If you’re not familiar with sand fleas, don’t worry! They’re not actually fleas. Instead, they’re small crustaceans that live in the sand along beaches and coastal areas. They’re a common food source for fish, which makes them a great bait option for anglers.
If you’re interested in using sand fleas as bait, here’s what you need to know:
1. Catching sand fleas
The first step in using sand fleas as bait is, of course, catching them. The good news is that they’re pretty easy to catch – all you need is a scoop or rake.
Look for an area with wet sand close to the water. Use your scoop or rake to dig in the sand and sift through it until you find some sand fleas. They typically hang out towards the waterline, so you’ll want to focus your search there.
Make sure to keep your sand fleas cool and moist – they’re delicate creatures that don’t do well in hot, dry conditions.
2. Prepping sand fleas for use
Once you’ve caught your sand fleas, you’ll need to prep them for use. This typically involves removing their legs and tail, which can make them easier for fish to swallow.
To do this, hold the sand flea between your thumb and pointer finger and use your other hand to grab the legs and tail. Gently twist and pull until they come off. Some anglers also remove the head, although this is optional.
It’s important to note that sand fleas are pretty fragile, so be gentle when prepping them.
3. Rigging sand fleas
Now that your sand fleas are ready to go, it’s time to rig them up. There are a few different options here, but one popular method is to use a simple Carolina rig.
For this rig, you’ll need a hook, some weights, and a leader line. Attach your weight to the bottom of your leader line, then tie your hook to the end of the line. Thread your sand flea onto the hook by pushing it through the body (where the legs and tail used to be). Done!
You can also use a multi-hook rig or a jighead, depending on the type of fish you’re targeting and your personal preferences.
4. Using sand fleas to catch fish
With your sand flea bait rigged up, it’s time to start fishing! Cast your line into the water and wait for a bite. Depending on the type of fish in your area, you might need to adjust your technique (such as how fast you reel in or how you twitch your rod).
One important thing to keep in mind is that sand fleas are fragile and can fall off your hook pretty easily. Make sure to check your bait regularly and replace it if necessary.
In conclusion, using sand fleas as bait can be a great way to catch fish. They’re easy to catch, easy to prep, and attractive to many types of fish. Give it a try on your next fishing trip!