Live Bait
This is not as straightforward as you may initially think
some fish will eat anything, a Cod was once found with 3 hard back books
inside when gutted but I would not
suggest using the latest paperback as bait.
When considering bait for your next fishing expedition you should be flexible and opportunist, you could get couple of score of Lug and a block of squid but when you get to the beach have a poke around look under rocks (remembering to roll them back) look in pools under piles of weed, you never know what you may find.
If you get to the beach after a storm and find hundreds of slipper limpets littering the sand it’s a good bet the fish will be having a feast on them even when they have started to rot, so try them or you’ll never know.
Artificial Baits
When is was a lad and arrived at the seaside with my freshwater cane rod and my Intrepid Black prince reel if there was no fresh bait available the only option was preserved baits, salted lug worm or squid in brine both were bloody awful.
Today there are many artificial baits around some shaped like the bait it is imitating some just in strips or lumps I have not tried the but I have heard mixed results all seemed to catch. One of the best uses seems to be in a feeder as a ground bait as the artificial doesn't wash out so quickly .
Another bait that seems worth a shot when fresh is hard to get is reconstructed frozen baits like peeler or mussel from Lincolnshire Peeler.
Plugs Spoons Spinners Ells and Flies
These are very effective for Bass, Mullet, Pollock Mackerel, Garfish even Cod. Fishing from rocks, piers, sea walls, jetties and harbours this type of fishing can be fun and very rewarding and is very active, trying different baits moving position more hunting than fishing. Saltwater Fly fishing for Bass Mullet Mackerel and Garfish has been around for years by is now becoming more popular with the main rod builders now making a selection of gear to cater for this form.
A baited spoon imitating a small fish with a big worm works well for Bass, Mullet, Flounder, Place and even Pike and Perch
Remember
If running low on bait try anything even your cheese sandwich , and always carry a string of feathers.