Now that we have done a quick overview of the different tyoes of baits, lets use that knowledge on how to properly use and choose what to use.
Choosing a Target
Before we choose a bait we must first choose a target fish. What works best for Stripers do not work best for flounder. Sure we can just cut a piece of any random bait out and catch what's biting. In NJ we call that skate and dogfish fishin. If you want to minimize the skates and dogfish you need to focus on a specific fish.
Choosing a Rig
Next step is choosing a rig. Fishing the bottom for Blue fish will usually have poor results. But once again both skates and dogfish will hang near the bottom. A high low rig is a very universal rig. If you are going after picky fish, a fish finding rig is great to let them run with the bait without them feeling the sinker on the bottom. To learn more about which type of rigs to use, see our rigs page.
Choosing Bait
The final step is choosing a bait. In our Fish school section we list each type of fish and which rigs and bait works the best. But for now we will learn how to properly cut each type of bait.
CuttingBait
Bunker:
Cutting bunker is rather simple. Thick cut vertical cuts starting from the head and working towards the tail. The Head is considered by many to be the best bait, followed by the first cut of bait. The first cut will usually have the guts and belly fat.
Mullet:
Mullet is best used whole in a mullet rig, but you can cut mullet into halves. These are used well in high low rigs because its two halves of a fish, Stripers are known to follow blue fish schools. This mimics blue fish left overs.
Shrimp:
You can use them live or dead. Using them live works well with weakfish. Weakfish prefer to hunt for prey rather than forage. Cut shrimp is simple, most will rip the head off and cut them in half and cast away. That method works great on whiting, perch or even an occasional red drum.
Crabs:
First thing first with crabs is removing the legs and claws. Pull back the apron and cut into quarters. Then place the hook from 1 knuckle of the crab back out to another knuckle of the crab. Then using a piece of thread, tie it around the crab and the hook. This will keep the crab on the hook for longer.
Cutting bunker is rather simple. Thick cut vertical cuts starting from the head and working towards the tail. The Head is considered by many to be the best bait, followed by the first cut of bait. The first cut will usually have the guts and belly fat.
Mullet:
Mullet is best used whole in a mullet rig, but you can cut mullet into halves. These are used well in high low rigs because its two halves of a fish, Stripers are known to follow blue fish schools. This mimics blue fish left overs.
Shrimp:
You can use them live or dead. Using them live works well with weakfish. Weakfish prefer to hunt for prey rather than forage. Cut shrimp is simple, most will rip the head off and cut them in half and cast away. That method works great on whiting, perch or even an occasional red drum.
Crabs:
First thing first with crabs is removing the legs and claws. Pull back the apron and cut into quarters. Then place the hook from 1 knuckle of the crab back out to another knuckle of the crab. Then using a piece of thread, tie it around the crab and the hook. This will keep the crab on the hook for longer.
Video below shows how to cut a crab for fishing.
The Video below shows how to fish with bunker.
The Video below shows how to use a mullet rig
The video Below shows how to use clams
