Cast Nets To Catch Bait Fish – Net Size and Mesh Size Options

In this article, I will show you the two easiest ways to throw any size cast net. The first way works for any size cast net from 3-12 feet in radius. The second method is a fast way to throw small cast nets that have a 6 foot or smaller radius.

Throwing a cast net is one of the most useful ways to catch bait for fishing. It is also a fun activity for kids to do to catch fish and then let them go. Often times people get frustrated when the cast net does not open. With practice, throwing a cast net can be a fun activity. Cast nets range in size from 3-foot to 12-foot radius and are made by multiple companies. If you are looking to find the good cast check you the best cast net page.

How to Throw a Cast Net, Any Size, No Teeth, Stay Clean

1. Untangle the Cast Net

The most important step to throwing a cast net is to untangle the net. Some cast nets get more tangled than others. If the net gets caught in sticks and debris it will take more time to untangle. A quick and easy way to untangle the net is to pull 100 percent of the net from one side to another.  If there are snags the net will not go from one side to another and will get caught. Typically just pulling had or lifting one side will work out the tangles.

The importance of untangling the net is often overlooked by people who throw cast nets. They assume the net does not open properly because of the technique. This could be the case but more often the net is just tangled and would not open properly for anyone who threw it. Sometimes the net does not even need to be untangled and other times it will take 2-10 minutes to properly untangle the net. If the net is old, torn, or beat up it is much more likely to tangle.

2. Coil the Cast Net Hand-Line

The hand-line should be coiled up just like wrapping up and extension cord. Make small wraps and place the rope in the right hand. If the rope is not properly secured it can get caught in the cast net resulting in the net not opening properly.

3. Straighten Out the Cast Net and Hold Under the Horn

Next, the net is pulled into a straight line. The braille lines within the net are connected to the lead line and are what closes the net. These should be also be pulled completely straight. If these are staggered or twisted the cast net might not open or close properly. Grab the net close to the horn with the right hand.

4. Make Several Coils of the Net

Wrap the cast net into several coils by collecting about one arm’s length of the net in each coil. Stop collecting when the net is about as tall as the person throwing the net. Grab the net at about the waist or hip level to make the final coil of the net. This makes the net a manageable size to pick up and throw.

5. Pull 1/3 of the Cast Net From the Front

Starting from the left and pull out about 1/3 of the cast net. This is done by fanning the net and collecting it to ensure that there are not any tangles. Collecting the net this way is similar to how it was pulled from one side to another to untangle the net in step one.

6. Place the Collected Cast Net into the Right Hand

Next, take the collected net and place it in the right hand with the rest of the coiled net. At this point, there are two sections of the net a high section and a low section.

7. Take the Lead Line and Put it in the Right Hand

Grab the lead line the starting from the low section of the cast net.  Place the line into the right hand. This helps to start opening the net right away.

8. Collect 10 Percent of the Remaining Lead Line

Next, pull about 10 percent of the net from the lower section of the net. This further separates the net and makes it easier to throw. If the net is under 6 feet this step will not really be needed. For large cast nets, this makes it more manageable to throw.

9. Swing the Net Back and Focus on the Bait

Swing the cast net back towards the rear. This loads the net and your muscles to act as a spring to allow the net to be thrown forward with lots of force. Watching the bait is very important just to ensure proper net placement. With large cast nets, it is going to open directly in front of you so make sure that is where the bait is located. If you throw to early or late it does not matter how good the opening is because no bait is there to be caught. Patience and good timing often work better than lots of casting.

10. Trow the Net Forward with the Right Hand

At first, it seems strange that just throwing the net forward will make such a large net open. How the cast net is wrapped allows the weights to spread out during the throw. If the net has any tangles it can become snagged and does not separate properly during the throw. Also, heavy side winds can cause a partial opening. In heavy winds, it best to throw with the wind. Sometimes the baitfish do not cooperate though.

11. As the Net Spreads Out Pull Back with the Left Hand

After throwing the forward with the right hand pull back with the left hand. This happens quickly and once you throw more and more it becomes a habit. Hold onto the net with the left hand a pull it across your body. As the net drops, it pulls on the left hand a bit harder and that is a good time to release. This action allows the weights to separate and open the net.

