Catching Bait

Hey guys/gals,

New to the forums and relatively new to saltwater fishing. I purchased a kayak a few months ago and have been out many times now trying to teach myself the ins and outs of 1. catching bait and 2. catching fish. Luckily I enjoy chasing bait as much as chasing fish…I have a long way to go on both fronts.

I throw a 6ft Bett’s Blue net, 1/2 in mesh.

It seems the only time I’ve had great success catching bait is at 1 hour either side of low tide. I’ve had some success finding mullet and MM at other times, but it’s much tougher…and never seem to catch shrimp at any time other than 1hr +/- low tide.

Any tips on what to look for would be very much appreciated, specifically on how to catch shrimp and MM when the tide is higher than 1hr +/- low. Plastics are an ok producer, but live shrimp seem to light up the bite especially with trout. I’d love to not have to plan my trips based on dead low tide if possible.

Thanks.

Bait will live. If you can try and catch it the day before. Throw a minnow trap up a tidal creek and leave it. Go out and catch shrimp at low tide. I don’t know where you live but on James island therea tidal creeks everywhere. I get my bait from the side of the road or bank before getting on the boat.

I’m a high class redneck.

Fishing is a delusion entirely surrounded by liars in pfgs and buffs.

Welcome, catching bait can be a challange I sling a 5ft old salt. I have an advatage because I have a 115 helping me along! Find birds, and you will find bait as a general rule. I fished a very high tide last week and still caught a ton of FM and MH. Good luck!

Dear 67…The shrimps move up into the grass as the tide rises. They have to find some way to survive all the predators that are out to eat them. If you want to catch shrimp on a higher tide you’ll need to find some pot holes in a flooded flat. The other method that can produce on a higher tide is to pull a seine net up against the grass line…good honest labor if you like that sort of thing. Wear high top canvas tennis shoes if you try this. It also helps to be a strong swimmer if you get my drift. The 3rd method that always works for me is to buy 2 dozen shrimp from the good folks at Haddrell’s Point Tackle Shop 1 hr. before I put the boat in the water.

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