07-26-2011, 12:55 PM
There are two types of bait fish that roam the surf in the summer: Menhaden and Mullet. The Schools of bait that form a tight group, moving in circles, and appear to be a moving dark spot in the surf is Menhaden. The strait running schools of fish that look like silver bombers flying through the surf is the mullet. Both are excellent baits, but the mullet is more hardy. Menhaden are very difficult to keep alive, but make wonderful cut bait; as does the mullet. The only way to catch either is with a cast net. Be learly wading in the surf, however. You don't want to be the idiot that gets bitten by a shark or bluefish, because you waded into a school of baitfish. Get your bait and get out, this isn't sea world. [
] Best case scenario, cast net them from the safety of a pier. You'll need to add some rope to your net, but you'll be safe from predators, and you'll have the advantage of a high vantage point; which with the application of a good set of polarized sunglasses, will let you see the bait on overcast days, where you wouldn't have been able to otherwise.
It's honestly hard to say what might be lurking in the surf. Sharks, red and black drum, flounder, mackerel, pompano, spots, whiting, and what ever else is in the area and hungry. The best practice is to cast your line past the breakers, and you have a chance at all of those. You can toss a shiney lure while you're waiting on your live or cut bait rod to get a bite. Bluefish and mackerel love shiney lures. You'll need a steel leader, unless you are using a spoon. Diving lures won't work from the surf, for obvious reasons.
Pinfish are better live baits than cut bait, IMHO. Bluefish make excellent cut bait as well. If you have equipment heavy enough, I would suggest tossing a live pinfish in the surf on a carolina rig, and waiting it out. You might score big with a bull drum or a huge flounder. [cool]
Oh, and welcome to the site!
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] Best case scenario, cast net them from the safety of a pier. You'll need to add some rope to your net, but you'll be safe from predators, and you'll have the advantage of a high vantage point; which with the application of a good set of polarized sunglasses, will let you see the bait on overcast days, where you wouldn't have been able to otherwise. It's honestly hard to say what might be lurking in the surf. Sharks, red and black drum, flounder, mackerel, pompano, spots, whiting, and what ever else is in the area and hungry. The best practice is to cast your line past the breakers, and you have a chance at all of those. You can toss a shiney lure while you're waiting on your live or cut bait rod to get a bite. Bluefish and mackerel love shiney lures. You'll need a steel leader, unless you are using a spoon. Diving lures won't work from the surf, for obvious reasons.
Pinfish are better live baits than cut bait, IMHO. Bluefish make excellent cut bait as well. If you have equipment heavy enough, I would suggest tossing a live pinfish in the surf on a carolina rig, and waiting it out. You might score big with a bull drum or a huge flounder. [cool]
Oh, and welcome to the site!
[signature]