Sea Fishing Bait Accessories

Fine bait elastic (0.10–0.15mm) is best for fragile baits like lugworm and ragworm. It holds the worm in place on the hook without restricting natural movement. For tougher baits like squid or peeler crab, use heavy elastic (0.30mm+) to secure the bait firmly for the cast.

A bait needle is one of the most underrated tools for beach fishing. Threading lugworm from the head onto the hook using a needle creates a compact, straight presentation that casts further and stays on the hook much better than pushing the hook through the worm body directly.

Keep ragworm in damp (not wet) newspaper or seaweed in a cool environment — a bait fridge running at 5–7°C is ideal. Change the newspaper daily to remove dead worms and waste. Live ragworm kept properly will stay in prime condition for a week. Never freeze ragworm alive — freeze only dead or surplus worm.

Peeler crab (crab that is in the process of shedding its shell) is the most effective bait for smoothhound, bass, and cod in many UK locations. Store in a cool bag on ice or in a fridge at 4–6°C. Peeling crabs can be frozen individually wrapped in cling film — frozen peeler is an effective bait, though not quite as effective as fresh.