TideStrikeSouth Florida

Bait Intelligence

What's running right now

The South Florida bite follows the bait. Track seasonal availability of pilchards, mullet, shrimp and crabs — plus how to catch each one and rig it for the species you're after.

The offshore trolling staple. Rigged ballyhoo skip across the surface and are irresistible to mahi, sailfish, and kings.

Seasonal availability

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

How to catch & rig

Chum and net over reefs at first light, or purchase fresh/frozen from offshore bait dealers.

Pin-rig or wire-rig with a chin weight behind a skirt; brine them firm before trolling.

Target species

mahi-mahiking mackerelsailfish