Catching Live Bait

Ever wonder why the boat right next to you is catching Dolphin or maybe just hooked a double header Sailfish and you're not? The answer could easily be they are using live bait and you're not. You don't know how to throw a castnet? No problem! Catch your bait on hook and line. Here's how, step by step.

1. Go to your local tackle shop and buy a couple of chum bags both large and small mesh.
   
   
2. Find or buy an inexpensive 6lb. spin outfit.
   
   
3. Purchase #10 short shank gold hooks, small bobbers, assorted weights and #12 & 14 light /thin shank hooks (for Ballyhoo), plus Sabiki rigs to catch everything including Pilchards, Blue Runners, Pinfish and even Goggle Eyes (mostly caught at night).
   
   
4. Purchase a couple of chum blocks, preferably Menhaden, but any will do, along with a 1 lb. pack of frozen Shrimp. You are now ready to go catch bait. First look for a productive patch reef and really, it doesn't have to be the one with all the charter boats on it.
   
   Ideally you want the current and wind to move in the same direction. Anchor upwind or current of the patch so that your chum will flow back and attract the bait away from the patch. Put your chum bag in the water and create a nice chum slick behind the boat. Be patient and watch for activity behind the boat. Rig your 6lb. outfit using a number 14 hook and a small bobber placed approximately 18" up from hook. Take out some shrimp, peel them and cut them into small pieces about the size of an eraser tip. Put a piece on the hook and you now have the basic Ballyhoo catching rig. Cast it out, moving it a little and watch for your bobber to go under and reel him in. Have another angler drop a Sabiki rig to the bottom and jig it up and down for the other baits listed above. Keep in mind while all this is going on you could also be attracting some other species like snapper, grouper, or mackerel. Use a 20 lb. spin outfit rigged with a 30 to 50 lb. mono leader, depending on depth, and a breakaway sinker with one of those freshly caught baits and have some fun.
   
   Think of bait catching as part of the days fishing activity and not as a chore and you can have some great fun.
   
   Tight Lines ~ Captain Fulton Ivy