Best Sea Fishing Baits for Summer in the UK

Introduction

Summer brings some of the best sea fishing of the year along the UK coastline. Warmer water temperatures push fish closer inshore, and a wider variety of species become active and feeding. Choosing the right bait is key to making the most of it. Here's our guide to the best sea fishing baits for summer.

1. Mackerel — The All-Round Summer Sea Bait

Fresh mackerel is arguably the most versatile and effective sea fishing bait available in summer. It's oily, smelly, and irresistible to a huge range of predatory species including bass, conger, tope, and rays.

• Mackerel fillet – A long, flowing strip works brilliantly for bass and pollack
• Mackerel flapper – A whole side of mackerel with the backbone removed; deadly for conger and tope
• Mackerel head – A tough, durable bait that stays on the hook in strong tides

Catch your own mackerel using feathers or buy frozen from your local tackle shop. Fresh is always best.

2. Ragworm — The Classic All-Rounder

Ragworm is one of the most widely used sea fishing baits in the UK and for good reason — it works for almost everything. In summer, ragworm is particularly effective for:

• Bass (especially in estuaries and over rocky ground)
• Flounder and plaice
• Wrasse
• Mullet (small ragworm tipped on a float rig)

Use a whole large ragworm on a single hook, or bunch several smaller worms together for a bigger bait. Thread the hook through the head and leave the tail wriggling freely for maximum attraction.

3. Sandeel — The Bass Angler's Favourite

Sandeels are a natural prey fish for bass and are one of the most effective summer baits, particularly when fished on a running leger or float rig over sandy ground. They can be fished fresh, frozen, or as artificial lures.

If you can't get fresh sandeels, frozen ones from a tackle shop work well. Alternatively, soft plastic sandeel lures are a great option for lure anglers targeting bass from the shore.

4. Crab — Underrated but Deadly

Peeler crab (a crab that is shedding its shell) is one of the most effective bass baits available, particularly in early summer when crabs are naturally peeling. The scent released by a peeler crab is incredibly attractive to bass, smoothhound, and cod.

• Remove the shell and bind the crab to the hook with bait elastic
• Fish on a pulley rig or running leger over rough ground
• Soft back crabs (recently moulted) are equally effective and easier to hook

5. Squid — Tough and Durable in Strong Tides

Squid is a tough, durable bait that stays on the hook in strong tidal conditions where softer baits would be stripped off. It's particularly effective for:

• Rays (especially thornback ray)
• Conger eel
• Cod (later in the season)
• Dogfish

Use a whole squid for large species or cut into strips for smaller fish. Squid can also be combined with mackerel or worm for a cocktail bait.

6. Lures — For Active Summer Bass

Summer is prime time for lure fishing for bass along the UK coast. Bass are actively hunting sandeels, small baitfish, and crabs in the surf and over rocky ground. Effective lure types include:

• Surface poppers and stickbaits – Explosive surface takes in calm conditions
• Soft plastic shads and sandeels – Versatile and effective in most conditions
• Metal jigs – For casting distance and fishing deeper water
• Crankbaits – For working over rocky ground and weed beds

Browse our range of sea fishing lures to find the right lure for your local marks.

Bait Tips for Summer Sea Fishing

• Always use the freshest bait you can get – fresh bait consistently outperforms frozen
• Match your bait size to the species you're targeting – smaller baits for flatfish, larger baits for bass and rays
• Use bait elastic to secure soft baits like ragworm and peeler crab on the hook
• Change your bait regularly – once the scent has washed out, it's far less effective

Shop Sea Fishing Bait and Tackle at Reelfishing

Stock up on everything you need for a successful summer session. Browse our sea fishing bait range and lures at Reelfishing, with fast UK delivery so you're ready for the next tide.