Surf Fishing Bait: What’s the Best Bait for Surf Fishing?
What’s the best bait for surf fishing in Southern California?
The short answer: It depends on the species you’re targeting. But no matter what you’re chasing — corbina, surfperch, halibut, croaker, or sharks — choosing the right bait gives you an edge.
This guide breaks down the best bait for surf fishing, species by species, so you know exactly what to use and when.
Surf Fishing Bait Comparison
| Bait Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand Crabs | Surfperch, Croaker, Corbina | Natural, effective, free | Seasonal |
| Bloodworms / Lugworms | Surfperch, Croaker, Corbina | Effective | Expensive |
| Squid | Shark, Ray, Croaker | Durable, Scent | Attracts rays |
| Mussel/Clam | Surfperch, Croaker, Corbina | Effective | Delicate |
| Mackerel | Shark, Ray | Scent, easy to find | Soft, attracts bait thieves |
| Croaker/Surfperch | Shark, Ray | Catch/Use Fresh | None |
| Gulp! Sandworms | Surfperch | Easy to store | Lots of perch |
| Fish Bites | Croaker, Corbina | Easy to store | It’s a backup |
| Lucky Craft FM 110 | Halibut, Surfperch | Effective | Snags on weeds etc. |
| Shimano WM 115 | Halibut, Surfperch | Effective | Snags on weeds etc. |
| Keitech Swimbait | Halibut, White Seabass, Calico | Minimal Snags | Tail bites |
| Biospawn Swimbait | Halibut, White Seabass, Calico | Minimal Snags | Tail bites |
Types of Surf Fishing Bait
Live Bait
The gold standard for realism and scent. These baits thrive in the surf zone and are what local fish naturally feed on:
- Sand crabs (mole crabs / sand fleas) – surfperch, croaker, corbina and more
- Bloodworms / Lugworms – surfperch, croaker, corbina and more
- Ghost shrimp – surfperch, croaker, corbina and more
- Live smelt, anchovies, grunion or sardines – halibut, white seabass and calico
Frozen or Cut Bait
Readily available and still highly effective:
- Squid strips – small sharks, rays and occasionally croaker and corbina
- Mackerel chunks – sharks and rays
- Croaker/perch chunks – sharks and rays
- Clam / Mussel meat – surfperch, croaker, corbina and more
- Anchovies / Sardines – halibut, sharks, rays, calico
Artificial Lures & Bait
When live bait isn’t practical, these proven artificials can fill the gap:
- Gulp! Sandworms – mainly surfperch | occasionally other species
- Fish Bites – they’ll catch more croaker and corbina than Gulp will
- Keitech 4.8-inch Swimbaits – halibut, calico and white seabass
- Biospawn 4.75-inch Swimbaits – halibut, calico and white seabass
- Drop Shot Fluke – halibut, calico, white seabass
- Lucky Craft Flash Minnow Jerkbait – halibut and surfperch
- Shimano WM Jerkbait – halibut and surfperch
Best Bait by Target Species
Let’s break it down fish by fish:
Corbina, Spotfin Croaker & Yellowfin Croaker
Top Baits:
- Sand Crabs
- Bloodworms or Lugworms
- Mussel / Clam Meat
Best Time To Fish:
| Species | Peak Season | General Season |
| California Corbina | Jun-Aug | May-Oct |
| Yellowfin Croaker | Jun-Aug | Apr-Oct |
| Spotfin Croaker | Jun-Aug | May-Oct |
Recommended Gear and Tackle:
Surfperch (Barred/Walleye)
Top Baits:
- Sand Crabs
- Mussels
- Clams
- Gulp! Sandworms
Best Time To Fish:
| Species | Peak Season | General Season |
| Barred Surfperch | Nov-Apr | Year Round |
| Walleye Surfperch | Nov-Apr | Year Round |
Recommended Gear and Tackle:
Sharks & Rays
Top Baits:
- Surfperch (Cut)
- Croaker (Cut)
- Mackerel (Cut)
- Squid (Cut)
Best Time To Fish:
| Species | Peak Season | General Season |
| Shovelnose Guitar Fish | Jun-Aug | May-Oct |
| Bat Ray | Jun-Aug | Year Round |
| Leopard Shark | May-Aug | Apr-Oct |
| Soupfin Shark | Mar-Jul | Year Round |
Recommended Gear and Tackle:
Halibut, White Seabass, Calico Bass
Top Baits:
- Swimbaits
- Jerkbaits
- Live Grunion
- Frozen anchovies / sardines rigged on trap rigs
Best Time To Fish:
| Species | Peak Season | General Season |
| Halibut | Mar-Jun | Year Round |
| White Seabass | Mar-Jun | Feb-Aug |
| Calico Bass | Mar-July | Year Round |
Recommended Gear and Tackle:
Tips for Choosing the Right Surf Fishing Bait
- Match the Hatch: Use what the fish are already feeding on. Sand crabs in summer, worms year-round.
- Consider Water Clarity: In murky water, scented bait like squid or mackerel works better than visuals.
- Bring Backups: Conditions can change quickly. Carry both live bait and artificial options.
- Use Fresh Bait: Especially for cut or frozen bait — fresher = more scent = more strikes.
- Experiment: What works one day might flop the next. Don’t be afraid to switch up rigs and bait.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right surf fishing bait can make or break your session. Start by thinking about the species, conditions, and time of year — and always bring a mix.
