BAIT SHOP PINE ISLAND
PINE ISLAND - MATLACHA - BOKEELIA - SAINT JAMES CITY
CAPTAINS CALL TO RESERVE YOUR BAIT:
(239) 673-8149
We are located at 1242 SW Pine Island Rd #13 ( Just North of Chiquita Blvd.)
MONDAY - SATURDAY 6AM - 7PM | SUNDAY 6AM - 5PM
Big Boys Bait & Tackle is located in Cape Coral, FL and promises to be the largest bait and tackle store in the area. The 2,240 square feet of space will allow for the anticipated growth and expansion to include the largest live bait tanks, as well as other bait and gear to cover all aspects of fishing from freshwater to backwater, inshore and offshore.
Below we have included 4 different techniques for keeping your bait fresh.
Have Questions? Give Us A Call: (239) 673-8149
OUR FROZEN BAIT SELECTION INCLUDES
Shrimp, Finger Mullet, Sardines, Threaded Herring, Squid Wings, Barnhill Chum, Thread Fin, Menhaden, Pilchards, Mackerel, Lady Fish, Bonita, Ballyhoo (Rigged) & Ballyhoo (Unrigged).
SHRIMP
FINGER MULLET
SARDINES
THREADED HERRING
SQUID
CHUM
Keeping Bait Fresh and Appetizing
The most important aspect of offshore saltwater fishing is in the bait that you use. Many fishermen like to use live bait with a combination of leaders and streamers. Others will use artificial lures when live bait is not available. Others yet will use frozen bait that is preserved for offshore saltwater fishing. Preserving your bait is important to keep it fresh and appealing to the predatory fish in the sea.
Keep Temperature Low
If you are going to be using bait that is already dead, then you need to keep it at a cool temperature in order for it to be fresh when hitting the water. It is important to distinguish between frozen and cool. While you want the bait to be cold it does not necessarily have to be frozen. If you have to wait several days for your trip, then the bait should be frozen. However, if bought fresh, then a cold temperature will make sure they are preserved.
Use Plenty of Salt
Storing the saltwater fishing bait in the boat will require that you use plenty of sea salt to keep it preserved. The salt will halt any bacteria that can set in while you are transporting the bait. Pack the uncut bait in a storage container that is both cool and full of salt.
Marinate the Bait
Another preservation method that can be used is to marinate the bait in some mineral oil and garlic salt. Pour the mineral oil into a container and add the bait. Then sprinkle in some garlic salt over the bait. Once the container is sealed it should be kept this way for at least 14 days. This will kill off any organisms that are contained in the fish.