Sea Fishing Baits

Both during cod fishing, as well as other forms of sea fishing, the use of bait has proved to be effective. In this article we look closely at different types of bait, the benefits, as well as the potential disadvantages of these baits. Seasonal variations, local conditions, availability of bait and the fish you're after, will determine which baits are best. As a general rule, the answer is to choose the bait that the fish have natural access to and that it actually feed on.

Mackerel
Mackerel is often used as bait for sea fishing. Especially at deep water mackerel has proven effective, but this is bait that usually can be used for all forms of sea fishing. The advantages of using mackerel as bait are many, and strictly speaking there is no need for other baits when sea fishing from boats. In several months of the year, mackerel is easily available and one can without any problem fill up the freezer with bait. Mackerel fillets bought in a store should not be used as bait, because the smell is almost absent. Another advantage is that the mackerel sits rather firmly on the hook. This is especially important when fishing at great depths. Notice that the skin of the mackerel is the most durable near the tail.

Mackerel is also easy to split up so that one can vary the size and shape as needed. Small strips that you attach to the jig, is a good example. Most species can be caught using this method, but especially for deep-sea fishing, as well as cod fishing, this is something that is recommended. In addition to the benefits mentioned above mackerel makes a lot of good smell. Several species can smell the mackerel bait on long distance. Especially when sea fishing from an anchored boat, this is a big advantage.

Also, mackerel is well suited when sea fishing from shore. The ability to shape the bait any way you want is a big advantage that makes it possible to use this as bait to most fishing methods. Be careful how you treat mackerel that shall be used for bait. Ideally, one should use mackerel that keeps satisfactory quality even as a food fish. Both for deep sea fishing and sea fishing from shore, mackerel are recommended as bait. Especially at deeper water, this is quite a sure winner.

Shrimps
Shrimp can be used as bait for sea fishing. In fact, shrimp is also effective as bait in fresh water, but keep in mind that in many places it is forbidden to use shrimp when sport fishing in fresh water. Using cooked, whole shrimp is effective, but you can also use raw shrimp. Some choose to divide it into smaller pieces. Both when sea fishing from shore, by boat in less depth, as well as for deep sea fishing, we recommend using whole and cooked shrimp that you buy in the supermarket counter. Fresh shrimp is expensive and for that reason it is not recommended do. Canned shrimp is a poor alternative because they emit little or no odor.

Most fish species like shrimps and thus this bait gives opportunities to an exciting and varied deep sea fishing. Also, when going sea fishing along the coast, shrimp provide opportunities to get many different species on the hook. Combined with good accessibility this makes shrimp into attractive bait. All year round you can buy frozen shrimp at a reasonable price. With shrimp and mackerel as bait will be well equipped for deep sea fishing, as well as sport fishing from shore. For deep-sea shrimp is a good supplement to the mackerel. If you are sea fishing at depths from ranging from 10 to 50 meters, shrimp is in our opinion by far the most effective bait. Also, notice that shrimps have proven very effective when used during cod fishing.

Coalfish and herring
Small coalfish and herring are used as bait for sea fishing. Herring can in many ways be compared with mackerel. For most, however, the supply of herring is not as good as for mackerel. Herring is also difficult to attach securely to the hook. Many species appreciate a piece of herring and especially sport fishing for halibut and flounder, herring is a good choice. For the vast majority mackerel will still to be a better alternative both for coastal and deep sea fishing.

Small coalfish has some other qualities and this is bait that has proved effective during deep sea fishing. It can often be used in the same way as mackerel and in most places the availability of small coalfish is very good. Note that this bait has slightly different properties than herring and mackerel. First and foremost it gives off less smell, which of course is a minus. A big plus is the durable skin that keeps the bait very well attached to the hook. This is a big advantage when fishing in deep water. When going sea fishing from shore, mackerel will mostly be the better choice.

