Sourcing Bait Part 1 - Saltwater

I want to share with you some tips on collecting your own bait, which if combined with the right fishing lures, can give you the greatest edge when you're trying to catch the 'big one'.

I've broken it down into 2 parts - today is all about saltwater fishing bait, and then in the next post I will cover freshwater fishing bait for you.

Low tide is the best time for gathering baits such as worms, crabs and Bass yabbies. Check fisheries regulations in your area as bait gathering is banned in some low tide areas, as are spades.

Lettuce Weed: Favourite bait for luderick, lettuce weed is found growing on rock faces and in pools continually washed with water.

Bass Yabbies: Top bait that will account for fish ranging from bream through to mulloway. Yabbies live underground on mud and sand flats of estuaries and can be found along some surf beaches under wet sand. Tell-tale holes are left where they have burrowed. All you need is a bait pump.

Sandworms: Found over flats and damp areas when the tide is low; often under heavy banks of weed.

Mussels: Found clinging to pier pilings or on reefs. Look in water that can be reached with waders, or even shallower. Advisable to wear gloves.

Pipis: Commonly found under the sand on beaches where the water washing over is 10-20cm deep or on exposed sand flats. Either dig a hole or twist with bare feet until you find a patch and then dig with your hands.

Squid: The most versatile saltwater bait, easily caught using a squid jig that is cast out, allowed to sink and then retrieved slowly. Mostly found lurking over grass beds. At night, they are attracted to lights and hunt in the shadows on the edge of the beam.

Part 2 will cover freshwater bait, coming up very soon. In the meantime you can learn how to make your own fishing lures if that interests you...

NOTE: I do earn a commission if you choose to purchase anything through the links above, however it is definitely worth checking out if you'd like to learn more about this artform.