What bait should you use for ocean fishing?
Last Updated: 25.06.2025 00:00
Entirely depends on what you are fishing for. Bottom fishing: squid, shrimp and cut bait (chunks of fish)
Your best bet is to visit a bait/tackle shop local to where you want to fish. Talk to them for the best baits for your area. What works in the Pacific might not work in the Gulf of Mexico or the Indian Ocean.
Bait selection can be narrowed down if you know what your target species is. Pompano and Snapper use very different bait from Yellowfin Tuna or Dorado.
There are many types of artificial lures. Iron for yo-yo jigging, Many types of large game trolling lures, Bombers for fast retrieve (great for wahoo), cedar plugs, ballyhoos. Sabiki types for catching small bait. Large spoons. Soft Paddletails for inshore and offshore.
Top water: Mackerel, flying fish, anchovies/sardines, live squid.