Using Cut Ladyfish For Redfish, Snook, Trout, & Shark Bait

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To see the gear I was using in this video, check out the blog post here: bit.ly/3g2QfOj
It's cut bait time!
Want to learn how to catch fish with cut ladyfish?
In this video, I'm going to walk you step-by-step through my recent trip when I soaked cut ladyfish on the bottom and caught some fun fish.
You'll learn:
- Where I fished (and why I picked that spot)
- How to catch fewer catfish on cut ladyfish
- Why this is one of the best ways for kids and beginners to fish
- And much more
If you like catching big fish and having a fun, relaxing time on the water, this video is for you!
Have any questions about catching fish with cut ladyfish?
Let me know down in the comments!

[@Saltstrong]

Want to stop paying full price for your tackle and get new inshore fishing spots every week? Click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/3lC6B1B

[@nicksassi6460]

What braid was the green colored rod?

[@nicksassi6460]

green colored line I meant

[@DivergentDroid]

I was wondering about your very odd t-shirt so I looked it up and found your survey and explanation behind the shirt. Sadly the survey does not activate and although you said you would post the conclusion I don't see a link to the conclusion on the survey page. Two questions: Did you ever post the results? Have you since discovered how yummy salt water catfish are and how fun to catch, bleed, clean and filet they can be? I'm thinking you just never had anyone fry up some catfish with a good ole Cajun seasoned batter. I prefer sail cats but any catfish will do. Yum!

[@SonRiseforNathaniel]

When the family fishes, it's a race to see who can get the first Lady Fish, then the real fishing starts! Red Fish Candy!

[@derrickhoward9156]

I've been fishing this way in The Creeks here lately. very relaxing. Just sit back and wait for the rod to bend over.

[@Saltstrong]

Sounds like a good time!

[@TurnOffYourTV]

Been fishing in Florida for 40 years. I'm learning so much from this channel. This is a MAJOR LEAGUE channel. S/V Simple Pleasures

[@paulprebble8874]

Did this yesterday and caught two reds within 20 minutes. One 33 inches and the other 27. I used the head as bait as well

[@Saltstrong]

NICE! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheSaltyAnglerFL]

Great video and explanation of what's going on and what to use. Love the salt strong family. Also loving that salt strong song at the end hahaha

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks so much!

[@DivergentDroid]

I don't fish for redfish, I'm a Sail Cat Fisherman. However yesterday I caught my biggest redfish an 8.4 lbs 27 inch beauty. I caught him on a Kahle hook with a piece of fresh market shrimp. I got him all fileted and ready to fry then took the head to the pier to use for cut bait where I caught 5 nice catfish from all the scraps of meat the head provided.

[@RichM0410]

Thank you! All your videos on Salt String are very good 👍

[@JesusLopez-yr4mx]

Great vid!! I've been a fan of cut lady fish for a long time. I'd like to see more of these vids. Proof 💯💯💯

[@Surfer-727]

Very good video Luke !🛶

[@CG_ret_CWO4]

Good stuff, thanks.

[@richardarredondojr2647]

Nice. I use the same setup.

[@jamesbuscher5705]

Kudos to the camera person and your narrations on your technique.

[@Fresh_N_Salt_Fishing]

Awesome man thank you so much for the video 😎🤙

[@roccop2578]

those gafftop sails fight hard

[@fishingshallowminded8600]

GREAT POINTS

[@terryfuselier8241]

Great tips on catching and using lady fish for bait. Our water conditions are terrible right now but I want to try the ladyfish bait.

[@Saltstrong]

Go for it! Let us know how you do!

[@martingomezjr7943]

Lazy man fishing, I do that alot. Enjoy my beer while I'm at it too

[@genesisnkaidence8519]

This ain’t lazy not having a boat is lazy

[@ItsgravySon]

Could you or someone tell me what’s the best and easiest knot to use if I’m shore fishing for red fish/black drum? Or in general? Thank you

[@Saltstrong]

The easiest and best braid to leader knot is the FG knot. When attaching hooks to the end of your leader, a snug knot like the Uni Knot will do the trick!

[@RICARDOLOPEZ-uq7zf]

Good job my brother

[@cj2467]

What app are you using for tides? Read the comments and you already answered this. Thanks! Your vids are very helpful as I’m new to Saltwater fishing! Great job!

[@hitmizan]

Reds not only bottom feeders though. Caught on big topwaters as well.check out crazy Alberto videos on it.

[@B84Rabbit]

Could you tell us what gear did you use? Also yes please do more vids like this...