Other baits
Crab is effective bait that has proven to be especially effective during cod fishing. Cod and other species are hunting crab in areas with seaweed, often close to shore. Especially for cod, crab is recommended as bait, notably in shallow water. Some choose to use the crab meat as bait, but we recommend the use of whole crab.

Squid is also bait that is popular in many countries. Many species eat a lot of squid and consequently this is a good alternative. Disadvantage with squid is that it emits little odor. The big advantage is that it sits very well on the hook, and thus well suited for fishing in deep water. Squid can be combined with other types of bait. Combined with bait that gives off much odor, it makes an effective mix for sea fishing at all depths

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Sea Fishing

In this blog you will find mostly tips and information related to cod fishing, but we also presents some tips on other forms of angling. In this article you will find some general information about sea fishing.

In most areas saltwater fishing is free of charge and the necessary gear can be bought at a reasonable price. Sea fishing is therefore an opportunity that many people can take advantage of regularly. There are both similarities and differences between fishing from shore and sea fishing from a boat. Deep sea fishing is something completely different, which you can read about in another article coming soon.

Sea fishing from boats
A boat gives you more options when you engage in sea fishing. You will then have the opportunity to seek out the small grounds and slopes where the fish feed. You do not need a big boat in order to fish near the coast, but be aware of wind conditions.

I would recommend a small deep-sea rod for sea fishing close to shore. A solid salmon rod can also be used. Sea fishing from a boat means that you are dealing with the current and wind. Adjust the weight on your sinks or lures, aiming to always have good contact with your gear, even if it is powerful drifting conditions. You should definitely take advantage of suspension during this sea fishing. Today, the offer is unbelievably large, so it's just to try different baits until you find your favorites. Personally, I like small suspension of various kinds, like small jigs. The great advantage of suspension is that it gives you the opportunity to try several methods and color simultaneously. Both during cod fishing, as well as during other forms of sea fishing, this has proven effective.

Shore Angling
Along the coast there are thousands of places suitable for sea fishing and many of these locations is suitable throughout the year. In cold areas you must remember to be careful during the winter. It can be slippery and dangerous. If you engage in sea fishing in areas with big waves you should always keep in mind that these can get several meters high, even in during nice weather conditions. This is because big waves can be building up far out at sea.

A rod designed for salmon is ideal for shore angling. The properties required are the same. I usually use suspension even when I fish from shore, but a maximum of one or two. Using the suspension makes it harder to exploit the rod features when you throw, so it might be okay to drop the suspension at locations where the long distance casting is needed. In my opinion, you should use lures ranging from 12 to 60 grams. I normally use lures ranging from 18 to 40 grams when I engage in sea fishing from shore. As when sea fishing from a boat, it is important to have multiple colors to choose from. If the fish do not bite, it will often pay off to try a different color. Variety is often the key to successful angling. Also, remember to adjust your lures to local conditions. They are always an important factor.

When to go sea fishing?
Time of day, not to mention high and low tides can affect the fish's willingness to bite. There are many opinions about this subject. In addition, there are large geographical variations. I'll mention some of the points that are important for sea fishing, but you will almost be certain to experience that these rules are not always correct. As a general rule, I will simply say that you can always catch fish in the sea.

Most agree that the tide could be essential for a good catch. However, experience regarding when it is best to fish varies widely. Local conditions are very crucial. Several locations in southern Norway, the difference between high tide and low tide are only 50cm, while in northern Norway it can be up to 300cm. In other areas like In Great Brittan and France there can also be a big difference. This means off course, that the importance of tide will vary a great deal. Note how the tide is when you go sea fishing. After a while you will get a good basis for deciding when it is best to fish at your locations.

