Easy Rig To Catch Top Quality Baitfish Without A Cast Net

Most anglers think they need a cast net to catch quality baitfish.

But over the years, I’ve found that some of the best bait for snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon can be caught with nothing more than a simple hook-and-line rig.

Not only is this method easy to use, but it also allows me to target specific baitfish around docks, seawalls, bridges, jetties, and other productive structure.

In this video, I’ll show you the exact rig I use, how to tie it, and where to fish it to catch top-quality baitfish without ever throwing a cast net.

The Easy Rig I Use To Catch Baitfish

The setup is simple.

I use a dropper-style rig with a sinker tied at the bottom and a small hook positioned above the weight.

One reason I like this setup is because the sinker isn’t absorbing the bite. Since the hook is tied above the weight, I can feel those subtle taps from smaller baitfish much more clearly through the rod tip.

That makes it easier to detect bites and quickly catch bait.

What You’ll Need

The great thing about this rig is that you probably already have everything needed to tie it.

Leader Material

I typically use 15-20 lb monofilament.

Hooks

For most baitfish, I use small hooks ranging from a #6 up to a #2 depending on the size of the bait I’m targeting.

As a general rule, smaller baitfish require smaller hooks.

Sinkers

Any basic sinker will work.

I commonly use:

• Egg sinkers
• Bank sinkers
• Pyramid sinkers

The weight you choose will depend on the depth and current where you’re fishing.

Why This Rig Works So Well For Catching Quality Baitfish

One of the biggest advantages of this rig is simplicity.

There’s no cast net to throw.

No expensive equipment.

And no need to chase schools of bait around.

Instead, you can present a small piece of shrimp directly around structure where baitfish naturally gather.

This allows you to target healthy croakers, pinfish, pigfish, and other baitfish that make excellent offerings for larger gamefish.

The Best Bait For This Rig

Fresh shrimp is tough to beat.

I simply cut the shrimp into small pieces and thread a chunk onto the hook.

The smaller pieces work extremely well for croakers, pinfish, pigfish, and other baitfish commonly found around inshore structure.

Where To Catch Baitfish

When I’m looking for baitfish, I’m focused on structure.

Some of my favorite places to fish this rig include:

• Boat ramps
• Docks
• Seawalls
• Bridge pilings
• Rocky shorelines
• Jetties
• Channel markers

If I don’t get bites right away, I’ll simply move a few feet and try another spot.

Most of the time, once I locate the baitfish, the action can be pretty steady.

How To Fish The Rig

Fishing this rig couldn’t be much easier.

Simply drop it straight down beside structure or cast it close to your target area and keep a tight line.

When you feel a tap, there’s no need for a big hookset.

Just lift the rod and start reeling.

Many times you’ll quickly find yourself catching croakers, pinfish, pigfish, and other baitfish that make excellent offerings for larger gamefish.

Featured Gear

Leader Material

• 15-20 lb monofilament

Hooks

• Size #2 to #6 bait hooks

Sinkers

• Egg sinkers
• Bank sinkers
• Pyramid sinkers

Bait

• Fresh shrimp

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy way to catch top-quality baitfish without carrying a cast net, this rig is hard to beat.

It’s inexpensive, easy to tie, and can be fished from virtually anywhere.

Give it a try the next time you need bait, and let me know how it works for you in the comments below.