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What is a good bait to use while surf fishing in Florida?

I live in NJ and taking a trip to florida and im just wondering what the best baits are to catch any type of fish in florida. Also if you have specific baits for specific fish please let me know. Im SALTWATER FISHING!!!! thanks

Public Comments

1. Squid. Usually available at all bait shopps in the area.

2. Commonly people will get frozen cigar minnows, squid and shrimp. If you want to do it right, live baits such as shrimp, fiddler crabs and minnows will do a better job provided you keep the bait alive and that's difficult to do unless you can provide a constant flow of fresh seawater.

3. You need live shrimp or minnows that you'll need to keep in a bait bucket with an aerator. Frozen squid also is good to fish with. It just depends what type of fish you're wanting to catch.

4. Squid catches everything and it's momma..that's the problem with squid. If you just want to catch anything, go with that bait. If you are looking for something better, go with cut sardines. Use the head part for better action. The tail end is good also but doesn't hold as much scent as the head ( vital organs are nearest the head). Just cut the bait in half,hook it and send it out to Davey Jone's Locker. ; ) Make sure you carry the right weights ( I call 'em sinkers but who am I to know?) like pyramids and if you can, spider weights. These will hold the sand better. Also, if you can get your hands on some fresh Mole crabs ( also known as "sand fleas"), you might do pretty well for the day if permit and pompano are in the area. It's pretty hard for me to get into specifics with you because you really didn't mention where in florida you'll be fishing. Wasn't sure if proposing blood worms would be appropriate but it's an option. ~good luck catchin'.