure to check local regulations on harvesting blue crabs. If you are looking for even more potency, soak crab in Menhaden oil.
Cut Bait – Customize Your Offering
The cut bait lets anglers customize their offering by choosing their baitfish species, making it one of the best surf fishing bait. Standard options for cut bait include mullet, menhaden, spot, and croaker. You should match the size and type of cut bait to your target.
When preparing cut bait, it’s best that you make clean slices from fresh dead baitfish. If you are looking for more “action,” you should make it thin with fluttering strips. Chum with leftover scraps to get the fish feeding. You can also enhance cut bait further by soaking it in scents like crab juice, shrimp oil, or fish bites.
Squid – A Surf Fishing Dynamo
Squid is a part of the best surf fishing bait list because it stays on the hook well, emits a strong scent and enticing saltiness, and appeals to many species, including Reds, Bluefish, Flounder, and more. Squid can also produce when other baits struggle.
Whole small squids or strips of larger mantle work well. If you are looking for more texture, you should add a Fish Bite or cut bait strip. When fishing at night, glow squid shines by offering visibility.
What’s great is that, squid is affordable and readily available at tackle shops.
BONUS BAIT: Fishbites – Scent Infused Dough
While not a natural bait, Fishbites deserves a mention among the best surf fishing bait because this scented dough comes in shrimp, sand flea, crab, and bloodworm styles. The long-lasting dough fishes well alongside or tipped with natural baits. Also, remember to match the Fish Bite flavor to your target species and conditions.
Best Rigs and Equipment for Presenting Bait
Using the proper rig is also vital to success when surf fishing with bait. Here are some top setups:
- Fish finder rig for staying snagged-free in the waves. Great for shrimp, cut bait, and squid.
- The Pompano rig is used to present sand fleas or fish bites. The bright orange floats are visual attractors.
- Dropper loop rig for dangling bait off the bottom. It is effective for clams and crabs.
- Popping cork for suspended live shrimp or minnows. It adds sound and commotion.
Always match the hook size and style to the bait you’ve chosen. For example, thin wire circle hooks work well for live shrimp. Heavier J hooks are needed for cut bait chunks. Also, remember to pay close attention to local regulations on hook requirements and bait collecting.
In Conclusion:
When surf fishing, bait selection, and presentation genuinely make the difference between catching and not catching. Equipping yourself with the knowledge of when, where, and how to use the surf fishing bait like shrimp, sand fleas, crab, cut bait, and more will help you find much more success. Prep your rods and get ready to soak some bait. Your following trophy surf catch awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the best bait for surf fishing?
There is no single best bait that outperforms all others. Top options include shrimp, sand fleas, clams, cut bait, squid, and blue crab. The ideal bait depends on the target species, location, and conditions. Versatile, easy-to-use baits like shrimp and squid are great for variety.
What is the best time to go surf fishing?
Early morning and late evening (around dusk) are best because that is the time most of the fish move into the shallows to feed. At night, pier lights attract fishes like baitfish, which draws in predators. They also target moving tides, as flow brings food sources.
What is the best rig for surf fishing?
Fish finder, pompano, and dropper loop rigs work well to keep bait bouncing along the bottom. Popping cork rigs lift bait higher in the water column. Choose rigs that match your bait and conditions.
What bait catches the most fish?
Live or fresh dead shrimp and small bait fish like mullet generally catch the widest variety of species. Cut bait also works well for a mixed catch. Targeted baits like sand fleas for pompano or blue crab for redfish catch those species best.