Use This Simple Rig To Catch Live Bait For Monster Fish
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
It’s no secret that live bait can be incredibly productive, especially when targeting big fish!
But figuring out what baitfish to use, where to find them, and how to catch them can be really frustrating and time-consuming.
So in this video, you’ll learn:
- How to make a simple rig to catch a variety of baitfish
- The baits you can expect to catch
- What materials you’ll need for this bait rig
- And more
Check it out below!
How To Catch Live Bait With Fishbites [VIDEO]
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As summer begins, a large variety of baitfish make their way out onto the beaches, in passes and, around inlets to get ready for their spawn.
So it’s a great time to get out there and use this simple rig to fill your livewell with a variety of baitfish and better prepare yourself for that next big bite!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fishbites EZ Bait Shrimp
- Eagle Claw Plain Shank Hook, #2
- Ande Monofilament, 15#
- Teardrop Weight, 2 oz.
How To Tie The Fishbites Live Bait Rig
Start with a really long section of Ande monofilament leader.
Create loops with an overhand knot wrapped twice and then put the loop through the eye of hook or weight.
Wrap loop around the hook and cinch down tight.
You’re not really tying a knot to secure the hook or sinker, you’re just creating a dropper loop.
Put your Fishbites on the hook and you’re ready to catch bait!
You could also tip the Fishbites with a small piece of dead shrimp or clam but it’s not necessary.
And the mesh material inside Fishbites helps to reinforce the bait and stays secure on the hook for a long time.
Conclusion
If you want to catch a variety of baitfish like croakers, pinfish, pigfish, or even squirrelfish, this live bait rig will do the trick!
Have you used a rig like this before to catch live bait?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who loves to use live bait and wants to save money, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
Click here to get your Fishbites EZ Baits!
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Related articles:
- HOW TO KEEP YOUR LIVE BAIT IN PLACE WITH THIS SIMPLE HACK
- LIVE BAIT UNDERWATER STUDY (SHOCKING RESULTS)
- LIVE BAIT RIGS: BEST OVERALL RIG FOR INSHORE FISHING (AND THE WORST RIG)
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Hi guys, I got stuck by a Skip jack, what would be good to put on it, to stop the burning, it was about 4 in., it’s a deep small opening
Ouch! I am so sorry Steven, that definitely doesn’t feel great (I’ve had a few run ins with those baits myself)! Best thing to do is use a bucket of warm water and a very small splash of Bleach and dip the area in the water for several minutes. The goal here is to help sooth the burning sensation and to help prevent infection. A small dab of Neosporin or another Topical Antibiotic would also help.
I tried fishbites yesterday for the first time on pinfish. I thought it would end taking frozen squid which in my go to way to get pinfish for bait. I was not successful using the fishbites. I used the same size of fishbite and 2 hook rig as I usually do and caught none on the fishbite after 5 minutes in my regular location. I changed back to my frozen squid pieces and on the next drop caught my first pinfish and continued until I had my dozen or so. Anyone else have a similar experience?
That’s a bummer to hear, Dan. There have been times when it’s hard to beat the “real deal” (Fresh Dead or Frozen Bait) when it comes to catching Pinfish/Pigfish/Croakers and more. That’s why having a little added security of also tipping your hooks with fresh pieces of shrimp (or squid, in your case) will help as well. In this video, I was able to land about 18 Croakers in a short period of time (30 minutes), and I eventually got to the point where I wasn’t needing to tip the hooks with any bait at all! Maybe it takes a little while for the Fish Bites to become “activated” and start giving off a stronger scent? Just food for thought. Thanks for the feedback!
Been using Fishbites for years, if there are croaker or pinfish there, they will bite…in my experience.
Good video Justin. I agree with Mark below; the light wood background made it tough to see the line as you were tying it. A darker background next time will work better.
Thanks for the heads up, Bill. I will try to use a darker background to help with focusing next time. Appreciate the tip!
Tough to see what you are doing.No contrast. Maybe a fluorescent green against a dark background
Sorry about that, Paul. I will find a better focusing point for line tying rigs in future videos. Thank you for the input!
Good information Justin. Fishing for bait fish could keep you skunked. lol Nice set up. I use the same rig but heavier line and hardware for the surf.
Thanks Willie!
Why not save all the hassle and for less money just use a sabiki rig
Just curious works great for everything you just described
Jonathan
I was literally about to comment the same thing. Sabiki rigs are super cheap, and you can catch a bunch of fish at once. If you are looking for baitfish, and have no cast net, sabiki is hard to beat
Hey Jonathan & Josh! Great point. In response, I’ll be making a Sabiki Vs. Bottom Bait Rig video next. Both work for a variety of species, but the small hooks on a Sabiki run you the risk of gut hooking a larger bait like a Pinfish/Pigfish/Croaker. I prefer to use a Sabiki for more mid-water baitfish like Pilchards/Threadfin/Blue Runners and reserve the Bottom Bait Rig for demersal species. More to come soon.
I thought it was helpful. I will definitely try it on my next trip.
Thanks Robert!
Hey Justin… great info. For a $1.98, a Sabiki rig and molecule of shrimp, bucket full of bait….works anywhere Thanks.
Hey Tom! Good point. I’ll be making a Sabiki Vs. Bottom Bait Rig video next 🙂 Both work for a variety of species, but the small hooks on a Sabiki run you the risk of gut hooking a larger bait like a Pinfish/Pigfish/Croaker. More to come soon.
Good instructional video. I’ve been using FishBites for years.
Thanks Mel!
A different background would make it easier to see the lines as you are manipulating them
Agreed, Mark. I will find a better focusing point for line tying rigs in future videos. Thank you for the input!