Bull Minnow , Fundulus grandis

Cocahoe minnow, bull minnow, mud minnow, Gulf killifish, or just plain killifish, whatever you prefer to call them, this baitfish rarely grows longer than a young child’s palm. Unlike most baitfish species that saltwater anglers across Florida are accustomed to fishing with, Gulf killifish can live in a wide range of environments ranging from nearly pure fresh water to extremely salty surroundings. Their territorial range includes northeastern Florida to Key West, and the northern Gulf of Mexico all the way down to Cuba. They prowl shallow grassy tidal areas, coastal rivers, marshes, and bays feeding on small animals and crustaceans that live on mud bottoms, their preferred habitat. Hence the nickname “mud minnows.”

Sand Perch Diplectrum formosum

Coastal anglers of all skill levels will attest that the Sunshine State is not only home to a wide array of prized inshore, near-shore, and offshore gamefish, but also provides perfect habitat for dozens of both migratory and resident baitfish species. The most popular that immediately come to mind are mullet, sardines, cigar minnows, etc. but there is also a wide array of less popular choices which, when you can get your hands on them, produce equally outstanding results. One in particular is the sand perch.

The Spanish mackerel is one of only a few species which serve a dual role, both as highly sought after light tackle game fish, and as extremely effective baitfish. Migratory by nature, Spanish mackerel swim in enormous schools, thus anglers may encounter huge numbers one day and find the same area completely devoid of life the next. Fishermen of all skill levels catch this species from the surf, off piers, and from boats anywhere inside of Florida’s many passes, to a mile or two offshore of the Atlantic coast and up to five miles off the Gulf coast. For use as a baitfish, Spanish mackerel, both rigged and unrigged, can be purchased from select big-game natural bait retailers.

Pigfish, often mistaken for their close cousin, pinfish, are actually members of the grunt family. These hardy, palm size critters make for an excellent choice of bait for many of our favorite inshore, near-shore, and offshore species. Big trout, snook, redfish, tarpon, grouper, and mutton snapper are just some of our favorites which are particularly fond of chasing down and gobbling up grunting pigfish.

The proven Spanish sardine, a.k.a. smooth sardine, gilt sardine, or gilt pilchard, are actually a type of herring. They have long, torpedo-shaped silvery bodies with a dark blue back, rounded belly, a forked tail and a single dorsal fin. Under ideal conditions, Spanish sardines may grow to eight or nine inches in length.

Scaled Sardine (Harengula jaguana)
The scaled sardine is commonly known as a pilchard or white bait, and they make excellent enticements for just about every Florida marine fish species. Scaled sardines are distinguished by their bright silver and white scales, and enlarged keel-like bellies. They usually have a small black spot just behind the gill plate.