You could using best fishing tackle in the world, be in the most highly overstocked fishing location (If you find it, let me know where it is !) but without the right bait, presented in a way to be attractive to the fish, then you will not catch a thing.

The sections below will provide you some basic information on the types of bait and where to find them.

MARINE WORMS

Nature has made some perfect baits for Sea Fishing. They fit the hook perfectly, their smell is very appealing to the fish and they wriggle to attract the attention of a passing target. The two most common varieties are Lugworm and Ragworm and these are the most common used baits. However they are not always the best choice for the Sea Angler.

Small Red Ragworm

White Ragworm

A flat tinned fork is ideal for digging lug and rag worm.

Lugworm

Available from most tackle shops and found around the coast in sands and mud, this worm is normally found in large quantities. The black lug variety is a tough worm and is ideal for cod and boat fishing. The softer common lugworm is a good all round bait for any of the small species, especially flat fish. Lugworm may be kept alive for up to five days wrapped in dry newspaper and kept cool or they may be stored in trays, with a small amount of water, in the refrigerator.

Ragworm

The Ragworm is a voracious carnivore that forages relentlessly through sand and mud. Looking like a cross between an earthworm and a giant centipede it propels itself along on a mass on legs and seizes its food with a pair of extendible claw-like pincers.

Their are several variety of Ragworm.

Red Ragworm

The most common of the ragworms, they grow to about 20cm (8in) long. A good all round bait which attracts most species but are particularly good in summer for flat fish and bass.

King Ragworm

The largest of the ragworm family. The largest kings are are ideal for big species, such as Bass whilst the smaller kings are suited to flatfish and other smaller species. The worms are available from most tackle shops or may be dug from mud or a mixture of shale, clay, mud and stones. The worms can be kept alive in sea water and coral sand, but must be kept at a steady temperature inside a refrigerator.

White Ragworm

This species of ragworm is found in clean sand and shingle and is a perfect hook bait. It's white, pearly colour makes this bait stand out well in clear waters, whilst its potent scent lures the fish to your hook.. Recommended for smaller fish, this bait offers exceptional benefits for mid-water species, particularly alongside pier walls etc.

Harbour Ragworm

Found in the thickest, smelliest mud, the smallest lugworm variety provides a deadly bait for flatfish and the smaller species. The worms grow to only 10cm (4in) at the most.
A superb bait for flounders and mullet

SHELLFISH BAITS

There are a large variety of shell fish which the Sea Angler can use as bait. However, sea fish do not come across shellfish as food very often, because in their natural state they are well protected and normally hidden.

After a storm shellfish become dislodged and scattered along the shoreline and the fish home in for a free meal. At this time shellfish bait can be the most successful. Fish naturally home in on shellfish that have been killed by a storm then buried under the sand, until exposed by the tide. The decomposing gives of a smell which attracts the hungry fish, for this reason, smelly shellfish often prove successful baits

Of the many varieties of shellfish, their are several that are popular as bait.

Look for a hairline crack at the rear of the shell, this indicates that it is ready to use as bait.

Peeler crab or mussel should be tied to the hook with bait elastic. Their pungent juices prove to be a deadly bait.

Razor Fish a good hook bait, but needs tying well when casting.

Razor Fish

Razorfish have fleshy feet which are long and thin, almost worm like. They are particularly suitable for tying to the hook and are a successful bait.

It is easy to gather razor fish.   Look for the blowholes which are round indentations in soft clean sand and pour salt into the blow hole -
up pops the razor fish. 

Mussel

A very commonly found shellfish whose flesh is extremely soft and pungent, making it a highly suitable bait. Mussel can make a good alternative to peeler crab and will tempt most species. Codling and Coalfish have a particular liking for this bait.

Peeler Crabs

As crabs grow older and reach maturity they have to shed their shells. This is done by growing a new soft shell under the old one. The crab takes to the water, bursts out of its old shell, which it discards along with its old lungs. The crab is totally vulnerable to predators, at this stage. Peeler crabs are one of the best baits for bottom feeding species. Completely soft and full of bright orange juices, the pulling power of peeler is tremendous. It attracts fish when other baits don't, especially from the shore.

Sandeels

These are one of the most versatile yet underrated baits. These small elongated fish can be fished alive by free-lining or simply threaded onto the hook like worms, when the are dead or frozen. It will catch almost all species, although live sandeel in especially deadly for bass.

Gathering fresh sand eel is fairly easy too.   Using a launce hook, which rather like a straight sickle work a figure of eight in the sand right at  the point where the tide washes out on the beach.   You will feel the sandeel in the hook , and lift it out.  A word of warning - it is as well to wrap your hand you are using to grab the eel from the hook in cloth or wear
a tough glove just in case you pull out a weaver.


Squid

Squid can prove to be one of the most versatile baits. For "Big Fish" use a whole squid, mounted on a Pennel Rig, so as the bait is presented well, for smaller species cut the squid into small strips. A "Cocktail" of squid and worm or squid and mackeral can prove a deadly combination, attracting a wide spectrum of species.

"Baby" squid can be bought frozen from most leading supermarkets and can be used individuley, with excelant results.

Top Tips from Site Visitors

In hot weather put a chemical ice pack, of the kind used in picnics, in the worm bucket to keep them cool, otherwise they will die and go off.

For best results, treat frozen bait like you would your own food. Never re-freeze bait.

Do not peel crabs to soon before using them as bait. They quickly lose their attraction, once dead

To use Peeler for a good distance cast, pre-hook them at home and freeze them in an Ice cube tray so you have the eye of the hooks stivking out of the cubes and take them in an ice box, when you cast  to water will melt the ice giving a good steady scent trail and the bait will stay on the hook,
especially useful at night when you can't see if you bait has come off mid cast.

If your going to collect Muscle as Bait on-site, then take a flask of hot (NOT BOILING) water and pour it over the Muscles for a second or two, It will not only start to open them (how many cuts come from prising them open) but also toughen them up a little (Helping them stay on the hook)