12. Let the Cast Net Sink to the Bottom

Once the cast net is in the water the lead weights allow it to sink. Depending on the amount of weight and size of mesh determine how fast the cast net sinks. Smaller mesh size will cause the net to sink slower because of the extra drag. In most cases you want the net to sink all the way to the bottom. If the bait is near the surface and the bottom structure is not known the net can be closed before it hits the bottom. Do not just pull the net up quickly though because it will lift while closing and the bait can escape out the bottom. Make short tugs and let the net sink again so the bait can not escape. Once you think the net has closed it can then be quickly retrieved.

13. Make Short Tugs on the Hand-Line

Once the net stops sinking the slack in the line should be collected. Make short little tugs while slowly pulling the net up initially. This allows the net to close without actually lifting the net off the bottom. The cast net will also catch any other items on the bottom as well like rocks, coral, sticks, and seaweed.

After throwing the net in the area you become familiar with the bottom structure. Some bottoms like sand and dirt allow the net to easily closed on the bottom. In other places, the net might get snagged and even tear while pulling it up. When throwing in a new place I am cautious at first and might even throw a smaller net that is less likely to get stuck on the bottom. If it is stuck you can always jump in and untangle it. From shore, this is easier than when on a boat.

14. Once the Net is Closed Pull Bait to the Surface

When you see flashes in the net when it is sinking there is a good chance you caught the bait. Often times you can even feel vibrations in the hand-line from fish hitting into the net. In the picture above the net is closed and you can see all the pilchards that are trapped in the net. This is what you want to see when you make a good throw. If there is not flashing then the chances are very little bait was caught.

Some days bait is difficult to catch and even a few baits will be kept from a bad cast. Other days, if lots of baits are not caught then the net will be emptied out into the water to save time. Ideally, all the bait for the day can be caught in one good throw. Usually, at first light the bait is most active near the surface where it can be easily spotted and caught.

15. Allow the Net to Drop Slightly Collecting the Bait in the Cast Net Pockets

When a lot of bait gets caught it can actually be difficult to bring in and put into the livewell. When the lead line is almost out of the water you want to do what is called dropping the net. This is done by opening the grip on the net so it slides through your hands for a second. It feels like a bad idea at first like the net might open and the bait will escape. However, it just allows a pocket to form when the bait will collect. This makes the bait easier to transfer into the livewell.

16. Empty the Bait into a Livewell

To empty then net open the grip on the net allowing the braille lines to slide down. This opens the bottom of the net so the bait will fall into the livewell. Lift the net high and make sure to shake out any bait that might be stuck. When the bait storage location is elevated it can be difficult to empty the net directly into the tank. If this is the case, having a large bucket or basket to empty the bait into is nice. The bait can then be easily transferred to the livewell.

For more information about particular types of cast nets, check out the best cast net page.

17. How to Throw a Cast Net Video Demonstration

The video above shows how to throw a cast net. It is the same method described above. It takes some practice to get good at throwing a net. With time users become faster and untangling, loading, and throwing the cast net.

It is best to start with a cast net under 8 feet in diameter to become proficient at the basics of throwing a net. The main problem I have seen people have when learning to throw a net is letting the net get tangled. With a bad throw, the net is more likely to get tangled so the whole process becomes more difficult. Also, make sure you are holding the net in the right hand. Some cast net throwing methods have the user swing the net from the left hand. As a right-handed person, I feel it is much more natural and easier to throw with the right hand.

How to Throw a Small Cast Net

1. Hold the Net Near the Cast Net Horn

Hold the cast net near the horn with the right hand. If the cast net is shorter than you it can be grabbed right at the horn. If not grab a foot or two below the horn.

2. Grab the Lead Line Near the Base of the Cast Net

Reach down and grab the lead line that is closest to you with the left hand. In the right hand hold the coiled rope and the top of the cast net.

3. Place the Lead Line Over Top of the Net

Next, the lead line is going to be placed over the horn of the cast net.

4. The Lead Line Goes Over Top of the Horn

Place the lead line around the horn and then pinch it with the thumb. There is an easy throw cast net that has a large ring for the lead line to be placed in. This is using the same method. However, there is not a metal ring. Without the ring, it is actually easier to throw.

5. Hold Several Feet Down with the Left Hand

With the left-hand reach hold the net about two feet away from the horn.

