Scaled Sardine / Pilchard

Best use: Inshore, reef edges and offshore live-bait presentations

How to get it: Small mesh cast net where lawful, or sabiki around visible schools

Keep it alive: Round/circular livewell with strong aeration; avoid overcrowding

Hook placement: Nostrils for slow movement; shoulder/back for controlled swimming; belly/anal area only when a deeper presentation is intentionally needed

Typical targets: Snook, jacks, mackerel, snapper, mahi-mahi and other predators where present

Threadfin Herring

Best use: Reef edges, channels and offshore live bait

How to get it: Sabiki or lawful cast-net methods around schools

Keep it alive: Very delicate—high oxygen, gentle handling, low crowding

Hook placement: Light-wire circle hook through nostrils or upper back without hitting spine

Typical targets: Mackerel, snapper, jacks, mahi-mahi and pelagic predators

Ballyhoo

Best use: Trolling, drifting and live-bait fishing

How to get it: Sabiki, small hooks/chum, or lawful net methods

Keep it alive: For live use, excellent aeration and gentle handling; for rigged bait, chill immediately

Hook placement: Live: nostril/upper jaw area; trolling: properly rigged through head/beak area

Typical targets: Mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, billfish and mackerel

Mullet

Best use: Mangroves, channels, beaches and passes

How to get it: Cast net only where lawful; hook-and-line alternatives where required

Keep it alive: Strong bait but still needs oxygen and clean water

Hook placement: Nostrils for natural swimming; upper back for more resistance; tail area for directional presentation

Typical targets: Snook, tarpon, jacks, barracuda and larger predators

Live Shrimp

Best use: Mangroves, docks, flats, channels and reef edges

How to get it: Purchase or collect only by lawful methods and seasons

Keep it alive: Cool, oxygenated water; do not overcrowd

Hook placement: Horn/rostrum area avoiding brain, tail fan for casting, or weedless through body depending presentation

Typical targets: Snapper, snook, jacks, permit-type species and many reef/inshore fish

Small Legal Baitfish

Best use: Heavy live-bait applications

How to get it: Hook-and-line only when species, size and use are legal

Keep it alive: Large livewell and strong flow

Hook placement: Heavy circle hook through nostril or upper back

Typical targets: Large predators; verify bait-species legality before use

Topwater Walkers & Poppers

When: Low light, feeding activity, shallow flats, reef edges and surface strikes

Presentation: Walk-the-dog, pauses, or controlled pops; slow down after missed strikes

Tackle note: Medium to heavy tackle depending lure/target; leader matched to abrasion/teeth

Suspending / Diving Minnows

When: Mangrove edges, channels, reef edges and baitfish schools

Presentation: Steady retrieve with twitches and pauses; select diving depth to stay near fish without constantly hitting structure

Tackle note: Match lure weight to rod; fluorocarbon/mono leader as conditions require

Soft-Plastic Paddle Tails

When: Universal search bait from flats to deeper edges

Presentation: Steady swim, lift-drop, or slow roll near bottom

Tackle note: Jighead weight only heavy enough to maintain depth/control

Bucktail / Hair Jigs

When: Current, channels, passes, structure and deeper water

Presentation: Hop, sweep or swim; keep contact without excessive snagging

Tackle note: Leader abrasion resistance is important near reef/structure

Metal Casting Jigs

When: Fast-moving schools, shore casting and pelagic activity

Presentation: Fast retrieve, sweep-and-fall, or varied cadence

Tackle note: Use strong split rings/hooks and inspect after hard fish

Vertical / Slow-Pitch Jigs

When: Deep reef, ledges and offshore structure

Presentation: Vertical cadence matched to current and fish depth

Tackle note: Use tackle designed for jig weight/depth; descending-device rules may apply to reef fish

Trolling Plugs

When: Offshore searching, reef lines and drop-offs

Presentation: Run at manufacturer-appropriate speed/depth; stagger spread

Tackle note: Quality swivels/leaders; inspect lure after strikes

Skirted Trolling Lures

When: Bluewater mahi, tuna, wahoo and billfish-style trolling

Presentation: Position in clean water in the spread; vary size/profile

Tackle note: Rigging strength must match target; use lawful hooks and handling