Landing a trophy marlin starts with one critical decision: choosing the right bait or lure from countless options. Whether you're targeting blue marlin in the Gulf or black marlin off Australia, your bait selection can make the difference between an empty spread and the fish of a lifetime. The top 10 marlin baits include proven […]

Professional halibut guides report that using the right bait can increase catch rates by up to 40% compared to random bait selection. The three most effective halibut baits are herring, salmon bellies, and salmon parts, with each offering unique advantages for different fishing conditions. Many anglers struggle with choosing and preparing the best bait for […]

The age-old debate among cod anglers continues: should you use natural baits or modern lures? The truth is, both approaches catch cod consistently when used correctly. Understanding when and how to deploy each option separates successful anglers from those returning home empty-handed. The top natural baits for cod fishing include black lugworm, peeler crab, squid, […]

You're standing at your tackle box, staring at two similar-looking lures. Both have treble hooks, both imitate baitfish, yet experienced anglers swear they're completely different. The confusion between jerkbaits and crankbaits costs anglers countless missed opportunities every season. Here's the fundamental difference: crankbaits are round-bodied lures designed for steady retrieves using your reel, while jerk […]

Landing a trophy striped bass remains one of angling's greatest thrills. Whether you're casting from the surf or trolling a freshwater reservoir, success hinges on one crucial decision: choosing the right bait. After decades of chasing stripers from Maine to California, I've learned that bunker (menhaden) consistently outperforms all other live baits, while soft plastic […]

The first time I hooked a sturgeon, it felt like snagging a submerged log—until that "log" nearly spooled my reel and launched itself six feet out of the water. These living dinosaurs have survived 200 million years by being incredibly selective feeders, making your bait choice the difference between an empty cooler and the catch […]

Nearly 30% of fishing charters in the Gulf of Mexico target redfish, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration survey. This statistic alone shows why red drum have become one of America's most sought-after inshore gamefish, rivaling even popular freshwater species in angler interest. Many anglers struggle to choose between countless bait options when […]

The best tuna fishing baits include threadfin herring, menhaden, mullet, mackerel, and squid for live options, plus cedar plugs, skirted lures, metal lures, soft plastics, and feather jigs for artificial choices. Each bait excels in specific conditions and targets different tuna species effectively. Choosing the wrong bait means watching other boats land trophy tuna while […]

Your drag screams as 150 pounds of prehistoric silver launches skyward, shaking its massive head in a desperate attempt to throw your hook. This is tarpon fishing, where choosing the right bait can mean the difference between the catch of a lifetime and watching giants roll past your offerings all day. Many anglers struggle with […]

Bluefish are the ocean's most aggressive predators, earning nicknames like "choppers" and "yellow-eyed devils" for their ferocious feeding habits. Whether you're targeting these powerful fighters from shore or boat, choosing the right bait can mean the difference between an empty cooler and the catch of a lifetime. The best bait for bluefish includes oily fish […]