Fishing with Shrimp as bait

[sdreffs]

Did my first real salt water fishing this past week off the gulf coast (near Dauphin Island, Alabama). We did some charter fishing (caught some awesome redfish 22-24lbs)!!.
We also did some fishing from the shore with shrimp, but we could not keep the bait on. Any tips for fishing with shrimp (live or dead), is there a way to hook it on that will keep the bait robbers from getting it??

 

[RoyR]

Re: Fishing with Shrimp as bait

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-hook-a-shrimp-for-live-bait-fishing-79177/

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Fishing with Shrimp as bait

The sad truth is if you drop a yummy shrimp dead or alive in a group of pinfish or small snappers etc and there are no predators around that can eat those little fish making them hide, they are going to clean your clock no matter how you hook them. Best bet if the nibblers are present is to move to another spot. Anywhere you have shrimp you have a ton of critters trying to eat them including the two legged variety. I've found for reds that cutting a live shrimp in small chunks and tipping a jig is a good way to continue the battle without losing a coupla dozen shrimp in a coupla dozen casts. Fresh shrimp smell far better than dead or frozen.

Good Luck and catch a bunch

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Fishing with Shrimp as bait

Glad you caught some snapper before the season closed. This has been one of the best years in local memory for snapper, despite the Feds saying they are "overfished". Catch limits should be set regionally IMHO.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Fishing with Shrimp as bait

Now that you are getting the hang of fishing with live shrimp, you can try some of the other live and dead baits that work great with reds, trout, snapper and other coastal game fish.
Next up would be live bait; greenbacks, pilchers, pinfish, etc. that can be netted or bought from local bait shop. The pinfish won't bother them (unless they die!) and the catch are usually a bit bigger.
Also, you can use DOA (brand) shrimp, fished under a popping cork or with very light fluoro leader. Gulp (brand) shrimp on a jighead works well. Along with gold and silver spoons and you should be filling that stringer right up.
As far as the snapper..I am only aware of ARS (American red snapper) season ending in Gulf waters this coming Saturday, 15th. Mangrove and mutton are still fair game. Good luck, and let us know how you do!