1. **Live Bait**: Many anglers swear by live bait for saltwater fishing. Common choices include:
- **Shrimp**: Highly effective for a variety of species like redfish, flounder, and snapper. You can use them whole or cut them into pieces.
- **Baitfish**: Mullet, menhaden, or pilchards are excellent choices when targeting larger fish like tarpon or kingfish.
- **Crabs**: Blue crabs or fiddler crabs are great for species like sheepshead and black drum.
2. **Cut Bait**: If live bait isn’t available, cut bait can be just as effective. Freshly cut pieces of fish like mackerel or sardines can attract a range of saltwater species.
3. **Artificial Lures**: Sometimes, using lures can be very successful:
- **Jigs**: They can mimic the movement of baitfish and are effective for species like grouper and snapper.
- **Topwater Lures**: Great for attracting species like snook and tarpon, especially during dawn or dusk.
- **Soft Plastics**: These can be rigged in various ways and are versatile for targeting different species.
4. **Squid**: Squid is a universal bait that works well for various saltwater fish, including bottom dwellers like cod and pollock.
5. **Scented Baits**: Some anglers prefer using scented baits or lures, which can attract fish even when they are not actively feeding.
Ultimately, the best bait will depend on the specific conditions, including the time of year, water temperature, and the species you are targeting. Experimenting with different types of bait can also lead to success. Happy fishing!
This answer doesn't make sense or isn't related to the question. Mark it as a probable hallucination of the AI model.