6. Swing Back and Focus on the Bait

Swing the net back and look for where the bait is located. This is a small net and should be cast just in front of the bait in the direction that they are swimming.

7. Throw Forward with the Right Hand and Pull Back with the Left Hand

Bring the right arm forward and throw the net hard. Pull the left hand back and across the body. Let go of the net with the left hand last, slightly after the main net has been released.

8. Retrieve the Cast Net and Collect the Bait

When the cast net hit the water let it sink. Then make short tugs to close the cast net. Pull the net the rest of the way in and see what is caught. Grab the horn and let the net slide down the braille line to open the net and release the bait. The mullet video below shows several demonstrations on how to trow a small net using this cast net throwing method.

The cast net page has more info about cast net types and sizes. The size of the net, mesh size and weight per foot are all important items to consider when selecting a cast net. The general rule of thumb is that for big baits a large net with a wider mesh size is best. For small baits, a small mesh size is needed.

Fish that are commonly caught with live or fresh bait include hybrid striped bass, striped bass, mahi-mahi, sharks, tuna, and tarpon.

How To Catch Mullet with a Cast Net

Mullet are often thought of as one of the hardest baitfish to catch with a cast net. This is because there are often found in deep clear water. The cast net needs to be large and sink fast to catch mullet under these conditions. Buying a large radius net with a large 1 1-4 inch mesh makes it so mullet can be caught in deep clear water.

Another trick is to catch mullet in shallow water or when they are near the surface. If you watch the water closely you can often see mullet swirling near the surface. The net has to be thrown in front of the mullet. Often the mullet can see the net coming and swim fast out the net when it is thrown directly on top of their current position. However, by leading the bait they can be caught.

How To Catch Bunker with a Cast Net

Bunker is another baitfish that can be difficult to catch with a small net. A large fast sinking net is important with catching bunker. If peanut bunker are located near shore they can be caught like other small baitfish. However, in deep water, other strategies need to be used. It is common to see schools of bunker boiling near the surface. If the cast net is thrown on top of the bait the splash spooks the fast-moving bait and the fish can often avoid the net completely.

The trick is to slowly back of the bait school with the boat. This sends the bait deep. Once the bait is located on the fish finder the net can be thrown. In this case, the bait is not spooked by the splash. The large cast net will slowly sink over the bait in the murky or stained water. This results in a large number of the bunker being caught in one throw.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a cast net work? 

A cast net works by having a single person throwing a 4-12 foot radius net into the water. Lead weights around the perimeter of the net allow the net to sink in the water. Braille lines are connected to a hand-line and when pulled it closes the net. Bait can be caught in water ranging from 1 foot deep to over 20 feet deep. Game fish can not be kept if they are caught in a cast net. The intention of a cast net is to catch live baitfish.

How do you throw a cast net perfectly? 

The are multiple ways to throw a cast net. The triple load method is a common way to throw a large cast net. However, with this method, the net needs to be placed on the body. After the first throw, the net is wet and it is not an enjoyable way to throw a net. The method described above is the easiest way to throw a large cast net. There is also the easy throw method described above that works great to throw small cast nets.

For a perfect cast net throw, the net should be loaded fast. The method should not require the net to be placed on the person and teeth should not be needed to hold the net. When throwing the net should open fully in a round circle. This is often called throwing a pancake. The net should be in a position to catch the most bait. Sometimes this is directly over the fish and sometimes the net should be placed in front of where the fish are moving. When the net sinks it should trap all the bait. The net should close without lifting so that bait does not escape out the bottom. The bait should be quickly transferred into a livewell.

What size cast net is best?

There are two sizes that are important when selecting a cast net. First is the radius of the cast net. Which size cast net is best depends on the user’s abilities, and the type of fish being targeted. A 3-foot radius net is the smallest cast net. That size is made for kids. For adults, a 4-foot radius would be the smallest net you would likely want. A 12-foot net is good charter captains that want to quickly catch lots of bait for the entire day. Most people are best off getting a net that has between a 5-10 feet radius.

