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Bait
Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)- This is probably the most important bait that you will ever use. It is an extremely oily fish and gives off a very strong scent in the water that attracts virtually every species of fish from both boat and shore.
It can be cut into strips for catching the smaller fish such as Whiting and Pollack, or can be used as a larger bait on a Pennel Rig for the winter Codling and Coalies. It can also be used as a Flapper on a 9/0 hook with a strong trace for Conger and Tope.
Ragworm (Hediste diversicolor) - In general there are two types of Ragworm used for sea fishing of which King Rag, is the largest.
The Ragworm you buy from the tackle shops is smaller and very often of the farmed variety which is an excellent bait for Cod, Wrasse and Bass.
Beware of the pincers on the larger worms as they can give you quite a nip.
Black Lugworm (Arenicola defodiens) – These worms live right on the low water line and are best dug for on a large spring tide. Nowadays people more often than not use a bait pump instead of a spade for digging these out of the sand. Although still back aching, a pump is a lot easier than a spade.
Known as an exceptional bait for most species including Cod, where you would tip them off with squid or mackerel.
Blow Lugworm (Arenicola defodiens) - These are found in large numbers on the beach where you see a Cast with a Blow Hole next to it. You will have to be careful if using a Bait Pump as these live in a curved hole as opposed to the black Lugworm which live in a straight hole. With this being the case they are often dug for with a spade.
Again these are in general a great bait for most species, in some cases being tipped off with Squid or Mackerel.
Peeler Crab (Carcinus maenas) - These get their name from the fact that they molt and shed their skin at many stages throughout their life.
This bait reigns supreme and out fishes all other baits at certain times of the year. Peeler Crab gives off a very strong scent in the water and is extremely effective when fishing for Cod, Bass, and Rays. It is also a great bait when fished under a float amongst the rocks and the weeds for large Wrasse.
Squid (Loligo Japonica) - Bought as Calamari from the supermarkets. This bait is great when used whole for Cod and Bass and is very effective when used in strips for tipping off worm baits. With this being a very tough bait it can be cast very long distances without being held on with bait elastic.
Razor Fish (Ensis siliqua) – To collect Razor Fish you will have to prepare a heavily saturated solution of salt water. Half fill boiling water into a bottle with a squirty type lid and keep adding salt until no more will dissolve.
Find a sandy beach and look for dimples with a keyhole shape in the sand. From here you squirt the salty solution down the hole and this will cause the Razor Fish to lift from the hole. Alternatively you can tip a good quantity of cooking salt direct over the hole.
At this point gently but firmly take hold of the shell and gently pull from the sand. You can now put the Razor fish into a bucket of sea water which will keep fresh for a few days.
Because this is a soft bait you will have to use bait elastic to keep it on the hook when casting.
In my opinion, this is a very under used bait but is excellent for Cod, Bass, Flounder, Whiting and Dogfish.
Common Mussel
They are typically found in the intertidal zone either in crevices or on exposed rocks. They are commonly found in groups, known as mussel beds, and are capable of withstanding strong waves by means of their byssus thread attachments. A very under used but excellent bait, especially for Flatfish.
Sandeel (Gymnammodytes semisquamatus)– This is one of my favourite baits, used live for catching Bass in the shallows and Rays at long range, but is a good bait to catch other species such as Cod, Bullhuss, Dogfish, Pollack, Whiting and Coalies.
They are also very easy to keep alive for several days if you use an aerated bucket filled with salt water.
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