Fishbites Review: Pros, Cons, And How To Rig Them (For Pompano, Black Drum, Whiting & More)

Have you used Fishbites before?
I've been using them for surf fishing recently and have had a lot of success with them.
You can get Fishbites here: bit.ly/3l510Ef
Everything from pompano, to black drum, to whiting, and other species can't resist these little smelly strips.
In this video, I'm going to show you how to use them to catch more fish from the beach, plus I'll share the top pros and cons of them.
You'll learn:
- How to get the most out of every bag of Fishbites (and save money)
- How to rig them to get more hookups - most people make a simple, but critical mistake here
- And much more
One video I mentioned here was how to make your own floats. Check out this video here to see how to do that, along with several other surf fishing hacks: bit.ly/2UquSgg
Have any questions about using Fishbites?
Let us know in the comments below!
To get our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/2Uti7Bt

[@Saltstrong]

To get our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/2Uti7Bt

[@marlenec1022]

Fish bites are great , or I wouldn't catch anything lol 😆

[@davescheer5038]

I noticed that all the pompano rigs have circle hooks , I would think J hooks would do better? I saw a video we’re a guy was making his own ( fish bite or fish gum ) it seemed really easy , he made his own because he didn’t like the gauze or cheese cloth that they put in to make it tuffer , and it stayed on the hook ok , 3 tablespoons of knox gelatin to 1/2 cup hot water, dissolve, some sent either store bought or make some from natural bait and food color , put into a flat mold like 9 by 9 silicone cake pan , put in fridge , cut to shape and store in a plastic bag , keep out of heat like you would fish bites . 👍🏼

[@jonsavage6314]

Why would you want to use a Kaylee hook.?🤔

[@joeross952]

This is the best grandkid bait. Stays on forever. They can’t cast them off.

[@Colok10]

I have been waiting for this vid! I was at a pier the other day and a little kid caught a 41 inch black drum on a tiny piece of fish bites! They actually work well

[@GiantIrishman]

I use Fishbites in the surf, usually with live bait. I put the live bait on first and then the Fishbite. The Fishbite helps keep the live bait on the hook and if it does come off I still have the Fishbite in the water. I have caught Pompano, Whiting and Spot Croaker on just Fishbites. Pompano love sand fleas so that's my go to combo for Pompano.

[@vinniefusco7809]

Been using these for several years now. They are my go to bait for whiting!

[@Robert-hr6sh]

Caught 9 fish and still had bait....with fish baits, can't go wrong. 🎣 great information for getting great results. Thanks!!

[@Aaron.Davis56]

Thanks for the review. I'm in CT and still a newbie fishing Long Island Sound. Going to give it a try and try for Sea Bass, Porgies and Weakfish soon. Thanks

[@Saltstrong]

We NOW carry Fishbites!!! Click here to get a pack today: bit.ly/3l510Ef

[@fg146]

I've been using Fishbites since they came out. They are amazing on a sabiki rig when cut into tiny pieces. For offshore fishing I always add about a 1/2" square on all my hooks before I add shrimp, squid or crabs. They are truly a great product. One con I can think of is that they don't stand up to prolonged heat very well. When you're done fishing, bring them home and pop them in the fridge or just leave them in an air conditioned room. If you leave them in a tackle box on your boat or in your truck, they'll turn brown pretty fast and won't work as well.

[@marlenec1022]

Nowadays they come in all flavors for the picky fish lol

[@dangiannella787]

Add one after to keep the bait on

[@charlessanders4337]

I haven’t had them turn brown, but I did have one melt and recongeal into a fish bite sheet, lol.

[@williamelliott4444]

I always recommend FishBites to folks taking their kids fishing. So simple to use and they produce fish.

[@GeorgiaTrappingandFishing]

Awesome video buddy! I’m heading to the coast next month and I’ll definitely be using fish bites for the pompano and whiting 👍👍🎣😊👏

[@uf1978]

I surf fish at cape san blas and have been using fish bites for years with great success! Thanks for sharing and a new sub scriber!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for checking us out! If you are interested, we have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@my31and37]

They work!...I sometimes tip a vudu shrimp with fishbites for Speckled trout for a little extra scent. The sand flea flavor works great for pompano too.

