Learn

Bait, and how to use it.

Fresh, well-prepared bait outfishes expensive tackle. Here are the baits that do most of the work on our beaches.
  • Sardine drawing
    Saltwater

    Sardine

    An oily, strong-smelling fish that draws many predators. Use it whole or as a fillet.

    Keeping and baiting

    Keep sardines frozen until you leave. Thaw slowly in a cooler. Lace the hook through the thick part of the fillet and bind with bait elastic.

    Good for: KobElfLeervis

  • Sand prawn and mud prawn drawing
    Saltwater

    Sand prawn and mud prawn

    A soft, sweet bait that many fish find irresistible, especially white steenbras and grunter.

    Keeping and baiting

    Keep prawns cool and damp in a cooler. Hook through the tail section and leave the head free to wriggle.

    Good for: White steenbrasSpotted grunterBlacktail

  • Chokka (squid) drawing
    Saltwater

    Chokka (squid)

    A tough bait that stays on the hook and does not wash off. Cut into strips for a good scent trail.

    Keeping and baiting

    Cut into strips about as long as your hand. Thread the hook through the narrow end so the strip flutters.

    Good for: KobLeervisWhite steenbras

  • Red bait drawing
    Saltwater

    Red bait

    A tough, rubbery bait gathered from the rocks. A top choice for galjoen and blacktail.

    Keeping and baiting

    Cut a small piece and pass the hook through the toughest part. Check the legal rules on collecting red bait where you are.

    Good for: GaljoenBlacktail

  • Boilie drawing
    Freshwater

    Boilie

    A hard, round bait made from fish meal or a milk-protein mix. The standard carp bait.

    Keeping and baiting

    Use a bait needle to thread it on a hair, and hold it with a stop. Prebait the swim with a handful of loose boilies.

    Good for: Common carp

  • Sweetcorn drawing
    Freshwater

    Sweetcorn

    A cheap, sweet, bright bait that carp, kurper and yellowfish all take.

    Keeping and baiting

    Drain tinned corn and hook two or three kernels. Use it on a float or a method feeder.

    Good for: Common carpKurperYellowfish

  • Redworm drawing
    Freshwater

    Redworm

    A small, live worm that most freshwater fish eat. Great for kurper and yellowfish.

    Keeping and baiting

    Keep them cool and damp. Thread one or two worms on a small hook so the ends wriggle.

    Good for: KurperYellowfishSharptooth barbel