Posted By: BTP
Whole tilapia for saltwater bait? - 08/13/21 02:31 AM
Newbie here. I went offshore on a non-charter for the first time a few weeks ago. On a lark I brought some whole freezer burned tilapia or maybe vermillion snapper (scaled and 5+ years old from a family that was moving so I have no idea) to use as bait. I was hoping for shark, but it barely hit the bottom before I ended up hooking a monster red snapper. I only had 3 fish and each time I hooked a big snapper. Has anyone else used whole tilapia as shark/snapper bait? I've not heard/seen/found much info on crossing fresh bait for salt water, but was wondering if anyone out there has tried whole tilapia for off shore? My local markets never seem to run low on them and they are relatively cheap, so is this out of the box thinking a legitimate option or just a fools errand? Like I said, I'm really new to this and the older lady I got them from wasn't sure what they were. I truly appreciate any constructive feedback or personal anecdotes.