How to Catch Baitfish in Large Quantities

Many anglers overlook the importance of baitfish in recreational and sportfishing. Baitfish such as pinfish, american shad, and mackerel scad attract gamefish and trophies that are hard to catch using conventional bait and lures. Of course, you cannot always use live bait, or you want to be more practical by not spending too much money to buy. So the best chance you have of catching big game fish is by using baitfish. 

Aside from being high-quality lures, baitfish are essential in the marine food chain because they reproduce quickly. Due to the high reproduction rate, you can easily catch baitfish, and they have a regular supply. You will not wait for a peak season to stock up on baitfish, but you need to know how to find and catch them. In this guide, you will learn how to find fishing holes filled with baitfish and reel them in once you have scouted where they are hiding. With this guide, you will be able to fill your coolers with baitfish using easy steps. 

Tips for Finding and Catching Baitfish

First, you need to find where schools of baitfish are hiding so that you can get a good haul. Catching baitfish in large quantities gives you a steady supply of live bait to be used for your next fishing trip, and it saves you time. 

1. Scout Underwater Structures 

Baitfish often live in reefs, wrecks, and seagrass. These areas often pose a risk to your boat because you might run into them, so it is crucial to scout them in the morning. With the help of the sun’s light in the morning, you will see fish more clearly. You can also try starting your search on jetties, pylons, and shallow banks. 

If you have your nets aboard, you can cast them on these underwater structures and pull in baitfish in large quantities. You can leave lures to attract them to your trap, or you can dive into shallow waters and use your net to enclose the fish before they can swim away. Remember that baitfish are quick to escape but will not pass up the chance to snag your lures or baits. 

2. Follow the Birds

Not all baitfish swim under shallow waters, and in some cases, they are flocking in the open water. If you are on the open ocean with depths of at least 6 feet, you cannot waste time scouting underwater structures. The best telltale signs of baitfish presence are birds. Seagulls and falcons are known predators of fish in the open ocean. They have eyes that can peak farther into the water, no matter where the schools of the fish hide. You can use their help to find baitfish in large quantities, but do not forget to give some of your catch to them. After all, they help you catch some.

Most of the time, you will be arriving later than the birds. They would swoop in for the fish one by one, so when you see a commotion of birds circling inches from the water, you can position your boat near to them and cast your net. If you anchor directly above them, they will flock to your fishing vessel when you reel in your baitfish, and they might peck at you instead of the fish. Surely you do not want to feel the sting of a bird’s peck at your face. 

3. Use Chum

After you have scouted where baitfish are gathering, you need to make them flock to your boat so you can catch them quickly. One effective way to lure them near you is by using chum, or a mixture of living organisms. Maggots, shrimp, oats, and breadcrumbs are typical ingredients in a basic chum. This mixture gives off a pungent odor that will be irresistible to baitfish, although it may stay on your hand, so use gloves when preparing your chum. You can also add scent enhancers like fish oil or chicken blood. You can put chum at the lines of your net before casting them underwater, or you can scatter them near your boat and hook large quantities of baitfish. 

Keep in mind that a good chum mixture will take a few minutes before dissolving underwater, but against a strong current, it might dissolve faster. So bring larger scoops of chum with you if you plan to catch baitfish in deeper waters. 

4. Use a Sabiki Rig

Sabiki Rigs are 4 to 11 hooks attached to a line. Using a Sabiki rig lets you catch baitfish faster than a single hook or a small net. You can attach chum or any bait you have to the Sabiki Rig, lower it underwater, and pull whenever you have a bite. Catching baitfish using the Sabiki rig is rewarding and enjoyable as you watch the baitfish flock to the hooks every time you drop them down. 

Now that you have the basics of finding and catching baitfish in large quantities try these techniques on your next fishing trip! Baitfish are helpful lures if you target large gamefish or want to stock up on live bait but do not want to spend more.