Baits

Choosing the right baits for saltwater fishing

The right bait often makes all the difference in saltwater fishing. Depending on the target species, depth and sea conditions, you won’t use the same natural baits or artificial lures. This category brings together baits suitable for fishing from shore or by boat, to target sea bass, sea bream, mackerel, pollack and other saltwater predators.

Before picking a bait, always keep three key criteria in mind: the size of the natural prey, the color in relation to water clarity, and the retrieve speed you can achieve with your tackle.

Natural baits for saltwater fishing

Natural baits remain a safe bet for many inshore species. They are especially effective when fish are wary or not very active.

• Sea worms: essential for sea bream, rockfish and bottom species when surfcasting or fishing on the bottom.
• Dead fish or cut bait: widely used for sea bass or pollack, whether drifting or on a sliding rig.
• Squid, cuttlefish, shellfish: tough baits in rough seas, ideal for targeting quality bottom fish.

Pay attention to presentation: a discreet rig, a neatly hooked bait and a size that matches the fish’s usual mouthful will greatly increase your chances of getting bites.

Artificial lures: soft baits, hard baits and jigs

Artificial lures let you cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes, even from reluctant fish.

• Soft lures: shads, finesse baits and slugs to use on straight retrieves, lift-and-drop or vertical presentations. Very effective on sea bass, pollack and coalfish.
• Hard baits: floating, suspending or sinking models to work different water layers from shore or by boat.
• Metal jigs: perfect for deep-water fishing, vertical jigging and slow jigging for pollack, bonito and other pelagic species.

Match the weight of your lures to the depth and current so you stay in the strike zone without losing contact with the bottom too quickly.

Matching your baits to seasons and techniques

At sea, effective baits change with the seasons. In colder water, favor slow presentations with natural baits or softly worked soft plastics. When the water warms up and fish are feeding near the surface, lean more on hard baits, light jigs and faster retrieves.

• Surfcasting: marine worms, shellfish and cut bait to cover different water layers.
• Shore fishing (rockfishing, saltwater street fishing): small soft lures, micro jigs and compact natural baits.
• Boat fishing: jigs, weighted soft lures and worked dead baitfish to explore all depths.

On GiantFish.ch, you can put together a complementary selection of baits so you stay effective whatever the changes in weather, tide and fish activity.

FAQ – Baits for saltwater fishing

Which baits should I use for sea bass?

Sea bass responds very well to soft shad-style lures, hard baits and natural baits such as sandeels or small dead fish. Match the size of your bait to the forage present in the area.

Which baits are best for sea bream when surfcasting?

Sea worms, shellfish and pieces of crustaceans are particularly effective on sea bream. Use fine leaders and well-presented baits to increase your chances of getting bites.

Do jigs work close to shore?

Yes, light jigs are very effective on inshore feeding frenzies of mackerel, pollack or bonito. They allow you to cast far and quickly cover the area, both from shore and by boat.

Should I change baits often in saltwater?

Switching baits or lure types is a good strategy when activity is low. Vary size, color and retrieve style until you find the combination that triggers strikes.