How to Catch Pinfish for Bait Using a Pinfish Trap

Fishermen know that quality bait can make a big difference. Pinfish, with their shiny scales and active movement, attract a variety of game fish, making them excellent bait for a wide variety of game fish. Using a pinfish trap helps you catch pinfish quickly, saving time, effort, and money. With pinfish averaging $10 - $24 dollars a dozen, depending on location, investing in a pinfish trap is a no-brainer.

Here’s a straightforward guide on locating pinfish, setting up your trap, and ensuring a successful bait haul that will help you put more fish in your freezer! 

Step 1: Understand Where Pinfish Live

Pinfish tend to gather near coastal shorelines, especially in seagrass beds, shallow flats, and areas with rock or shell cover. These environments provide pinfish with protection and a steady food supply, such as algae, small invertebrates, and crustaceans. Finding the right location is key. You cannot catch what's not there... so you must do your homework here. 

Ideal Locations to Find Pinfish:

• Shallow Grass Flats: Pinfish often hide in the grass for protection. Look for grass flats near the shore, usually in water depths of 1-3 feet.
• Docks and Piers: These structures attract small marine life, creating an ideal habitat for pinfish. Set up near these locations where pinfish tend to congregate.
• Rocky Shorelines and Reefs: Pinfish are drawn to structures in the water that provide shelter and food.

Observing local fishermen or asking locals about known pinfish spots can also help. If you fish in an area often, make note of reliable pinfish locations for future trips.

Step 2: Choose the Right Bait for Your Pinfish Trap

Pinfish are drawn to both smell and movement. Fresh, oily baits usually perform best for attracting pinfish into the trap. Here are some bait options that work well:

• Squid or Shrimp: The scent of squid or shrimp is highly effective for luring pinfish. Fresh or frozen versions work well.
• Cut Fish: Small pieces of cut fish release oils that attract pinfish. Sardines or mackerel are good choices.
• Bread or Fish Food: Bread is inexpensive and works surprisingly well. Fish food pellets can also draw pinfish into the trap.

Placing the bait inside a small, mesh bait bag inside the trap keeps the bait secure while allowing scent to disperse. Attach the bait bag in the middle of the trap for maximum effect, ensuring that the scent travels outward.

Step 3: Setting Up the Pinfish Trap

Pinfish traps are easy to handle, even for beginners, and ensure that your bait catch will stay in place until you retrieve the trap.

To set up the trap:

1. Attach the Bait Bag: Secure the bait bag with squid, shrimp, or another preferred bait in the center of the trap. Make sure it’s tightly secured.
2. Close the Trap: Ensure that the trap is properly closed and latched. Double-check that no openings will allow the pinfish to escape.
3. Add a Weight (if needed): In areas with strong currents or deeper water, attach a small weight to the trap to keep it from drifting.

Step 4: Placing the Trap in the Water

After you’ve chosen the location and prepared the trap, it’s time to place it in the water.

• Depth: Lower the trap into shallow water, around 1-3 feet deep, where pinfish typically swim. Ensure it’s resting flat on the seabed.
• Visibility: Position the trap so that it’s close to the seagrass or structure where pinfish gather. Avoid placing it directly in a thick grass patch, as this could block entry points.
• Anchor the Trap: If there’s a current, use a rope and small anchor or tie the trap to a dock or pier. This will keep it from moving around.

Once the trap is set, give it time. Pinfish will smell the bait and start entering the trap. Typically, waiting 30 minutes to 2 hours yields good results.

Step 5: Checking and Retrieving the Trap

Checking the trap periodically prevents overcrowding and helps keep the pinfish fresh for use as bait.

1. Check Every 30-60 Minutes: Pull up the trap slowly to avoid startling the pinfish. Lift it straight up to prevent escape.
2. Empty the Trap: Carefully open the trap and transfer the pinfish into a bucket or bait tank with saltwater. This helps keep them alive and lively, making them more attractive to predatory fish.
3. Re-bait and Repeat: If the bait has been eaten or if the scent has weakened, replace the bait and reset the trap for another round.

Step 6: Storing and Using Your Pinfish Bait

Live bait catches more fish. Period. To keep pinfish alive and active, store them properly after retrieval.

• Bait Bucket with Aerator: An aerated bait bucket keeps pinfish alive for hours. Regularly change the water and keep the temperature steady.
• Use Promptly: Pinfish stay lively for a while in a bait tank, but the sooner you use them, the more effective they’ll be as bait.

Tips for Maximizing Your Pinfish Catch

• Adjust Bait Based on Conditions: In clearer waters, pinfish respond well to visible baits like shrimp. In murkier waters, strong-scented baits like cut fish attract them faster.
• Time of Day: Pinfish are most active during early morning or late afternoon. Set your traps during these times for the best results.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Trap: If you notice a large catch each time, consider using two traps or checking more frequently to avoid overcrowding, which can harm the pinfish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Spoiled Bait: Fresh bait works best. Replace bait regularly to keep the scent strong.
• Placing the Trap in Strong Currents: Strong currents can drift the trap away or make it difficult for pinfish to find it.
• Neglecting to Check the Trap: Leaving the trap too long can result in overcrowded or dead pinfish, reducing their effectiveness as bait.

Final Thoughts

Using a pinfish trap is an easy, effective way to catch quality bait. By locating pinfish-rich areas, using the right bait, and following a regular check routine, you can gather plenty of lively pinfish to attract game fish.

This setup saves you time, allowing you to focus on fishing with fresh, lively bait. Start with this approach, and you’ll find your fishing experience both productive and enjoyable, with plenty of bait ready whenever you need it.

For a reliable, long-lasting solution, check out some of the best catching and highest quality pinfish traps on the market from Reel Texas Outdoors. Each trap is handmade here in Texas from high-quality materials. From bonded PVC-coatings to stainless and aluminum fasteners, these traps will last you for years. Our durable construction makes bait catching easy and efficient. Click here to get yours today!