The best beach baits to use
We’re so fortunate in Australia that no matter what state you’re in, you’ll have your pick of beaches. And with that comes fruitful fishing opportunities. The best bait to use is live bait and you’ll be able to find it right on the beach. However, it’s always worth grabbing a back-up plan from your nearest bait shop or servo. Which bait is best will depend on what’s around the area but here are a few that most fish will have a nibble on.
Prawns
Great for beginners as it’s easy to hook up (they are shaped like a hook after all) and considered a universal bait as most fish will have a go. If you’re not lucky enough to go prawning, they’re always available to purchase.
Pilchards
Coming in bags or blocks, pilchards or sardines are great bait to catch a tailor or salmon. Don’t let them thaw out too much as they’ll get soft. For extended trips, salting the flesh is a good idea.
Beach worms
The humble beach worm is one of the best beach baits catching bream, whiting, dart and more. It’s a favourite among fisherman as it easy to bait and won’t fall off the hook.
Squid
Saltwater fish love a bit of calamari. You can hook small, whole squid, otherwise cut large squids into strips depending on the size of the fish you’re targeting.
Pippies
Pippies are abundant along the coastal beaches of Australia and are the bait of choice for tasty species like bream, tarwhine, whiting, swallowtail dart and many others. You can locate pippies but looking for small sandy bumps along the mid to low waters.
Bloodworms
A great fresh bait and many believe are the best for bread and butter species.
Related link: Find out how to catch sand whiting with expert Michael Guest