Bait School

Let's start with a quick overview of the different types of bait out there. Once you get the overview then move on to section 2. Where you will learn how to best use bait to target common NJ fish.

Bunker:
Bunker is a balanced bait. They are a oily fish with a moderate smell. This makes them a very universal bait. A favorite for stripers and blue fish. The head is very popular for striper fishing. Before putting the head on the hook however you must first "cone" it. This involves cutting the mouth portion out so it doesn't carry your line away.

Mullet:
Mullets are best used whole on a mullet rig. Reeled in slowly can imitate a wounded fish while having the real smell and taste of their normal foods.

Minnow:
Minnows are best used live. Do not use a sinker on your rig. Let the minnow run with the rig. This is great for bay fishing for weakfish and stripers.

Squid:
Best used cut into strips. Use squid to bottom fish, add a little movement and this bait will treat you well.

Mackerel
This oily bait is great for chum slicks or works fairly well as cut bait.

Clams:
​Another universal bait. Claims are good for nearly all tyoes of fish. There is a special way they should be cut. We will explain this more in details later.

Shedders:
​A great bait for stripers and weakfish. Shedders take a little skill to properly use. We will talk about this in more details later.

Shrimp:
​Shrimp is great for bottom feeding fish including but not limited to whiting, perch, croakers, pompano and more.

Blood Worms:
​Blood worms, much like shrimp are great for bottom feeders. Mostly used in the bay, these bloody worms make great attractants.

Section 2