Time of day is a factor that plays a minor role in sea fishing. Personally, I still find myself getting the most fish in the morning and early afternoon, but why this is so, I do not know. During the summer, shore angling is often best in the morning and evening since the fish then moves into lower grounds to hunt. You can get the most fish species in all seasons, but generally speaking, sea fishing is not at its best at the end of the summer when water temperatures are at their highest. Mackerel is an honorable exception.
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Sport Fishing for Coalfish

Although this blog is all about cod fishing, you will also find tips on other forms of sport fishing. During cod fishing it is not uncommon to get several other species on the hook. Coalfish and pollack are popular catches that often can be combined with cod fishing. In this article you will find tips on sport fishing for these species.

Pollack has a lot in common with coalfish, meaning that the information in this article to a large extent can be used when sport fishing for both species. However, some differences do exist. Coalfish can be bigger than pollock and you will more often find it in large shoals. Another difference is that the larger pollock often move closer to shore than the big coalfish does. What is meant by coalfish depends a bit on who you ask and in what areas you are doing sport fishing.

Fishing Spots

In areas that contain these species you will normally be able to catch them throughout the year, both close to the coast and offshore. Often you will find them in the same areas as cod is staying, meaning Pollack an coalfish often will be caught during cod fishing. Here are some fishing spots that are well suited for both cod fishing, as well as sport fishing for coalfish and Pollock.

• Fishing spots that are located where the seabed is from 100 to 500 meters deep are often the best spots to hunt for big coalfish. Such locations generally provide good sport fishing all year round.
• Often you will also find coalfish in areas with an uneven seabed. These ground conditions are a food basket for several fish species and at depths ranging from 100 to 200 meters you will be able to take on big coalfish.
• At locations providing strong tidal flow you can experience incredible sport fishing. During such conditions, big coalfish are hunting herring and other prey, something which gives great opportunities to some nice catches.
• If you are sport fishing from shore, piers, steep hills and other areas where the water is deep close to shore, often provide the best opportunities. These fishing grounds are suitable for sport fishing all year, but big pollock and coalfish will be a rather rare catch.
• If large waves have recently been beating against the coast, you can take catch big coalfish and cod close to shore. The waves have brought up food from the seabed, which attracts many species and often big fish. Cod fishing, as well as sport fishing for other species is recommended at such conditions.

 

Jigging

Jigging is a common and easy method of this sport fishing. You use a jig or pirk in which the weight is adjusted according to the depth and drift of your fishing grounds. Above the jig you may attach suspensions. Lower your gear directly to the bottom and then move it with a little jerky and fast movements. Notice that jigging at the seabed is not very effective when hunting for big coalfish. They move in all layers hunting for pray, but they will also be found at the bottom. Also, jigging is known as an effective way of cod fishing.

The choice of lures, jigs and suspensions is not very important. Coalfish and Pollack will eat almost anything, so it is not here the challenge lies. The big challenge is to find out where it is located. There are also other methods that can provide you with good catches and exciting experiences when engaging in this sport fishing.

 

Shore Fishing

Lure fishing from shore is ideal all year round. Seek fishing spots as mentioned above and get going. Long throw will give you the opportunity to fish a larger area, so pick lures that are suitable for this purpose. Lures imitating herring is often a good choice for this sport fishing. Remember to fish effectively at different depths, something you do by varying the speed when reeling in your line. Alternatively, you can vary the weight and shape of your lures. The biggest catches are hard to achieve this way, but when they follow the herring it is not impossible.

 

Sport Fishing Tips

If you are going for the big catch, sport fishing from a boat gives you the best opportunities. Coalfish moves across large areas and a boat make it much easier to seek locate the fish. The other methods mentioned above is more suited for fishing for smaller coalfish, but the possibilities of big fish are as mentioned always present. Remember that this two species often can be caught during cod fishing.

As mentioned, coalfish in pursuit of herring is a factor you should always keep in mind. An active boat fishing where you fish all depths in different locations will always give you good opportunities. But as with all sport fishing, there are no absolute rules. Local conditions and other factors can change the conditions for any form of sport fishing. Never be afraid to try new and creative methods when fishing.