What type of bait should I use? Squid

Squid

What type of bait should I use?

(Using squid as bait for the new fisherman)

Using Squid for bait can be very productive to most manners of fishing it all depends on the conditions and area fishing.

 

Lets start out saying, Using squid inshore is not the optimum bait for our local Speckled Trout or Red fish. I primarily use squid inshore for our Sabiki rigs to catch Pinfish or to attract Green backs to cast net them. We have tried using squid on the flats but almost 70 percent of your catch will be saltwater catfish. Bridge fishing free lined sometimes brings up a shark or two as well.

 

Offshore use of Squid is optimum and a staple of baits for most fisherman. Almost all species of fish will take a bite of squid if you present it correctly.

 

 If you are a novice on the water and just want to catch fish and have good action all day. The easiest way to have fun and entertain your buddies or family is to load up the boat gather your frozen bait 5lbs of squid and maybe some sardines and head out in front of the islands such as Honeymoon Island or 3 Rooker Bar. Here in front of the islands you will have to get to at least 14 foot of water. Depending on your boat and weather conditions 18 to 20 feet is ideal but 14 foot deep is suitable for your cause.

Easy steps broken down for the new boater/fisherman

• Have a good bottom machine (Depth finder) so you can see the rocks to anchor over.
• Use #2 hooks barbed bait holders and enough weight to get your bait to the bottom.
• Cut some of the squid into one inch rings simply thread onto the hook
• Drop strait down and the action should start quickly. (No need for casting)
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Things to remember when fishing are regulations for fishing such as lengths and closed seasons on specific species. Boating safety is a must as well but that will be another post.

 

Species you will encounter, most commonly you will catch Grey Snapper which are tasty and plentiful. They will have orange mouths and commonly grunt when out of the water.

Black Sea Bass are the Groupers cousin and tasty as well . (Size limit)

Large Pin fish and grunts and very common some just a large as your grey snappers. Shark will appear and give you a nice run do to the action you have created. Mackerel travel this section along with Silver trout so action could be all around you.

 

If your first stop is slow, pick the anchor up and move to the next rock pile. Fishing with Squid is easy, next post we will cover deeper fishing and trolling with squid.

Slow trolling for Kings with live bait

Spot Tail Pinfish

PinFish

Blue Runner

Sand Perch or Squirrelfish

Ballyhoo

Glass Minnows