Out there—where the land fades and the salt thickens in the air—fishing becomes something else entirely. It’s not just about gear or waiting for the reel to scream. It’s about reading water, watching birds, feeling the pull of tide and time. But no matter how tuned in you are, one thing always matters: what’s at the end of your line.
So, what’s the best baits to use at sea?
Well, it depends. On what you’re after. On where you are. On what the fish had for breakfast. But a few baits have stood the test of time and tide.
Live Baits – Can’t Beat the Real Thing
Nothing fools a predator like the real deal. Live mackerel, sardines, pilchards, and squid are gold offshore. They flicker, dart, panic—exactly what big fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, and kingfish are looking for. If you’re after the legends—marlin or sailfish—a live skipjack or bonito can stir up the kind of chaos that keeps you talking about it for years.
Cut Bait – Sometimes Scent Wins
If live bait’s not an option, cut bait holds its own. Strip off a piece of bonito, mullet, or mackerel and you’ve got something that leaves a trail in the water. The scent pulls in snapper, grouper, amberjack—the kind of fish that don’t mind doing a bit of sniffing. Squid, tough and fragrant, is a favorite when you’re fishing deep or letting it soak on the bottom.
Artificial Lures – If You Like to Work for It
There’s a rhythm to casting and retrieving, a kind of dance between angler and fish. Trolling skirts, plugs, jigs—they all have their moment. When fish are feeding on the move, or the water’s too clear for tricks, a properly rigged lure can be deadly. Wahoo, dorado, even marlin will hit a lure if it’s moving right.
Chum – Call the Fish to You
Sometimes you don’t fish for them. You call them in. Chumming turns dead water into a buffet line. Bits of baits, blood, oils—slowly drifting back. It won’t hook a fish, but it sure gets them in the mood. It’s how you wake up a reef or bring in the sharks from the deep.
One Last Cast
There’s no silver bullet bait that works every time. Some days, you’ll throw everything overboard and go home empty. Other days, a chunk of squid or a tired mackerel turns into a fight that leaves your arms sore and your head spinning.
The best bait? It’s the one that fits the moment. The one you trust. The one that works when the sea decides to play along.
