Live Shrimp
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Carolina rig with 1/0 circle hook, 18" leader
Pro Tip
Hook through the tail for a natural presentation. Keep them in a bucket with an aerator.
Available at pier tackle shop year-round
Fiddler Crabs
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Drop shot rig near pilings, 1/0 hook
Pro Tip
The go-to bait for sheepshead. Hook through the shell from bottom to top. Fish tight to the pilings.
Dig them at low tide in the marsh or buy at bait shops
Live Minnows / Mud Minnows
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Carolina rig on bottom, 2/0 circle hook
Pro Tip
Hook through the lips for casting, through the back for drifting. Flounder love these on the bottom.
Available at most Grand Strand bait shops
Sand Fleas (Mole Crabs)
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Double-drop bottom rig with #2 hooks
Pro Tip
Rake them from the surf zone at low tide. Hook through the shell. Pompano can't resist them.
Catch them yourself in the surf with a sand flea rake
Cut Mullet
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Fish-finder rig with 4/0–6/0 circle hook
Pro Tip
Cut into 1-2 inch chunks. The oily flesh creates a scent trail that attracts big fish from a distance.
Cast net your own or buy frozen at tackle shops
Bloodworms
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Double-drop bottom rig with #4–#6 hooks
Pro Tip
Thread small pieces onto the hook. A little goes a long way. Great for filling a cooler with panfish.
Available at pier tackle shop (refrigerated)
Gotcha Plugs
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Cast and retrieve on medium spinning rod, 20lb leader
Pro Tip
Cast past the school and retrieve fast with erratic jerks. Pink/white and silver are the top colors at Pier 14.
Available at any tackle shop — $3–$5 each
Metal Spoons (Hopkins, Kastmaster)
Target Species
Recommended Rig
Direct tie with snap swivel, fast retrieve
Pro Tip
Let it flutter on the fall for extra strikes. Gold works best in murky water, silver in clear.
Available everywhere — $4–$8 each