Top 10 Saltwater Fishing Baits for the US Coast (That Actually Work)

Introduction
Whether you're soaking bait in the surf, casting off a Gulf pier, or dropping rigs from a kayak along the East Coast, one thing stays the same—good bait matters. In this guide to the best saltwater fishing baits for US waters, we’ll run through what really works—from oily mackerel chunks and frozen squid strips to homemade DIY crab bait wrapped in elastic.

Using proper natural baits—like sand fleas, bloodworms, or a chunk of fiddler crab—can make a world of difference when you're saltwater fishing. Whether you're new to the game or you’ve been chasing stripers and reds for decades, the best bait is whatever the fish can’t say no to.

Best Natural Saltwater Fishing Baits for US Waters

1. Mackerel (Mackerel Bait) – Frozen or Fresh

Mackerel bait is a go-to along much of the East Coast. Cut into strips or chunks, it’s perfect for bluefish, striped bass, sharks, and drum. It’s tough, oily, and easy to store frozen—ideal for long weekends or sudden beach missions.

2. Squid (Squid Bait)

If you only bring one bait that covers just about everything, squid is hard to beat. Whether you're after sea trout, flounder, or redfish, it just works. It sticks to the hook like glue and kicks out a strong scent trail in the water. You can fish it on its own or mix it with a bit of shrimp or cut bait if you want to get fancy.

3. Shrimp (Live Shrimp or Frozen)

Shrimp is the old reliable of saltwater bait—pretty much everything eats it. Whether you're skipping it under docks for sheepshead or soaking it in the surf for redfish, it’s a solid choice.

If you can get live shrimp, grab them. Most coastal bait shops sell them by the dozen, and they’re absolute candy for speckled trout, snook, flounder, and more. Hook one through the horn or the tail and let it do its thing.

No live ones? No problem—frozen shrimp still catches. Just thread it on the hook, give it a few wraps with bait elastic, or use a baiting needle to keep it neat and cast-ready.

4. Fiddler Crabs & Sand Fleas

If you’re targeting sheepshead, black drum, or redfish, fiddler crabs are a no-brainer. Easy to collect, easy to fish, and deadly when dropped tight to structure.

Sand fleas—those little critters you rake out of the surf wash—are dynamite for pompano, whiting, and drum. They’re one of those baits that don’t look like much but consistently outfish the rest. Fish them whole or mashed up into a DIY crab bait wrapped in squid.

5. Menhaden (Bunker / Herring) – Fresh or Salted

Also known as bunker, menhaden bait is rich in oil and scent, making it a top choice for stripers, blues, and sharks. Slice into chunks and fish on the bottom. I like to make salted menhaden bait at home—less mess, longer lasting, and just as deadly. For offshore use, ballyhoo and pilchards bait (especially frozen) are excellent for mahi, snapper, and tuna.

6. Bloodworms

If you’re fishing for striped bass, flounder, or kingfish from piers and bays, bloodworms are gold. Just don’t stick your fingers near the head—they bite. Use a baiting needle to thread them on neatly, especially for long-range surfcasting.

7. Lugworms & Clam Worms

Popular in the Northeast, lugworms and clam worms are classic baits for surfcasting. Whether you're targeting fluke or schoolie stripers, these worms ooze scent and pair well with a sliding sinker rig. Handle with care—they’re fragile, but deadly.

8. Sand Eels

A favorite for striped bass, especially in the Northeast. Use fresh or frozen sand eels whole or chopped. They’re a top choice for trolling or drift fishing in clear water. Fish them on jig heads, Carolina rigs, or as trailer baits.

9. Mullet (Cut or Live)

Live or cut mullet bait is a killer option, especially in the South. Tarpon, snook, redfish, and even jack crevalle will smash them. Hook them through the lips or tail, depending on current and presentation. Fresh is best, but frozen works fine in a pinch.

10. Threadfin & Pilchards Bait

Inshore or offshore, threadfin herring and pilchards bait are premium options for snapper, grouper, cobia, and amberjack. Use them live when possible, or fish cut pieces on bottom rigs over structure.

Bonus Bait Assembly

Here’s how to build a neat, scent-heavy bait using a baiting spoon or multi-bait tool:

1. Lay your hook and line in the tool’s groove.
2. Stack your bait—squid, crushed crab, shrimp, worms—on top.
3. Wrap the bait tight with bait elastic.
4. Slide it off, and it’s ready to send.

A baiting needle helps you thread slippery baits like bloodworms, lugworms, or live shrimp onto the hook for precise placement.

Foraging for Bait

Raking sand fleas, scooping fiddler crabs, or catching mullet in a cast net—it’s all part of the adventure. It might take some time to collect, but at least you’re not dropping $25 at the bait shop every trip.

DIY bait connects you to the water in a different way—and often catches better too. Just follow local regulations and don’t clean out every tide pool.

Smuggler Max for the Shore, Predator for the Boat

You can bring the best bait in the world, but if your rod can’t handle it, it’s game over. That’s why I carry two go-to travel rods from Rigged & Ready—each built for different kinds of fishing.

The Smuggler Max is my all-rounder. It’s a four-piece, heavy-duty rod that fits in a backpack but can take on surf, jetties, and rocks without flinching.

But when I’m heading out on a boat—whether it’s bottom fishing for grouper, drifting for big reds, or dropping heavier rigs—I grab the Predator. This thing is a beast: strong backbone, fast action, and perfect for heavy bait work. It’s a proper travel rod for serious saltwater battles.

Both rods break down small, travel light, and handle punishment like much bigger gear. Whether I’m fishing from the beach or bouncing around on a skiff, these two have me covered.

Final Thoughts

The best saltwater fishing baits for US waters aren’t about what’s in fancy packaging—they’re the ones that stay on the hook, put out a scent trail, and make fish commit. Whether it’s a salted chunk of menhaden, a live shrimp under a cork, or a homemade DIY crab bait lashed with elastic, it’s all about matching your bait to the conditions and the species.

And of course, none of that matters without the right fishing rod. That’s why I pack the Smuggler Max for surf and the Predator when I’m heading offshore or working deeper marks from a boat. Between them, I’ve got the flexibility to fish anywhere—from beach to bay to blue water. Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and enjoy every cast—even the ones that come back without a bite. That’s fishing.