There are a lot of saltwater fishing techniques but what it all comes down to is the bait. If the fish doesn’t bait, you cannot bring it up, so it’s important you become familiar with the many types of fishing bait used for saltwater fishing, then you can buy gear at Eat My Tackle.
Bait Fish These are small fish used for luring larger predatory fish. The most common are scad, halfbeaks and anchovies, and for many anglers and fishermen, live fish bait is the best option available. You can use a hook or net to catch live bait, but whatever you do, don’t touch the fish prior to placing it on your hook. If you’re going to use live bait, use the lightest line, leader and hook possible so the fish doesn’t get stressed out. Pass the hook through its nostrils, eye sockets or lips so it will swim naturally, and hooking at the front of the dorsal fin should make the fish swim downwards.
Cut Bait If you can’t get live bait, there’s always cut bait. The drawback is they can be hard to find and maintaining them is not as easy if the bait was live. The key here is to use the freshest fish you can find in saltwater: the fish should have that fresh smell and feel firm, with red gills and clear eyes.
Crabs Peeler, hard and soft shell crabs all work well as bait for saltwater fish. Crab bait can be used whole or you can pick it apart it’s up to you. If you’re going to use the entire crab, set the hook through and work it until the pointed side of the body is reached. Set up this way and your crab will attract a lot of fish.
Shrimp All saltwater fish love shrimp, and it doesn’t matter if you fish from a boat or the shore as the fish will come get it. Put the hook under the head of the shrimp, that way the barb emerges on top and doesn’t hit the black area. Avoid hitting the shrimp’s black area because it’s going to kill it. For bottom fishing, place the hook at the shrimp’s top, work it down under the black spot and pull the barb up. Another way is to place the hook in the shrimp’s tail and thread its body under the black spot. This method is often used to prevent fish from stealing the bait.
Scented Artificial Baits A growing trend among saltwater fishing buffs is the use of artificial scented baits. These baits come in different forms, sizes, shapes and colors, but what they all share in common is the presence of scents that attract fish. Unlike live bait, artificial lures last longer, not to mention the fact they’re easier for beginners to use.
Conclusion For beginners, artificial baits are probably the easiest to use, but seasoned anglers are more comfortable with live or cut bait. In the end, it’s probably for the best if you learn how to use both as it increases your chances of catching more saltwater fish.