One of the most effective methods for catching saltwater gamefish is by using live bait. Rather than making a trip to the local baitfish shop, catch it on your own. Not only does it save you money, but most often saves you time. I prefer to catch live bait before heading out for a day of fishing on the boat or from the shore. Filling a live well full of fresh bait is made possible by using a sabiki rig, bait trap, or cast net. Are you wondering how to catch baitfish? Here are three methods to stocking up on live bait before heading out fishing. 

Sabiki Rig

The sabiki rig is a unique device designed to catch multiple baits at once. Sabikis imitate schools of minnows because of the shiny mylar that sits atop a small hook. 

I have fished for bait with sabikis on numerous occasions and can attest to the fact that they work well when schools of baitfish are present. 

However, it should be noted that the sabiki rig must be fished from an elevated surface where it can be dropped into the water straight from above. 

Importantly, when fishing a sabiki, the rig must be kept in motion by gently bouncing the rod tip. The movement causes the mylar to reflect in the sun increasing the chances of baitfish striking the hook. It should be noted that on days when baitfish are finicky, tip the hook with a small piece of shrimp. 

Lastly, when you’re hooked up to bait on the sabiki, handle the baitfish with care as to avoid injury and death. A dehooker tool works best to avoid holding the bait altogether. Drop the de hooked bait directly into the livewell. 

Bait Trap

Without question, the most straightforward method that requires minimal effort is using a bait trap. However, utilizing bait traps requires time compared to sabiki rigs or cast nets. 

Let’s just say that the bait trap is a set it and forget it. Rather than tossing a cast net or jigging a sabiki rig, the bait trap is left to sit in position. 

With that being said, bait traps must be filled with bait such as dead fish, shrimp, dog food, or even squid. 

Once the bait is added to the trap, deploy it into the water in an area where it will remain in position on the bottom and not be swept away by the current. Importantly, the trap must always be secured to a fixed object, such as a dock with a line. An unsecured trap will disappear, not to be seen again. 

Undoubtedly, the question is always how long should the trap sit? If you’re planning to fish the following day, I highly recommend dropping the trap into the water a day in advance for the best results. However, the trap can become loaded up with live fish in as little as one hour. The results are highly dependent on the number of baitfish in the vicinity.

Importantly, always bring along a bucket and aerator pump to keep those freshly caught bait alive.  

Cast Net

By far my favorite method and fastest method to catch baitfish and shrimp is by throwing a cast net.

Without a doubt tossing a cast net requires practice. A thrown net that does not open or hardly opens is useless in comparison to a properly tossed net with a wide open span. When it comes to how to catch baitfish, this is the most effective but challenging of them all. 

Importantly, you’ll need to locate schools of baitfish before tossing the net. Once you’ve spotted a school of bait, toss the net in the center of the group, allow the net to sink, and retrieve it. I have caught a bucket full of baitfish in a single throw. 

Remember, empty the baitfish directly from the inside of the net to the bucket so you can avoid laying them on a hot dock or deck of a boat. Also, this prevents unnecessary handling of fragile bait. 

In the situation where you do not load up on bait on the first throw, allow the school to recongregate. Once they have recongregated, repeat the process noted above. 

Now You Know How To Catch Baitfish In Saltwater

As you can see, you have the opportunity to catch baitfish in a multitude of ways. Pick the right method that suits you the best. No matter which you pick, you’ll avoid a trip to the local bait shop and keep some extra cash in your pocket. I prefer to throw a cast net, but I have done so for years, so my skills are honed in. Lastly, keep the livewell bucket on hand to preserve the fresh bait to attract more strikes.