Baits used for fishing in Egypt: from shrimp to squid
"What bait should I use?" is the most common question on any pier or corniche in Egypt, and the answer differs between Alexandria, Ras El Bar, Ain Sokhna and Hurghada. This article collects the baits anglers most commonly use along Egyptian coasts. It is general field knowledge that shifts with season, place and target species, so treat it as a starting point and adjust as you learn. There is no magic bait: the right fresh bait for the right fish at the right time is what works.
The most commonly used natural baits
Shrimp
One of the most popular baits on both coasts because most bottom fish eat it: sea bass, seabream, pandora and more. Use it fresh, whole in the shell or peeled, hooked through the tail or along its length. Fresh shrimp is far better than frozen, though well-kept frozen is acceptable when needed. Many anglers choose it for harbour and corniche fishing with a simple rig.
Squid and cuttlefish
A tough, firm bait that small fish cannot strip easily, cut into strips, rings, or used as a head. Many use it in the Red Sea and on the North Coast for larger and predatory fish, and it also works for sea bass and seabream in the Mediterranean. It keeps its texture longer than sardine in the heat.
Sardine and small fish
Sardine, whole or in chunks, is a strongly scented bait that attracts predators such as trevally and sea bass (depending on the area). Do not leave it in the sun; keep it in a small cooler with ice, since spoiled sardine puts fish off and smells foul.
Fresh fish strips
A strip of mackerel, mullet or a small fish cut moments before fishing is among the strongest baits: the scent is real and the flesh gleams. It is widely used for larger predators in the Red Sea. Cut long, thin strips and secure them well on the hook.
Small crab and shellfish
On rocky ground, some anglers use small crabs, snails and mussels for seabream and certain rock fish. These baits need to be collected by hand from nearby rocks, so take care not to damage the environment or break local rules.
Dough and bread (for mullet)
Mullet graze on algae and plankton, so anglers at river mouths and lagoons use a light paste of flour or bread with a little oil or cheese on very small hooks. Success depends on patience and thin line.
Which bait for which fish? A quick table
| Fish | Common best bait | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sea bass | Live or fresh shrimp, sardine, squid | Most active at dawn, dusk and in winter |
| Seabream | Shrimp, shellfish, small crab | Likes rocky bottom close to sand |
| Mullet | Dough, bread, algae | Tiny hook and very thin line |
| Trevally and similar predators | Fresh fish strips, squid | Needs a strong leader |
| Red Sea rock fish | Squid, sardine, fish strips | Heavy rig, rough bottom |
These names and baits are general and the naming varies from city to city. Ask the local anglers for the local name of the fish and the bait used there.
Artificial baits: when to prefer them
On the Red Sea especially, many anglers use lures: metal spoons, jigs, floating plugs and soft plastics for predators. Their advantage is that they need no storage and no smell, and they cover large areas by casting and retrieving. For shore fishing in winter they can beat natural bait when predators are active. See the casting and jigging guide for the method.
Practical tips for storing and preparing bait
- Buy bait on the morning of the trip when possible and keep it on ice, not in direct sun.
- Wash your hands between baits so fuel and soap smells do not transfer.
- Thread the bait on well; a dangling bait is easy for small fish to steal.
- Change the bait every 15 to 20 minutes if there is no bite, since old bait loses its scent.
- Try two different baits on two rods at once to learn what the fish prefer today.
Match bait to location and season
On the North Coast and in Alexandria, shrimp and sardine dominate in winter and autumn. In Hurghada, Safaga and Marsa Alam, squid and fish strips are more common for larger species, and when fishing reefs always remember local rules and protected areas, since some sites ban fishing entirely. Read the Egypt shore fishing guide and choosing the right bait for more detail.
Finally, fish responsibly. Do not keep small fish that are not worth eating, release them carefully where possible, and follow local rules and permits.
Common mistakes when choosing bait
- A bait that is too big: a huge piece will not be taken by medium fish, so you lose an hour without a bite. Keep the bait close to the size of the fish's mouth.
- Old bait, or bait refrozen repeatedly: each thaw and refreeze ruins the scent. Divide the amount into small bags.
- Ignoring the season: shrimp is excellent in winter but may not be enough on its own in the heat; switch with water temperature.
- Casting to the same spot without changing anything: if there is no bite after half an hour, change the bait, the spot or the depth.
Experiment, and note down what worked in a small notebook or on your phone: the place, date, tide state, bait and fish. After a few trips you will have your own guide, more accurate than any article.