[@xRamZx]

That's a great idea, I'll have to give that a shot

[@jimmyfraser11]

Excellent video..thank you!

[@michaelbarquin7243]

Thanks for tbe video love to use fish bites.

[@bpekhoul]

How do you keep the left over of Fishbite since it be getting hard after a certain period of time (a month, May be). Great informative video. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@jelly_fishing]

Nice review - any specific rigging for the Fish Bites?

[@marksabin7094]

A bit of information on the fishbites is that when purchasing them be sure to check the color and texture as a lot of stores will just leave old packages on the shelf. They don't have a super long shelf life.

[@Randylayhe001]

I cut mine with scissors into a teardrop shape when fishing current or casting to prevent coptering and twist.

[@AnthonySmith-en6im]

Thank you for a helpful video. The next time I go out on the Miss Venice (out of Venice, Florida), I'm going to put on one of the Fishbite strip pieces to see if any response. We usually go out 9-12 miles and catch smaller species using squid and dead shrimp. We catch a lot of fish and I'm just curious what will happen with Fishbites. Thanks again. Major Tony

[@mackelwarren8600]

I love using fish bites. They are an all around and universal fish bait. For shore, near ond offshore fishing. Works great in blue water fishing. They do make a fish bite that doesn't have the mesh in it and puts out a stronger scent. I use both together.

[@roynoblin]

tony i have found i get much better hook up as you say by keeping it near the point but never in the middle or wrapped. at most only about 1/4 inch from end and 1 inch strip max. as you say they are hard to get off and this way keeps hook point open and ready to set.

[@realdoomsdaybeast]

I've caught Redfish on them in situations where I know my bait was gone but just let it stay out there, it's not as good as real bait but for surf fishing it's really important to always have bait, you could lose over an hour per rod or longer fishing with an empty hook that has zero fish catching potential. I'm a big fan of these, better than Gulp imo, just me personally I've had better results. Though Specks love the Gulp Shrimp, point being if your on the fence, the Fish Bites are worth it.

[@MrCadillac919]

I live in NC. Going to coast this wkend I will be trying fish bites for first time see how it works

[@morndorff0044]

They do make a version without the mesh in it, doesn't stay on the hook as long but still lasts a few fish or better. But yes these are amazing for surf fishing with all the different colors/scents.

[@redelfoutdoors9668]

I use small pieces to catch pin fish and croaker for bait when in NC

[@shaneowen4177]

Is this any good for river fish like bass?

[@jeffhunter9270]

How do you do the bobbers and the rest of the rigging?

[@trieunguyen5897]

Man, I never caught anything with fishbite here in Ocean City. But I loved the product ideas thou. I hate I have to constantly changing live baits.

[@deancarter68]

Wow. I've never had a time I didn't get bit on Fishbites.

[@Mr._L30.]

What size hooks would y’all recommend? I’ve wanted to try fish bites.

[@jonathanmorgan4500]

I usually use the small #4 Eagle Claw surf fishing hooks. Nothing special. Most tackle shops and piers have them. If your goal is to catch any fish, small seems to work better because you will catch more.

[@simonblackwolf1956]

I saw a previous video and he was using sand fleas bites. I bought some and used them for Pappano and I only caught these remora sucker fish things. I even did his papano rig. I was off a long pier in Panama City, Florida

[@Saltstrong]

Sorry to hear that but thank you for the feedback and for checking out the video!

[@simonblackwolf1956]

@@Saltstrong All good! I will try again. I learned new knots and how to put hooks on. Very informative video THANKS!

[@sportdiver0077]

These are so easy. Especially with that Mustad khale 2/0 makes surf or flats fishin easy and fast to bait up. I like to cut the little pieces too for the kids to catch pin fish. Always fun. Enjoy!

[@deancarter68]

Good video, but if your knife won't cut it I suggest you sharpen that knife. In my experience it doesn't take a very sharp knife. I actually just tear pieces off with my fingers....

