Choosing the right bait is one of the most important decisions in sea fishing. The type of bait you use can mean the difference between a slow day and a full cooler. In saltwater fishing, bait selection depends on several factors: target species, location, tide, time of year, and personal preference. There are two main categories: natural bait and artificial bait. Both have their place in a successful sea angler’s kit.
Natural Baits
Natural baits are what fish eat in their environment. They give off scent, texture, and movement that are hard for predators to resist.
Ragworm and Lugworm
Two of the most popular sea fishing baits in the UK are ragworm and lugworm. Both are dug from sandy or muddy shores and are highly effective for a range of species like cod, bass, flounder, and whiting.
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Ragworm are red, wriggly, and often more active on the hook. They’re great for bass and flatfish.
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Lugworm are black or yellowish and ideal for bottom-feeding fish. They’re especially productive in colder months for cod and dabs.
Worms are usually fished on size 1 to 3/0 hooks using rigs like the two-hook flapper or pulley rig. Keep them cool and moist to stay fresh during your session.
Mackerel
Mackerel is a go-to bait for many sea anglers. It’s oily, smelly, and full of nutrients—traits that make it irresistible to predators.
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Use strips or chunks of mackerel for species like dogfish, rays, and tope.
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For conger eels or larger specimens, whole mackerel or large fillets work best.
Mackerel can be fished static on the bottom or used on float rigs. Fresh is always better than frozen, but frozen still works if kept properly.
Squid
Squid is tough and stays on the hook well. It’s versatile, either fished alone or used as a bait wrap around softer baits like lugworm or mussel.
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Commonly used for cod, rays, bass, and huss.
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Baby squid or squid heads can be deadly on uptide or downtide rigs.
Squid has a subtle scent but offers strong visual appeal, especially in murky water.
Peeler Crab
Peeler crabs are soft-shell crabs in the process of shedding their old shells. This stage makes them highly attractive to fish like bass, smoothhound, and wrasse.
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Peelers are usually mounted whole or halved on strong hooks.
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Very effective in estuaries and rocky marks where crabs are naturally found.
Due to their short seasonal availability and labor-intensive prep, peelers are often seen as premium bait.
Mussels and Shellfish
Mussels, razorfish, and cockles can be deadly, especially in colder months or after storms when they’re washed out of beds.
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Mussels are best wrapped in bait elastic to stay on the hook.
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Good for codling, flounder, and dabs.
They’re messy but often worth the effort when other baits fail.
Artificial Baits
Artificial baits mimic the look and action of prey. While they don’t offer the scent of natural bait, they work well when fish are aggressive or when bait isn’t available.
Soft Plastics
Soft lures like paddle tails, worms, and shads can be deadly for bass, pollock, and wrasse.
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Often used with jig heads or weedless setups.
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Great for casting around structure or drop-offs.
Look for lures that match the size and colour of local prey fish.
Hard Lures
Plugs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits are ideal for surface or mid-water species.
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Floating and diving models allow coverage of different depths.
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Some come with rattles or holographic finishes to enhance attraction.
Try working these in early mornings or at dusk when predators are feeding near the surface.
Metal Jigs and Spinners
For deeper water or fast retrieves, metal lures like pirks, spoons, and spinners excel.
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Useful for mackerel, pollock, and coalfish from piers or boats.
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Match weight to depth and tidal current.
They’re durable and can be cast long distances, perfect for reaching schooling fish.
Scented Imitation Baits
Some artificial baits are scent-infused or gel-coated to replicate real bait. Brands like Gulp! and Fishbites offer baits shaped like worms, squid, or fish strips.
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Last longer than natural bait.
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Useful when regulations prohibit live or fresh bait.
Though not as effective as fresh bait in all conditions, they can still catch fish consistently, especially in warmer waters.
Matching Bait to Conditions
Always consider the environment when choosing bait:
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Clear water + bright day: Try natural-coloured lures or lighter-scented baits.
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Muddy water or night fishing: Go for strong-scented baits like mackerel or squid.
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Fast-moving water: Use tougher baits (squid, crab) that stay on the hook.
Knowing what fish are feeding on locally is key. If baitfish are schooling near the shore, switching to a lure or mackerel strip could increase your chances.