Next is the mesh size which ranges from 1/4 inch mesh to 1-1/4 inch square mesh. Most mesh sizes given are in terms of square mesh. For example, a 3/8-inch square mesh is 3/4 inches when stretched. Another example is 1-1/4 square mesh is 2-1/2 inch when stretched. The most common mesh size for cast nets is 3/8 inch square mesh. This works well for catching baits that are 2-6 inches in length. The cast net page has a list of the many types and sizes of cast nets.

What are the methods to throw a cast net? 

The best methods to throw a cast net are the triple load method, the Percy method, and the method described above. These all work great for throwing large nets with a radius over 7 feet. For smaller nets, under 6 feet the easy throw method also described above can be used.

How much does a cast net weigh? 

An average cast net weighs 1 pound per radius foot. That means that a 6-foot cast net would have 6 pounds of lead or steel weights. The netting material and hand-line weight are not included in that weight but these only make up about 10 percent of the total weight of the cast net.

The heavier the cast net the faster it will sink for the given mesh size. Most steel weight cast nets have about .75 pounds of weight per radius foot. Some custom nets have 1.5 pounds of lead per radius foot. Personally, I like nets that have 1-1.3 pounds of lead per radius foot when throwing in deep water. In shallow water, less than 2 feet deep the weight of the net is not as important. Sometimes a lighter net is nice since it can be thrown far and results in less fatigue when throwing it over and over to try and catch bait.

Captain Cody Wabiszewski

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!

Baitfish are the food source of many predator fish. There are many different types of baitfish in freshwater and saltwater. Although it takes a little more effort to catch and fish with live bait it is one of the most productive and consistent ways to catch fish. In this article, the best saltwater baitfish will be discussed.

There are several ways to catch baitfish including using a cast net, minnow trap, seine net, sabiki rigs, and pinfish traps. The best type of baitfish depends on the fishing location and what the fish are naturally feeding on. Other baits including shrimp, squid will be included as types of baitfish since they are widely used as live or fresh bait.

The most common baitfish I use while fishing in saltwater includes pilchards, ballyhoo, mullet, and pinfish. It is important to have a good livewell to keep the fish alive. If you do not have a way to keep the bait alive fresh dead bait still works to catch many types of fish.

Types of Saltwater Baitfish

1. Pilchards

Pilchards are one of the most popular baits to use inshore, on the reef, and offshore.  These baits are small enough to catch small snapper and enticing enough for large tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, tarpon, and most other predator fish to bite. Since the bait is small they work best with a small live bait hook or small jig. The bait will not last well in a bait pen overnight so is typically caught fresh for live bait each day. Throwing some of these overboard is a good way to bring fish near the boat. Typically it is best if they are injured or dead so they do not swim away. Do not over chum though as this will make fish less interested in your fresh baits.

These baitfish are caught for bait using a cast net. They swim in large schools so it is common to catch 100 plus fish in one cast. Pilchards do not typically eat standard chum so using sabiki rids or pinfish traps does not work. A very similar fish called a greenback can be caught with a sabiki rig. Greenbacks or greenies are slightly larger when fully grown. It is best to catch the bait with a cast net early in the morning when these baits are flicking on the surface. Looking for diving birds is a good way to locate the bait.

2. Scaled Sardines, Threadfin Herring

Scaled sardines are what we usually refer to as scalies. These baits are typically caught inner mixed with pilchards and threadfin herring when using a cast net. Scaled sardines are usually 3-5 inches in length and work well as live bait. These are called scalies as you will notice the scales come off easily, which is not ideal for live bait. Even though some scales come off the bait should stay alive in the Livewell for a full day of fishing.

3. Ballyhoo

Ballyhoo is one of the most common baits to use when offshore fishing. In most cases, the bait is not alive but is trolled or pitched to catch mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish, marlin, and wahoo. When trolling it is common to add a skirt to the bait to make it run straight more easily and also give it a bigger profile. It can be trolled without a skirt which is called naked ballyhoo. When pitching baits a full or chunked ballyhoo can be used to cast the bait near mahi-mahi.

Ballyhoo will show up in chum lines inshore and on the reef. This type of bait can be caught with a sabiki rig, small bait hook, cast net, or a specifically designed net called The BallyHoop. If you catch fresh ballyhoo while fishing it can be used as live bait. Fresh ballyhoo does stay better longer than frozen ballyhoo. It is common to salt the bellies of frozen ballyhoo to prevent the belly from washing out as quickly. Once the belly breaks apart the bait is more likely to spin and not run straight.

