For fish, natural bait is always irresistible. The natural aromas that they give off attract predators to our great delight. Worms? Crustaceans? Fish? Cephalopods (cuttlefish, squid)? Shellfish? All this sea bait is effective for fishing. We discuss their specific features here so you can make the right choice.
WORMS
Sea worms are the most versatile bait. You can fish for a large variety of fish with this type of bait.
CLAMWORMS
Clamworms are khaki coloured segmented live bait whose length varies between 10 and 15 cm.
Rigging: clamworms are gently pricked through the head so they can still undulate in the water. Rigged in this way, they will withstand being cast better.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), surf casting.
FISH
#CaperlanTip: To stop the bait from sliding during rigging, put the end of your fingers in the sand.
RAGWORMS
Known as Escabène in the Mediterranean, this worm is more flexible than clamworms but less robust. Its size varies between 6 and 12 cm. There is also a thicker version called a super ragworm.
Rigging: like the clamworm, it should be pricked through the head.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours).
FISH
JUMBO WORM
This is a green coloured live bait. Jumbo worms are tough and quite a mouthful thanks to their size which varies between 12 to 25 cm. Its vivid phosphorescence makes it particularly suitable for night time fishing.
Rigging: the jumbo is threaded along its length using a needle.
1- Prick the entire worm – 2 – Adjust the tip of the hook in the needle then slide the bait on delicately.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), boat angling, surf casting.
FISH
LUGWORM
This is a black worm which measures between 10 and 20 cm. They are rare in the Mediterranean, but common on the Atlantic coast and the English Channel . Very effective for night fishing.
Rigging: this by worm can be pricked through the body or attached whole using a needle.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), boat angling, surf casting.
FISH
BIBI WORMS
Bibi worms are firm, thick and stocky bait which can cope with being cast a long way. Their length varies between 5 cm and 12 cm. Their size means they can be used for large fish. They are very good bait to use when fishing for gilthead sea bream.
Rigging: the worms are threaded delicately using a needle.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), boat angling, surf casting.
FISH
TUBE WORMS
These very attractive sturdy worms measure between 10 and 20 cm. They are rare in the Mediterranean, but common on the Atlantic coast and the English Channel .
Rigging: they can be pricked through the body or attached whole using a needle.
Fishing techniques: surf casting, shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours).
FISH
BLOOD WORMS
This versatile bait is very effective. Their length varies between 6 cm and 20 cm.
Rigging: can be baited whole or in pieces.
Fishing techniques: surf casting, shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), boat angling
FISH
CRUSTACEANS
Shrimps and crabs are effective bait. Very frequent on our coasts, they are part of the diet of predators such as bass.
CRABS
These are very effective bait. Under the water, they are easy prey for fish. Whatever their colour, they are always attractive.
Rigging: for the best hold, you can prick the crab with up to two hooks. This decreases the risk of the fish getting unhooked.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), boat angling, surf casting.
FISH
PRAWNS
Very attractive crustaceans which are common on the coast. Prawns live on rocky coasts and near harbours. Shrimps live on sandy ground.
Rigging: prawns can be pricked live on one hook.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours).
FISH
FISH
Both live and dead fish are excellent bait. It's very difficult for a predator to resist such an appetising and nutritious morsel
SARDINE
Very easy bait to get hold of and very effective. They are versatile and lure all kinds of fish.
Rigging: can be used live or pricked in pieces.
Fishing techniques: all types of sea fishing.
FISH
SAND EEL
Sand eels can be caught using a set of feathers. They can also be gathered at low tide using a small rake. They are an excellent bait, very lively on hooks.
Rigging: bait sand eels by the top of the skull so as not to damage them. If you have to cast them, tie them with a band for a better hold.
Fishing techniques: all types of sea fishing (boat angling, surf casting).
FISH
MACKEREL
These are fished from boats or from the shore with a set of feathers.
Rigging: bait a piece of mackerel on a hook.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), boat angling.
FISH
CEPHALOPOD
CUTTLEFISH / SQUID
These are excellent bait. Their supple flesh copes well with being cast.
Rigging: easy to bait, this bait can be attached with a strap. Small cephalopods can be baited directly on a hook.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), boat angling, surf casting.
FISH
SHELLFISH
Shellfish are bait which are much appreciated by groundfish such as sea bream. Bass don't hesitate to prowl near oyster beds to feed from them.
CLAMS, SCALLOPS, COCKLES, DOG COCKLES
These small shellfish can easily be gathered on coastal beaches using a claw or a rake.
Rigging: You just need to extract the flesh from the shell to prick it on the hook.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), surf casting.
FISH
RAZOR CLAMS
This shellfish measures around fifteen or so centimetres and can easily be gathered at low tide. Several small holes forming a figure eight reveal where they can be found. Cover this area with table salt to make them come out. Wait until they come out completely before seizing them or you risk missing them.
Rigging: attach razor clams using a needle (see the jumbo diagram above).
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours), surf casting.
FISH
MUSSELS
Mussels are gathered from rocks in the Mediterranean, in the English Channel or even in the North Sea.
Rigging: The hook pricks directly into the mussel. The shell is held by the ridges. You can remove the shell and attach a second mussel on the hook.
Fishing techniques: shore fishing (sea walls, jetties, harbours).
FISH
#caperlanTip
On a sealed rig, cracking the mussel shell improves the way its aroma spreads.
