On the search for a bait option that works time after time? One that’s been guaranteed to get you some big hookups? Try cut bait! From freshwater to saltwater, mountain streams to the open ocean, it will almost always get the job done.
But it’s not that simple. There are many ways to use cut bait, and different species and environments call for different approaches. Fear not, though, we’re here to cover all the basics when it comes to using cut bait. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be ready to get out there and start using it. Let’s get started!
What is cut bait?
Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like – bait that’s cut into smaller portions. This can be shrimp, squid, clams, crabs, ballyhoo, herring, mullet, pinfish, worms, bluegill, eels, and more. Ideally, you’ll be able to center the meat closer around the hook, creating a greater hookup chance. Cut bait is often heavy and thick, finding itself along the bottom until a hungry predator stops by.
The scent trail that oozes out is highly effective at attracting fish from a distance. It has become a go-to bait option when fishing in murky waters and when there’s low visibility, along as with in strong currents.
The Benefits of Cut Bait
Cut bait intends to create a natural appearance with the shine of scales, but with a stronger odor to entice predators to strike. Some species are attracted to the odor and meat of cut bait more than live and moving bait! Plus, it can be easier to get and cheaper to buy. A lot of sporting goods and grocery stores near the water sell various packs of readily prepared bait. You can also conveniently store it in a cooler or freezer and use it again.
To add, cut bait doesn’t have to just sit on an empty hook. You have the option of pairing artificial gear with cut bait. For example, you can rip the head off a shrimp and place it onto a hook with a jighead. The painted jig head with its googly eyes will look like a head to fish, and with the meat exposed, the scent will be stronger. You can also add pieces of cut bait to lures like jigs, spoons, paddle tails, and more, to add a little bit of scent and meaty appeal.
How to Use Cut Bait
Techniques
Pretty much all fish like cut bait in some form – and that includes some monster predators. The best way to use some is to put it on a hook with a sinker and send it to the bottom. It’s kind of a waiting game, where you’ll have to patiently await the strike. Sometimes it can happen quickly, and other times it’ll take some time until you hear the drag scream.
If you’re putting cut bait on artificial gear, you can work your lure like normal, whether you’re casting and retrieving or jerking. In addition, cut bait is great to use when trolling, where you drag bait behind the boat at a slower, steady speed. Pelagic predators will race behind it before producing a powerful strike and possibly a flying jump!
Gear
One thing to note is that circle hooks tend to be the best choice for better hookup chances. Thread your hook through the meaty flesh, ensuring it’s stuck on there good and won’t fall off. If you can, expose the hook a little for a quicker pierce. Cast your bait out near mangroves, drop-offs, jetties, piers, docks, structure, or vegetation. Throwing it near strong currents and underwater holes is also a great idea.
Once your line is out, just make sure to keep your line tight and pay attention to the thumps. As soon as you feel a fish take it, get your hookset in, and get ready to fight.
Maintenance
Other than that, you’ll want to keep your bait on ice if possible to keep it fresh and minimize contact to keep the scent strong. And don’t forget, you have the ability to experiment with different types of cut bait and techniques to find one that works best for your fishing area!
Examples of Cut Bait per Species
Before we wrap up, I’ll just run through a few favorite baits for some of the most popular species out there. These are far from the only options but the following top fish love to gulp down these baits:
- Bass. Whether you’re chasing Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass, Peacock Bass, or any of the others, cut bait can be a great tool. A few effective options include shad, bluegill, worms, and crayfish.
- Pike will eagerly strike on plenty of cut bait. Minnows, whitefish, and suckers, highly favored by Pike.
- Walleye has beauty, brains, and strength, making it one of the most targeted freshwater species. Common baits include leeches, worms, and shiners.
- Redfish are strong and powerful, and eat a lot of different things. Successful cut bait that you have to try are ladyfish, shrimp, crabs, and pilchards.
- Snook. With more strength than Redfish, matched with strategic mangrove maze skills, Snook can be harder to catch. Having squid, pilchards, ladyfish, mullet, crabs, and shrimp can help.
- Grouper will eat pretty much anything, so the bait options are almost endless. The most popular ones that are sure to entice a bite are ladyfish, squid, pinfish, and mullet.
- Tuna are huge predators that need to eat so they can keep their energy up! Some of their favorite cut bait meals include herring, squid, mackerel, bonita, and skipjack.
- Billfish. Calling out Marlin, Swordfish, Sailfish, and Spearfish lovers! These fast and feisty creatures tend to eat a lot, and ballyhoo, squid, mullet, trevally, and mackerel can entice them.
Cut Bait: A Reliable Choice
You now have another piece of valuable information to add to your fishing knowledge. Cut bait is a great option for bait, providing the benefits of easy access, cheaper costs, and strong enticement. Its versatility and natural appeal make it a go-to choice for targeting a wide range of species in various environments. So, the next time you head out, give cut bait a try. You might just hook your next personal best catch!
What’s your favorite bait to use? What conditions do you use it for? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
