There’s a strange phenomenon in saltwater fishing where trout, redfish, flounder, and other sportfish seem to develop “lockjaw” when it comes to artificial lures. I’ve discussed unusual baits before, but this time, I want to dive into some peculiar saltwater baits and share specific insights on what you can catch with them. (Plus, I’ll toss in a freshwater bonus or two!)
Fiddler Crabs
Fiddler crabs, recognizable by their one oversized claw and one smaller claw, are arguably the best bait for sheepshead. Their tough exoskeleton makes them hard for fish to strip off a hook, and sheepshead seem to prefer them over almost anything else. While catching fiddler crabs isn’t easy—some anglers use dip nets, while others set traps—they’re worth the effort. For sheepshead, fiddler crabs are like gold. Black drum are also known to take a liking to them.
Mud Minnows
Mud minnows may be a staple among flounder fishermen, but they’re surprisingly effective for speckled trout as well. The largest trout I’ve ever seen caught in the Sabine area came on a live mud minnow. Back in 1997, my dad hooked a monster trout near the reef at Mesquite Point. Although the fish eventually broke the line, it was undoubtedly a double-digit trophy. Since that day, mud minnows have been a key part of my trout fishing arsenal—especially when targeting big fish.
Stingray
Experienced surf fishermen know that stingray makes exceptional shark bait. In fact, some shark species, like hammerheads, are natural predators of stingrays. Using rays about the size of a dinner plate, rigged on a large circle hook, is a proven method for attracting big sharks. Whether fishing in the surf or near a rig with a chum bag, stingray is a top-tier bait for serious shark anglers.
Black Salty
The Black Salty is a live baitfish commercially raised in Arkansas and sold at select bait shops in Texas—or delivered right to your door via FedEx. I first tried them in 2009 while fishing for largemouth bass in heavily pressured ponds. After struggling with shiners and landing only small fish, I switched to the Black Salty and immediately noticed a difference. Rigged on a wide-gap hook through the lips and fished along grass lines, the Salty not only attracted bigger bass but also typically hooked them securely in the corner of the mouth. They not only work for bass but they work really good for redfish as well.