[@billytripp4849]

Left scales on the point of the hook! Awesome video

[@Saltstrong]

Glad you liked it!

[@jonathanpena22]

what type of hook and fishing line do you use? and rig set up

[@RayForrester]

You guys should do some videos on your boats!

[@6atlantis]

No weight to keep the bait on bottom, just letting it drift/free line?

[@meb212]

Another great fish to use for bait is whiting! Easy to catch, plentiful, and everything eats it.

[@gisellesbikeseat]

Yep. Caught a 30lb snook off the beach using a live whiting. Excellent bait.

[@erockscott1184]

Do the heads work as bait?...i caught two Whiting but I ate them...yummy!!...but I still have the heads

[@meb212]

​@@erockscott1184yes the heads do work well as bait too. I think you're more likely to get a shark or Cobia (if they're around) than a snook or red though.

[@Smart_Alec87]

Your bird friend caught one also at 16:29 lol

[@gabemartinez5963]

Do you have any sort of weight on your leader or simply the weight from the bait?

[@Saltstrong]

For shallow grass flats, there's not need to use a weight since the grass will hold it in place.

[@mikewilkins2030]

What size reels did you use here?

[@allenandmain]

Fun thanks

[@Saltstrong]

Welcome! Thanks for checking it out!

[@alejandrogarcia9612]

I love ladyfish

[@tdiddy5305]

what is the right drag? Medium-loose? a little less than as tight as possible?

[@Srcdaytona]

Half your line strength is a general rule of thumb for me, if I'm running 10lb braid, I'll have my drag set to 5-6lbs.

[@erockscott1184]

I was wondering the same thing

[@mrmidnight5743]

Do you use the head of the fish? I noticed it was still sitting on the board but then disappeared. I have heard both to use and not to use, what do you recommend?

[@Saltstrong]

The head certainly works, but I seem to have best luck with the mid-sections so I use them first.

[@mrmidnight5743]

@@Saltstrong ok. And does hooking through the belly of bait apply to all chunk baits?

[@erockscott1184]

I used a ladyfish head and a shark took it immediately.

[@ALSAIBANI]

what is brand of rods are you using in this video all, please

[@Saltstrong]

The equipment details are listed in the post on our website about this trip linked here: www.saltstrong.com/articles/cut-ladyfish-bait/

[@chrisrice1828]

Thanks for a great video. I won't be throwing that good bait!

[@jonas2431]

So with cut bait should you always hook it through the belly?

[@Saltstrong]

That's the toughest part so it will stay on the hook better

[@jonas2431]

@@Saltstrong awesome thanks

[@erockscott1184]

I always try to hook the guts also so they dont fly out when I cast the bait.

[@stevenlambert3559]

What size line are you using. I am new to this can you tell me what you are using

[@Saltstrong]

You can see full gear details on the blog page on our website: www.saltstrong.com/articles/cut-ladyfish-bait/

[@jimdrechsel3611]

Thank you for the video. Can you do a program for choosing boats inshore? A review of some kind with the captains? I know a few people including myself that would like to hear from you about this.

[@ljalibi7265]

Great video! I’m wondering if I can’t catch a lady fish if I could use mullet cut the same way?

[@Saltstrong]

Yes, mullet should work too (same with pinfish).

[@fernandomora1261]

What app do you use for the water tides. Thanks

[@Saltstrong]

We use Smart Fishing Tides: smartfishingtides.com/

[@YakNinja]

@@Saltstrong is there an app app you recommend?

[@Saltstrong]

@@YakNinja I still haven't found an app that is as helpful as Smart Fishing Tides. One thing I really like is that you can install your favorite tide station(s) on your phone's home screen just as if it was an app by following the tutorials on this pagewww.saltstrong.com/smart-fishing-tides-help/ The only time this doesn't work is if you're fishing areas without cell reception. That's when you'll definitely need an app. My favorite app so far is called Aye Tides.

[@Bullybredkennels2022]

Was you free lining or what type of rig?

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/3g2QfOj

[@contagiousreligion]

Were you anchored or drifting those baits?

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/3g2QfOj

[@redfishrick9044]

Great video. Just curious, did you figure out what happened with your reel when you broke off the snook?

[@Saltstrong]

Not yet... it's one that I accidentally dropped in the water a while back so I'm thinking it may have some corrosion in the roller bearing that somehow compromised the line (it broke right at that roller bearing which was very odd).

[@redfishrick9044]

@@Saltstrong gotcha. You could have a little corrosion between your drag washers and/or a little fray you didn’t notice. It sucks breaking off a good fish.