4. Mullet

Mullet is a very good bait to use inshore. It is a very popular bait when fishing for tarpon. Other target species that mullet is good to use for bait include barracuda, sharks, redfish, and bluefish. When fishing for tarpon live mullet and fresh dead mullet both work well. It is common to cut off the tail and butterfly the fillets for the back of the fish when using dead mullet.  A thin circle hook in the front lip is a good way to hook the fish. The bait should be suspended from a lightweight float in most cases when fishing inshore.

Mullet are typically caught with a cast net. In the shallows, mullet is easier to catch than in deep water. When cast netting in deepwater a large fast sinking net is needed. Finger millet 2-4 inches in length is better for small fish while large mullet can be good for catching large tarpon. Most people say mullet can not be caught using a rod and reel. However, mullet can actually be caught on a hook using small pieces of bread.

In the video above I am catching mullet with a 6-foot radius cast net. The mullet are caught in shallow water and in deep water when the fish are near the surface. Cast net placement is very important as mullet swim very fast a can evade nets that are not thrown correctly.

5. Bunker Menhaden

Menhaden is more commonly called bunker. This is baitfish found in large schools along the east coast of the United States. Most people use bunker to fish for striped bass and bluefish. It is also a good bait for weakfish, sharks, tuna, and small peanut bunker can be used for sea bass and fluke. Humpback whales and dolphins also feed on bunker so be on the lookout for these animals when fishing as well.

Bunker feed of plankton and the two ways they are caught are with a cast net or a snagging rig. If you just need a few fresh baits a snagging rig is an effective way to catch them. Find a school, cast the line, and pull back on the fishing rod like you are aggressively vertical jigging. Once a bunker is snagged it can sink and be used as bait right there. It can also be reeled in and placed on a circle hook. If lots of bunker is needed for a long fishing trip using a cast net is the way to catch them.

In the video above I am catching bunker with a 10-foot radius cast net. The method is to back over the school with the boat and then throw the net when the fish are marked on the fish finder. This is a good way to catch lots of large adult bunker in just one throw. Juvenile or peanut bunker are caught in inshore waters, inlets, and harbors.

6. Goggle Eyes

Goggle eyes are one of the most expensive and effective baitfish. This bait sells for between $3 and $10 a fish. It is in high demand during sailfish tournaments and winter sailfish season in Florida. These are also great batis to use for fishing for mahi-mahi, large tuna, and wahoo. The bait can be bridled onto the hook to last a long time. If pitching directly to a fish goggle eyes are hooked in the upper or lower back of the fish where the bait will not be able to swim away as quickly.

Fishing for goggle eyes is typically done at night with a baited sabiki rig or small bait hooks. This fish has large eyes and feeds at night. Goggle Eyes can also be caught during the day with a cast net but are hard to catch consistently. These fish can be kept in a large bait pen and use for the next few days. Don’t put them with too many other fish though or they will die quickly.

7. Herring

Herring is a very popular bait in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. In Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California this is a good bait to catch salmon, halibut, and rockfish. When fishing for salmon herring is either trolled or mooched. The bait is hooked onto a rig with two snelled hooks. The herring is hooked in a way that makes it spin in the water. Typically when trolling a spinning bait will not catch fish but for salmon, this is the technique. Some anglers prefer to cut the head off and use plug cut herring. Properly hooking whole herring works just as well and is easier.

Herring come in flats with about 12 frozen herring in each package. It is common to salt the herring so that it is a tougher bait. This is smaller green label herring. Blue label herring is a bit bigger and then full-size herring can be purchased in large boxes. Full-size herring is good halibut bait but is a bit too large for salmon trolling.

Herring are typically caught by commercial fishermen using purse seiner boats. Cast nets can work but only Alaska residents can throw a cast net to catch bait. Sabiki rigs also work well to catch live herring. Live bait is rarely used in Alaska because all the target species will easily bite dead bait. Catching your own bait is a way to save some money and can be fun.

In the video above I show how to use herring for bait to mooch for salmon. This is also an effective way to catch rockfish and halibut. Herring are hooked up the same way when trolling for salmon.

