Best Sea Fishing Baits for UK Waters: What to Use and Why

Introduction
When it comes to landing decent fish from the shore, pier, or boat, your choice of bait can make all the difference. In this guide to the best sea fishing baits for UK waters, we’ll look at what really works—from oily mackerel bait and rugged squid bait to proper DIY crab bait cocktails wrapped in elastic.

Using proper natural baits—like sandeel, ragworm, or a chunk of peeler crab—can make a world of difference when you're out sea fishing. Whether you're just getting started or you've been stubbornly chucking rigs for years, the best bait is whatever the fish can't resist.

Best Natural Sea Fishing Baits for UK Waters

1. Mackerel Bait (Frozen or Fresh)

Ask any seasoned angler—mackerel bait is the king of versatility. Cut it into strips, use a whole fillet, or cube it up for bait bombs. It’s oily, tough enough to stay on a hook, and loved by bass, pollock, dogfish, and more. It’s also cheap and freezes well, which is ideal if you’re prepping for a few days away in the wild.

2. Squid Bait

A classic Squid bait stays on the hook like glue and puts out a strong scent trail in the water. You can use it whole for larger species or slice it into strips for smaller fish. Combine it with mackerel bait for a cocktail that’s hard to resist.

3. Prawns Bait (Raw or Cooked)

Fish don’t care if they’re pink or grey—prawns bait is like sweets to flatties, wrasse, and schoolie bass. Thread a whole prawn onto your hook and use bait elastic to secure it. It’s an easy, affordable option that’s widely available.

4. Shore Crab & Peeler Crab Bait

Peeler crab bait is dynamite for bass and cod, especially in estuaries and rocky ground. But they’re expensive—easily £10 for a few crabs.

For a cheaper option, go for shore crab bait. You can gather them at low tide under rocks or the classic way—with a bit of string and bacon like we did as kids. Once you’ve harvested enough, smash them up and sandwich the meat and shell inside squid tubes, then lash it all together with bait elastic. This kind of DIY crab bait is messy, but incredibly effective. Bass don’t care whether the shell is soft—they’ll crunch right through it.

5. Herring Bait (Salted or Fresh)

Often overlooked, herring bait is full of oil and scent. It works brilliantly on rough ground where visibility is poor but the scent trail is strong. I like to prep salted herring bait at home—cube it up, salt it down, and freeze it ready for later.

Here’s a video on how to Salt Cure leftover bait: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfRuev52qXE

6. Ragworm Bait

A classic surf and estuary bait, ragworm bait works brilliantly for bass, flatties, wrasse, and whiting. They’re especially deadly on light gear with fine-wire hooks. Just watch your fingers—ragworm can nip! Hook them through the head or thread them on using a baiting needle for a neater presentation, especially when fishing at range.

7. Lugworm Bait (Blow and Black Lug)

Blow lug is a soft, easy-to-dig bait that’s ideal for surf fishing. It’s perfect for species like whiting and flatfish. Black lugworm bait, on the other hand, is tougher and oozes scent—brilliant for cod and other winter species. You’ll often find black lug sold frozen in bait shops, and they work well when mounted using a baiting needle to keep them intact. Always handle them gently or they’ll split and leak their magic before they hit the water.

8. Sandeel Bait

If you can get hold of it, sandeel bait is a brilliant option for bass, pollock, and even rays. Their slim profile makes them easy to rig whole or chopped, and they cast like bullets. Use them fresh or frozen—either way, they’re a go-to for fast-takes and aggressive hits in clearer water.

Bonus Bait Assembly

Here’s how to make a compact, high-scent bait using a baiting spoon or multi-bait tool:

1. Lay the hook and line into the groove of the tool.
2. Place your bait (e.g. squid, crushed shore crab bait) on top.
3. Wrap the bait tightly with elastic, keeping it compact and firm.
4. Slide the baited hook out of the tool—ready to launch.

You can also use a baiting needle to thread longer baits like black lug or whole squid directly onto the hook for precise placement before wrapping with elastic. This keeps things tidy, especially when casting at range.

This method works brilliantly with DIY crab bait, squid bait, or any slippery combination that needs taming.

Foraging for Bait

There’s something proper satisfying about digging your own ragworm bait or flipping rocks to collect shore crabs. It might take a bit of time to gather enough—especially if you’re hunting lugworm bait—but at least you’re not forking out £20–£30 every session.

Whether you're prepping natural baits for sea fishing on a budget or just want to get your hands dirty, foraging connects you to the coast. Just be mindful of local rules and don’t strip an area bare—leave some behind for the fish and future trips.

Why I Always Pack the Smuggler Max Rod

You can carry all the bait in the world, but it’s not worth a sausage if your rod can’t handle the terrain. The Rigged & Ready Smuggler Max isn’t telescopic—it’s even better. This four-piece heavy-duty travel rod packs down small and fits in a backpack or drybag. Whether I’m bait fishing off the rocks or packrafting remote Scottish lochs, it’s my go-to.

Final Thoughts

The best sea fishing baits for UK waters aren’t about flashy packaging—they’re about scent, presentation, and durability. Whether you're rigging up sandeel bait, salted herring bait, or a juicy bit of prawns bait, it's about understanding what the fish want, where you are.

Add in a bit of sea fishing bait tips UK style—like foraging, bait wrapping, baiting needles, and freezing sessions ahead—and you'll start seeing better results.

Keep it simple, prep it right, and bring a flask—because whether or not you catch, you’ve still had a day by the sea.