Any idea where to get white bait? A friend is leaving July 7. Would like to net bait himself, but willing to purchase for a trip or two to the humps.
Not sure what “white” bait is. We have usually stayed in Islamorada/Tavernier and been able to cast for “greenbacks” (pilchards?) and can catch ballyhoo off the back of the boat when they come into our chum line.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
Where? Summer time is slim pickings when it comes to pilcherds. Ballyhoo is pretty easy and greenies too if they are around. Where are you getting the pilchards? Been down a good many times and have yet to find them in the summer.
quote:
Originally posted by ReeldawgWhere? Summer time is slim pickings when it comes to pilcherds. Ballyhoo is pretty easy and greenies too if they are around. Where are you getting the pilchards? Been down a good many times and have yet to find them in the summer.
Just go where the rest of the fleet is every morning off of Alligator reef. Mark them on your depth finder, throw chum bag over, drop sabiki rig, and throw net when you see ballyhoo behind the boat.
02’ Seapro 17’CC w/ 90 yamaha 2stroke
We’ve caught them around shorelines as well as out on the reefs while chumming. Some days there are plenty and other days no where to be found. Not sure we are talking about the same bait necessarily. I asked a guide that kept his boat at the same marina we were at what they were called (the bait we were catching) and he said they were pilchards and they were sometimes called greenies or greenbacks. They were mostly silvery/white with greenish backs.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
Pilchards. Yes. The smaller bait used for blackfin. Jogging is not an option. Too small and need hundreds. Ballyhoo and bigger pilchards can be chummed and caught. I’m looking for the small ones on the shoreline.
Many we caught along the shoreline were 2 - 4" long. It seemed that morning/late afternoon were the best times and low tide of course.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
quote:
Originally posted by DFreedomMany we caught along the shoreline were 2 - 4" long. It seemed that morning/late afternoon were the best times and low tide of course.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
Agree with DFreedom, look for flats on the shoreline and then mark the bait. If you have the ability to pole, then you will find all the bait you want. Also go on the bayside, lot’s of bait around the grass bottoms.
02’ Seapro 17’CC w/ 90 yamaha 2stroke
Be carefull where you anchor for your chum line, don’t get in any one else way, they really get pissed, thaught I was gona get shot one trip!
I’ve done the chum thing to catch bait many times. Summer time can be tough finding bait down there. It’s not anything like when it’s cooler.