8. Sardines

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

There are Spanish sardines in Florida but when most people say sardines they are referring to the pacific baitfish. This fish swims in very large schools and are prey for dorado, mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin, sharks, sea lions, whales, and dolphins. Sardines make good bait when fishing offshore or on the bottom.

Sardines are typically caught using large nets. Sabiki rigs can also be used to catch sardines. Many people think of canned sardines when hearing the word sardines as this is also a popular fish to each. Canned sardines do not make a good bait though cause they are mushy and do not stay on the hook well. They can be used as chum or mixed in with dough baits to add scent.

9. Sand Lance, Sand Eel, Needlefish

Sand lance are also called sand eels and needlefish. These fish are located in both the north pacific ocean and the North Atlantic ocean. In the pacific ocean large schools of sand lance conjugate on sand flats and gravel flats. I pulled the three sand lance shown above out of the stomach of a king salmon in Sitka Alaska. When there are not herring around sand lance makes up the majority of what is found in the stomach of early summer salmon. Sand lance are also food for halibut, rockfish, and cod.

In the Atlantic ocean, it is also common to find large schools of sand lance which are often called sand eels. This is a type of baitfish and not an actual eel. An eel also makes good bait for many types of fish. In the North Atlantic, it is common to use swim jigs that looks like sand eels when fishing. Diamond jigs are another good imitation. Sand eel imitations work well to catch striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, sea bass, and flounder.

It is not common for people to catch sand lance and use them for bait. Rather anglers troll or jig with lures that look like a sand lance. In the video above I show how to troll with downriggers. The two best baits to troll with are herring or sand lace imitations. Sand lance imitations are hoochies or flies. I like trolling sand lance imitations near the bottom but large schools of sand lance will swim at all water depths.

10. Cigar Minnow

Cigar minnows work as a very good bait on the reef and offshore. These are fished vary similar to goggle eyes when fishing for mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish, and marlin. This is a hearty bait that keeps well in the livewell. It is also a large enough bait that it can be bridled onto a hook. Cigar minnows can be used on the reef to catch, barracuda, kingfish, cero mackerel, large snapper, grouper, jacks, and amberjacks.

There are two common ways to catch cigar minnows with a cast net or with sabiki rigs. When using a cast net chum is heavily used to get a large number of fish in one area. Chum balls mixed with sand are thrown in just before throwing the net. A commonplace to fish for cigar minnows is in grass flats in about 20 feet of water.

11. Silversides, Glass Minnows, Spearing

Image Source: Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Silversides are also called glass minnows and spearing. This is a common baitfish along the entire Atlantic coast of the United States. I have seen them in large numbers in the flats in Florida, and off Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Also when fishing in New Jersey spearing are baits commonly given out on fishing charter boats when fishing for fluke. Silversides are small fish that should be used with small hooks. Using real spearing is good as the bait is scented which helps to get fish to bite. The issue is the bait can come off the hook easily. That is why scented artificial baits luke gulp has an advantage in some cases. Spearing is a good bait for fluke, flounder, striped bass, snapper bluefish, and sea bass.

These baits can not be caught on a hook. Using a cast net with small 3/16 inch mesh would be a good way to catch these for fresh bait. It is common to catch them off the beach. A seine net would also work in shallow water. A minnow trap may work to catch silversides but I have not tried to catch them this way. If you do not have fresh silversides a small swimbait, power minnow, gulp minnow, or thin spoon are all good imitation lures.

12. Mackerel

Mackerel baitfish are common to catch in the North Atlantic and South Pacific oceans. This is a fish that can be kept to eat or used for bait. There are many types of mackerel such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, cero mackerel, and wahoo are even in the mackerel family. For bait though anglers are talking about gree-back mackerel. Mackerel are a food source for tuna, marlin, sharks, sea lions, and birds.

The best way for sport fishermen to catch mackerel is with sabiki rigs. Cast nets could work if you know a good location to target them. Once caught mackerel can be bridled to use as live bait or cut into chunks. Mackerel will say alive in a large live well for a day of fishing. I have caught mackerel on sabiki rigs in Maine and Massachusetts.

