Keep getting my bait (shrimp) stolen! How do I stop this? What am I doing wrong? I am trying to target Whiting and everyone in the bait shops down here (Beaufort, SC area) recommended...

FS Digest

How do I stop this? What am I doing wrong? I am trying to target Whiting and everyone in the bait shops down here (Beaufort, SC area) recommended shrimp. I’m also using a high-low rig they recommended as well. Do I need smaller hooks, bigger hooks? I can feel that I’m getting bites, but I think it’s just small bait fish nibbling at it. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

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by beardownz369

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

FS Digest wrote:

How do I stop this? What am I doing wrong? I am trying to target Whiting and everyone in the bait shops down here (Beaufort, SC area) recommended shrimp. I’m also using a high-low rig they recommended as well. Do I need smaller hooks, bigger hooks? I can feel that I’m getting bites, but I think it’s just small bait fish nibbling at it. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

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by beardownz369

Of course a bait shop will recommend shrimp, it's the only bait they carry in most areas

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

FS Digest wrote:

How do I stop this? What am I doing wrong? I am trying to target Whiting and everyone in the bait shops down here (Beaufort, SC area) recommended shrimp. I’m also using a high-low rig they recommended as well. Do I need smaller hooks, bigger hooks? I can feel that I’m getting bites, but I think it’s just small bait fish nibbling at it. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

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by beardownz369

You might try squid and smaller hooks. You also may want to try different place.

Ugly fish Loc: W Penn

You also might try setting the hook whenever you sense a nibble!

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

FS Digest wrote:

How do I stop this? What am I doing wrong? I am trying to target Whiting and everyone in the bait shops down here (Beaufort, SC area) recommended shrimp. I’m also using a high-low rig they recommended as well. Do I need smaller hooks, bigger hooks? I can feel that I’m getting bites, but I think it’s just small bait fish nibbling at it. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

--
by beardownz369

It's probable pinfish, and unless you are using a very small hook, a size 10 treble works well, you won't catch them. When you catch them use them for bait.

FinFisherman Loc: Born in Ohio - 40 yrs Florida- Clearwater,Fl

flyguy wrote:

It's probable pinfish, and unless you are using a very small hook, a size 10 treble works well, you won't catch them. When you catch them use them for bait.

That's good advice but I never did very well fishing in the same place I caught those bait stealers tho.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

flyguy wrote:

It's probable pinfish, and unless you are using a very small hook, a size 10 treble works well, you won't catch them. When you catch them use them for bait.

That was my thought too. In Carolina I rarely fish natural bait if they're around. You're right on using them for bait too. Had a friend who insisted nothing would eat a pinfish, as I landed a q0# bluefish at his feet. His answer was " A bluefish will eat anything. 😆😆

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Your friend is very wise indeed, bluefish are quite aggressive feeders. In my Opinion, probably the most under rated gamefish in Long Island Sound, at least.
Very strong fighters with near tuna speed. Watch those teeth, can do a lot of damage with just one chop.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

nutz4fish wrote:

Your friend is very wise indeed, bluefish are quite aggressive feeders. In my Opinion, probably the most under rated gamefish in Long Island Sound, at least.
Very strong fighters with near tuna speed. Watch those teeth, can do a lot of damage with just one chop.

Believe me I know. Caught hundreds if not thousands, one if which bit the very tip of a finger off.

captjim Loc: Antioch Ca

Not sure how big your shrimp are. Here we use a shrimp called ghost for sturgeon and striped bass. They are about the size of a small prawn. I use some elastic thread to tie the bait to the hook. No knot needed just a few wraps.

Ozzie Loc: Central Florida

Could it be crabs? They love to remove shrimp from your hooks.....

fishinphil

i was going to say to try some of the "netting" salmon and trout fishers use to tie up skien onto thier hooks.

PFC

Tie a piece of thread to the hook and the shrimp.

MadPole Loc: Woodstock Ga

Sheepshead??? They are quite adept at sucking shrimp off a hook. Keep a finger on your line at the reel so you can feel the slightest nibble.

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

FS Digest wrote:

How do I stop this? What am I doing wrong? I am trying to target Whiting and everyone in the bait shops down here (Beaufort, SC area) recommended shrimp. I’m also using a high-low rig they recommended as well. Do I need smaller hooks, bigger hooks? I can feel that I’m getting bites, but I think it’s just small bait fish nibbling at it. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

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by beardownz369

You have run into schools of Puffer Fish probably. Use small long shank hooks and small pieces of shrimp with no shell on. If that is what's bothering you you'll find out, when you see their teeth you'll understand how they snip off your bait. They are fantastic to eat so all is not lost much better eating than Whiting.