[@Mike_S_68]

Great channel, new subscriber! Keep it up!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks and welcome!

[@kennethrobinson8442]

What size weight were you using?

[@andrewmorke]

I often fish when I travel for business, but I don't like to deal with smelly, messy bait or deal with refrigeration. This bait seems useful for my situation.

[@jacksonleska1470]

This stuff stinks.

[@ralphnicosia-rusin966]

I recognize these were designed for bait fishing, but I was wondering how they work when worked lfished as a lure. In New England, bucktails are often used. Pork rind strips were usually attached, but they are no longer available. Do you think tey would work well as an enhancment to a bucktail or do they lack the flexibility for the action that pork rinds and now Otter tails provide? If their scent s stronger, that might be more important, especially at night or rougher water with lower visibility.

[@mammothenterprises2921]

I just saw a video where the Fishbites owner was interviewed and they have a product which is listed on their website similar to pork rind strips

[@igloo211]

Nice review however I’ve never had luck with FB’s but I may try again at a later time

[@Saltstrong]

You should! Let us know how you do!

[@AMERICANMSAILOR]

Fishbites really work well bottom fishing offshore.

[@xmatador9996]

In my experience, Fishbites have a limited shelf live. They are not as effective when they are old even if they are new out of the bag. I suspect that some stores don't sell as many and their product stays on the shelves too long. Similarly, they are not as good if I save them for another trip especially after a long while.

[@iancaen2977]

Freeze 'em for storage..I called the company and they said as long they are pliable when thawed they'll be fine. Wouldn't freeze them more than a year, though.

[@quangduyho]

will these work for westcoast fishes such as: rockfishes, striped bass, halibuts, perches, and more?

[@kingoftweaks]

Yes I tried briefly recently on Yaquina jetty and worked well. I have been using Gulp which does not last and price has been going up crazy. Waiting for another non-windy day to try again extensively. I actually tried several years ago and caught nothing. I think the bag I bought back then were dried hard. This recent pack is still soft and thus effective.

[@adanreyes799]

how much weight should i add

[@BroskiArmy23]

Does the bloodworm flavor work for freshwater fishing?

[@Saltstrong]

It likely will!

[@garybeesley340]

Been using FishBites for many years Favorite time was at the pier when nobody was catching: I put on a clam FishBite. Got an 18" pompano, followed with an 18.5" pompano, followed by a 24" Redfish. I am a true believer.

[@revcrum]

So totally newbie question but how much weight do you use for pompano and other smaller fish?

[@michaelgrimsley111]

3 or 4 oz depending on current

[@CMo762]

Man I got a tackle box full of this stuff I jus haven’t gotten around to using it. I do know next time I hit the surf this will be on the hook

[@Saltstrong]

Let us know when you are able to get out there!

[@9htorres]

I wonder if it works in freshwater?

[@scruffy7443]

Do these Baits actually work on it's own besides adding cut bait like shrimp, and squid,? and do these baits work in California, I hardly see footage in California beach fishing with them because California Beach fishing sucks compared to Texas and southern fishing as far as Florida

[@crazykajun914]

Sweet

[@brucecarter6904]

much easier to put it in the hook first then cut it, and I put the live bait on first and then the FB to hold the live bait on the hook

[@anurojparunyapimook8120]

What fish that eat fishbites? Ark from Thai angler.

[@davidleekalbjr.3035]

I want to try this bait offshore.

[@peterbiltxr379]

1st redfish i ever caught was on fishbites.

[@jeremykrauae4378]

Salt strong should compare the fish bites with the fish gums.

[@redbirdsjunkie]

Dangthisdudetalksreallyfast 🗣

[@travisvanorman7331]

I do have a hard time finding fresh, bright, soft fishbites. They need and expire date on package cause they will get moldy looking at Dicks and wal mart. Don't buy those.

[@adanreyes799]

hey

[@andrewvasquez5806]

I caught a oyster toad fish with those strips , lol

[@PaulyV56]

i bought 2 packs, I could NOTget the hook through the bait. maybe they were old and stale...it was rediculous

[@Saltstrong]

That's strange. We haven't seen that issue.