13. Pinfish

Pinfish reminds me a lot of bluegill or sunfish which are common freshwater baits. However, pinfish live in the ocean and are much more effective bait. Lots of predator fish will eat pinfish. Pilchards and mullet are typically my go-to baits when fishing in the ocean. Pinfish are the backup bait if it will be to time-consuming to catch the other bait. I like using smaller pinfish the best and they are actually a really good live bait. Target species when fishing with pinfish include tarpon, sharks, mackerel, barracuda, large snapper, grouper, jacks, amberjacks, and even sailfish. The bait is usually fished near the bottom or suspended on a float near the surface.

The best way to catch pinfish is with a pinfish trap. This type of trap is set out with chum inside overnight. When the trap is checked in the morning it will be full of pinfish if it was placed in a good location. The best thing about pinfish is they are really hardy fish. They will keep in a bait pen for weeks as long as they are fed. Pinfish will eat almost anything and we usually feed them fish scraps.

14. Flying Fish

Flying fish are one of my favorite fish to see when on the ocean. Chances are the water is a deep blue and the sun is shining. Most of the flying fish seen are just being spooked by the boat and the fish fly out of the water cause the boat scares them. If you are on the water at night flying fish are also scared of spotlights and that can make them fly. Flying fish are difficult to catch and use for bait but flying fish imitation baits and lures are commonly used. Flying fish can be caught with a small hook and a small piece of fresh bait.

Flying fish are most well known for being prey for mahi-mahi and frigate birds. The frigate birds follow the mahi-mahi and wait for them to chase the flying fish into the air where they have a chance of catching the fish. frigatebirds can not land on or enter the water so the fish must be scooped up right at the surface or in the air. Anglers fishing for mahi-mahi look for frigate birds that are following mahi-mahi so they know where to fish. Tuna, marlin, wahoo, and sailfish will also eat flying fish. The video above shows mahi-mahi and frigatebirds chasing down and trying to catch flying fish.

15. Bonito or Small Tuna

Bonito are typically caught while trolling small skirt baits. If you see tuna birds working near the surface chances are there are tuna or bonito around. A bonito has dark-read bloody meat that is not very good to eat but makes great bait. Small bonito have lighter meat and is actually a popular fish to eat. Small yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, and bonito can be used for bait to catch wahoo, king mackerel, large tuna, sharks, and marlin.

If you catch a bonito it is good to save for bait for several reasons. The fish can be filleted and used to make bonito strips for trolling. It can also be cut up and used for chunk bait. Chunks of bonito meat work great to catch mahi-mahi, snapper, barracuda, tarpon, and sharks. It can also be placed in a pinfish trap or feed to pinfish.

In the video above I show how to catch bonito and tuna while trolling. Baits used include Billy Baits Mini Turbo Slammer and C and H little stubbies. This was filmed in the Florida Keys but this technique should work to catch small tuna species everywhere.

16. Shrimp

If you fish in the ocean you probably know that live shrimp is one of the most consistent ways to catch many types of fish. A live shrimp can catch a 3-ounce snapper or a 100-pound tarpon. I use shrimp most often on the reef. Depending on the current will depend on how much weight should be used, typically between zero and 0.25 ounces is best. This will catch all types of fish including yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, grouper, jacks, grunts, houndfish, redfish, ladyfish, pompano, permit, bluefish, and tarpon.

Shrimp can be caught using a cast net if you know where shrimp are located. It is more common to let shrimp boats catch them and then buy live shrimp from the bait store. Dead shrimp works well as long as it is super fresh. Old smelly shrimp is going to catch fewer fish in most cases. Unless you are targeting saltwater catfish which love dead smelly shrimp. Shrimp will also work offshore to catch mahi-mahi tripletail.

17. Squid

Squid is another one of the best baits for fishing. Most squid is bought frozen and used whole or cut up into small pieces. If you do not know what bait to use chances are squid will work. Personally, I really like to use squid to fish for croakers, mahi-mahi, tripletail, and halibut. It is also good bait to catch swordfish, tuna, billfish, snapper, fluke, flounder, grouper, tilefish, sharks, and most other ocean fish species.

If you mark a school of squid there are hook snaggers that can be used to catch them. I do not know many people that actually catch their own squid for bait though. Sometimes when snorkeling or scuba diving I will see some squid on the reef. Not the large schools which are usually in deep water during the day. There are many imitation squid baits that work great when trolling offshore.

Captain Cody Wabiszewski

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!