by Fishin’ Frank
What is the perfect bait? Are there any rules about bait? Which stay constant or true? Not really, but possibly – what’s the best bait for fishing the flats? We need to look at water temps to answer that. Why? Well everything affects everything; say for instance the weather this year is a lot like last year, there is no El-Niño or La-Niña in the Pacific Ocean- why is that important? We are vulnerable to hurricanes. Yes, whenever there is either of those in play, all the way over in the Pacific Ocean, we might get one or two hurricanes that hit the U.S. Without the effects of El Niño or La-Niña we get a lot of storms. So, watch the weather, this year could be weird again. Weather affects us, bait, and fish. It also affects what fish will eat.
Water temperatures affect the choice of bait. Much of it is how the fish react to temperature changes. A good rule of thumb is when water is under 70° shrimp and pinfish are good. Under 65°, shrimp is King of Baits. When the water is colder and fish being cold-blooded, they cannot digest food properly. Once it swallows the bait/food, the food can rot in their stomach before it can be digested. It takes warmth to digest. Shrimp seem to be easier for the fish to digest and it is about how many calories a fish uses, versus the calories of chasing down the meal. Florida fish are temperate zone fish and like us in the fall, they slow down just like we do as it gets cold.
Water from 70° to 75°, white bait or shrimp. Both will catch a lot of fish, equally well. Redfish will make you crazy- as it starts to warm up again, they will, for some reason, just want pinfish or blue crabs. And once the water gets back to 80°, things change again.
Over 75° to 82° white bait is king. White bait is fast and shiny, so combine the warm water with oily food- the fish are in the mood for fun.
Over 85°, dead bait- dead shrimp or cut pieces of fish are the best king of baits. When the water gets too hot, the problem is low oxygen and when it is hard to breath, like a room that is over 100°, you have a hard time breathing, even gasping for air. Same thing for fish, so dead bait sitting sit on the bottom is easier for a fish to find, as it stinks more so they smell it and it’s easy to eat, as it is just sitting there.
So, the best bait for fishing the flats is the bait that’s best for the water and weather conditions. You will find people who say, you have to use this or that for bait. Well, they will have some good days and a lot of slower days. People who change the bait they are using, to fit the weather and temperatures, will have many more good days.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
Fishing’ Franks Bait & Tackle 4425-D Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980, 941-625-3888 and 14531 N. Cleveland Ave., Ft. Myers, FL 33903 239-634-1043