[@Invalid06]

Can i use it for catfish?

[@KingKo0]

You can use damn near use gravel and catch catfish 😂

[@vinniefusco7809]

I have the shrimp flavor fishbites and am planning on trying them the next time I go catfishing.

[@TheFishingMommy]

I’ve caught catfish on them for sure. Darn it!

[@idkwhattouseforname]

@@KingKo0 tru lol. i caught a catfish on a bare jighead

[@RealZoo]

There are fishbites for catfishing...look up Yeh Monn. I know BassPro sells them but not sure about Academy Sports.

[@bbigdon22]

anyone try them in freshwater?

[@kathrynhagmeier559]

My son-in-law says it's a fun bait and you are never shure what you will catch. Con lots of hits but very few that stay on the hook. He's guessing that they are too small

[@michaelross5674]

What about fish gum and gulp alive

[@Saltstrong]

Check out our website www.saltstrong.com/fishing-tips/ and use the search. We have some articles on those.

[@colincampbell290]

The Orange colour is : Brilliant Why? Because this : Peach colour represents: The colour of Oceanic Shrimp All fish know this Magnetic Vortexes in,of,for and within the Colour of Peachy to light-light Orange Colour

[@pmmwharris]

Caught 4 redfish over 30” with fish bites in about 90 minutes

[@safiyaphoto]

What size hook and size of fish bites did you use for this? Thank you

[@timschultz1928]

That stuff looks really old in the video.. alot of it sits forever in the shops and dries out.. I look for and only buy the fresh stuff.. its much brighter and easier to run thru the hook.. when it's old it hardens up and gets white...

[@generoberts9151]

I was going to say, I bought a pack and although it isn't pale, you need a hammer to push the hook through it.

[@NoleYakin]

Yall might know some stuff about inshore fishing but its pretty obvious your new to surf fishing, your not even using a surf rod, I've never seen anyone not use 2/0 circle hooks for pomp rigs and didn't even mention Sputniks. Also to keep fishbites from drying out store then in the fridge, you said you NEED strong scissors to cut fishbites sound like yours is dried out, but looking at the pack in your hand I'm pretty sure of it, fishbites should be bright in color and soft

[@danno5805]

I've literally caught NOTHING using fish bites OR fish gum. The fish have always chose the opposite hook with just plain bait.

[@lynkpaul33]

Please remind users of this product to be responsible and not leave them in reach of cats, dogs, birds and children because of the mesh fibre in them.

[@frankgordonsmith4795]

you dont want to use fishbites for catch and release because the mesh inside the bait will kill the fish

[@TacticalFishermen]

Really? How? The mesh is in the bait

[@SusanYoungArtist]

If the mesh is so hard for the fisherman to get off the hook, probably the fish can't get them off either.

[@SonRiseforNathaniel]

I catch catfish, catfish and catfish.

[@saltwaterinmyveins]

I’ve learned the little pompano floats and stay away from muddy water will help reduce the hard heads.

[@docbailey3265]

Croaker inhale the shrimp bites.

[@grandwonder5858]

Biggest con of Fishbites: Price! At $8-$10 a bag it ain't cheap!

[@ethanc667]

Try ordering them from academy $5 a pack. I know I Can catch more fish on a $5 pack of fishbites than I can on $5 of live/frozen bait.

[@forsakenlife4873]

WalMart!

[@PracticeMakesPaper]

Their $6 at Wal-Mart

[@Mgoblueindy69]

Fishgum is better

[@iancaen2977]

In my experience last week in Orange Beach, bites outfished gum 2 to 1...JMHO, of course.

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

Im going to Huatulco mexico for 2 weeks.....is it worth bringing a couple packs of this....got all my travel rods ready....for spring break😢....the waiting

[@Saltstrong]

They might help! If you give it a try, let us know!

[@fernpark8880]

Do you think Fish Gum is better than Fish Bites or are they about equal?

[@Saltstrong]

Haven't done a comparison of the two but we've added that to our list! Thanks!