How to Catch Pinfish for Live Bait

4 days ago
3 min read

For many saltwater anglers, the difference between a slow fishing trip and a great one often comes down to having the right live bait. One of the most effective and widely used live baits along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic coast is the pinfish.

Pinfish are hardy, easy to hook, and highly attractive to predator fish like redfish, trout, snapper, and grouper. The good news is that catching your own pinfish is relatively simple when using the right equipment.

One of the easiest and most reliable methods is using a baitfish trap.

Where to Find Pinfish

Pinfish are extremely common in coastal waters and can usually be found around structure and shallow water areas.

Some of the best places to catch pinfish include:

Dock pilings
Seawalls
Grass flats
Marinas
Canal edges
Bridge structures

These fish tend to gather in areas where they have protection and access to food.

Best Bait for Catching Pinfish

Pinfish are not particularly picky and will enter traps when attracted by scent.

Common bait used in baitfish traps includes:

Dry dog food
Fish scraps
Bread
Cat food
Crushed shrimp

Placing bait inside the trap’s bait holder helps keep the bait contained while still attracting fish.

How to Catch Pinfish Using a Baitfish Trap

Baitfish traps are one of the most effective ways to catch pinfish without constantly throwing a cast net.

To use a bait trap:

Place bait inside the trap’s bait holder.
Lower the trap near structure where baitfish gather.
Leave the trap in place for a few hours.
Retrieve the trap and collect the baitfish.

Many anglers deploy traps while preparing their gear or before starting a fishing trip.

Choosing the Right Baitfish Trap

Different trap sizes and mesh sizes can be useful depending on the baitfish you want to target.

OceanBuilt baitfish traps are available in multiple sizes and mesh options, allowing anglers to choose the setup that fits their bait needs.

½” Mesh Baitfish Traps - Our ½” mesh traps are designed for catching smaller baitfish.

Available sizes include:

Small
Medium
Large

These traps are commonly used for bait like bull minnows and other small baitfish species.

1” Mesh Baitfish Traps

Our 1” mesh traps are a popular option for anglers targeting pinfish and similarly sized baitfish.

Available sizes include:

Medium
Large
Extra Large

The larger trap sizes allow anglers to collect larger amounts of bait when needed.

Built for Real Fishing Conditions

OceanBuilt baitfish traps are designed for anglers who want dependable gear that lasts.

Features include:

Heavy-duty PVC coated wire construction
Durable frames that hold their shape
Funnel entrances designed to guide baitfish into the trap
Secure bait holders

We offer three trap sizes in ½” mesh and three trap sizes in 1” mesh, giving anglers multiple options depending on the bait they want to catch.

Common Baitfish Caught in Bait Traps

Baitfish traps can catch several species depending on where they are set.

Pinfish - A favorite bait for targeting redfish, trout, snapper, and other saltwater species.

Bull Minnows - Often used for redfish and flounder fishing in marshes and shallow coastal areas.

Other Baitfish - Depending on location, traps may also catch:

Mud minnows
Small croakers
Various small baitfish species

Using the right trap size and mesh option helps anglers target the bait they want to catch.

Baitfish Trap FAQ

What bait works best in a baitfish trap?

Many anglers use dog food, fish scraps, bread, cat food, or shrimp pieces. These options release scent into the water and attract baitfish into the trap.

How long should you leave a baitfish trap in the water?

Traps are commonly checked every few hours, though timing can vary depending on bait activity and location.

Where should baitfish traps be placed?

Productive spots often include: