Florida Keys is known for its abundant marine life and world-renowned deep sea fishing. With a plethora of fish species inhabiting the waters, it can be challenging to choose the right bait to lure them in. In this blog, we will discuss the best bait to use in the Florida Keys for deep sea fishing.
Live Bait:
Live bait is the most popular choice among anglers in the Florida Keys. It’s the closest thing to the natural prey of fish and can trigger their predatory instincts. Some of the most commonly used live bait in the Florida Keys are shrimp, crabs, squid, pilchards, and ballyhoo. When using live bait, it’s essential to keep it healthy and alive by maintaining the right temperature and oxygen levels. Live bait can attract a wide variety of fish species, including grouper, snapper, kingfish, and sailfish.
Cut Bait:
Cut bait is a versatile bait that can be used to target various species of fish. It is essentially pieces of fish that are cut into small chunks and used as bait. Cut bait can be used to target bottom-feeding fish like grouper, snapper, and amberjack, as well as pelagic species like tuna and wahoo. The most commonly used cut bait in the Florida Keys are squid, bonito, and ballyhoo.
Artificial Lures:
Artificial lures are a popular choice for anglers who prefer a more active approach to fishing. They can mimic the movement of natural prey and can be used to target a variety of species. Some of the most commonly used artificial lures in the Florida Keys are jigs, spoons, and plugs. Jigs are particularly effective in deeper waters and can be used to target bottom-feeding fish like grouper and snapper. Plugs and spoons can be used to target pelagic species like tuna and wahoo.
Chum:
Chum is not technically bait but rather a mixture of fish parts and blood that is used to attract fish to the area. Chumming can be a highly effective method for deep sea fishing in the Florida Keys. It can attract a variety of fish species, including sharks, tuna, and snapper. When using chum, it’s essential to be mindful of the environment and avoid overfeeding the fish.
In conclusion, the best bait to use in the Florida Keys for deep sea fishing depends on the species of fish you’re targeting and your preferred fishing method. Live bait, cut bait, artificial lures, and chum are all effective options, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of your choice of bait, it’s essential to be patient and persistent, as fishing in the Florida Keys can be a challenging but rewarding experience.