[@zackmorehouse]

What’s a good rod for around $50 that’s 7-7.5’ medium or Mh. And mod fast? Most of your reviews are on the 99+ category and I’m just looking for a small surf set rod.

[@Srcdaytona]

Redbone if you can find it on sale will run $60 or so, great rods

[@abeutecht12]

Do you not use any weight when fishing with cut bait?

[@Saltstrong]

When doing this on shallow grass flats, there is no need to use a weight because the grass holds the bait in place.

[@hardrockminer-50]

I never see catfish for bait. A reason other than dealing with the spines?

[@Uncle-G]

I’m guessing that is the main reason or perhaps most fish know the smell of catfish and assume the spines are there. I use catfish all the time for sharks. We catch them then cut the spines off with pliers and use them whole unless they are over 2 lbs. June and July for big bulls and hammers

[@yomamma476]

Why such light braid?

[@Saltstrong]

Because that's what I have on most of my inshore rods that I use with lures... this type of fishing can certainly use thicker lines though.

[@yomamma476]

@@Saltstrong oh okay cool. Was just curious. I didn’t know if it helped with anything.

[@shawnbradshaw6510]

Why do your shirt say no catfish on board.

[@Cscott1548]

Soooooo many catfish whenever I do this! I hear 'redfish candy' all the time but they just never find it first....

[@frostizz2072]

What size circle hook

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/3g2QfOj

[@dharlow5810]

Keep some Gotcha lures in your tackle box for catching ladyfish.

[@Saltstrong]

They certainly work for ladyfish too, but it can be a risky move to use lures with multiple treble hooks because ladyfish are very prone to throw them while jumping which can result in the rod slinging the lure back to us anglers.

[@dharlow5810]

@@Saltstrong That is certainly true. I will not forget having to POP two trebles out of my forearm. 😂 That is a sound that lives on in your head. 😖

[@Saltstrong]

@@dharlow5810 Yikes!

[@ogrodapolska6580]

Thought you can only run two poles at once?

[@Saltstrong]

Where are you located? There is no limit on the number of rods an angler may use in Florida.

[@ogrodapolska6580]

@@Saltstrong I’m in Tampa. That’s great news. Thought I was limited to 2. Thanks!

[@bidensucsbigdickskalmadrin6877]

the ony way i catch snook

[@icewendigo2320]

I dont know anything about fishing but why did you let that first medium fish (snook?) go instead of making dinner out of it with bater and lemon juice or on the grill? And what does "no cat on board" tshit mean, do cat eat fish and you dont want them to eat your fish?

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/3g2QfOj

[@douglastardiff1827]

ordered my paddle tail lures on 11/01/2020 still have not gotten them yet

[@robertschneider779]

instead of posting this on their youtube, why not find out what carrier is shipping them and get to the bottom of what happened? ive gotten every order from salt strong in three days

[@Saltstrong]

Be sure to send an email to [e-mail] with the email you make the purchase with, and they'll track down the order for you.

[@pelicanstatepiper2916]

What's your location ?

[@triggz00]

Pretty sure he fishes in the tampa bay area

[@racrx7]

Fresh cut lady fish is shark crack

[@scottw.6670]

Could have been 3 min video...

[@mesomemore97]

Blacktips tear up lady fish in the surf.

[@jonas2431]

I've got stung by those barbs it sux

[@Saltstrong]

Yes it does!

[@genesisnkaidence8519]

Very cheap and simple methods.. how much was the boat though ? 🤦‍♀️

[@shawnbradshaw6510]

Why not catfish.

[@aesthetic_pat7200]

"using cut ladyfish for redfish, snook, trout and shark bait".... proceeds to catch one trout and a catfish 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@bradmetcalf5333]

he caught a snook.... The principal works for all the game fish

[@indyfosho5458]

All other videos say it has to be rigged perfectly straight so it's natural and if tail is bitten off you should change, but yet in this video you like it bitten off and darting unnaturaly...sheesh 🤦‍♂️

[@Saltstrong]

This video shows a situation where the tail-less nub lure does better than the one with its tail attached: www.saltstrong.com/articles/nub-lure-slam-report/

[@therookiefisherman5234]

Here in Florida if I use ladyfish off the surf I would get nothing but sharks in a boat your cheating.

[@SoloYaker]

Try buying ammo

[@navadahall5852]

I really love ur fishing inputs u share everytime,am from Jamaica and inlove fishing almost as I do my kids.

[@MyCultureDatingcom]

I like the presentation can I look forward to catching a Lady fish and cutting it up and using it. I'm thinking about joining the club once I get some money to join.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!