Bug bait when you got more $$ than time...
 

Hey guys, I'm just gettin in to hoopin this season. Took a trip out to one of the LBC oil islands last week and only pulled rock crabs. I used some "Bonita" from the 99 Ranch Market...actually looked like false albacore to me. $8.50 got me a 4 lb fish that sparsely filled 3 bait cages for a few sets.

I've got a few more locations to try out, but want to improve the bait sitch first.

So...when you're willing to buy bait vs. go on a bait run...what would be your game plan? I'm seriously too busy atm (working, selling my house, moving, house shopping..ugh) to go hit a pier all night or yak out just for bait. Any solutions here? Or is hooping just not for the time restricted folks like me out there? Or would those lil tuny work if I just bought more?

Bait
 

Go to your local tackle store and have them order a 50lb block of bait ( macks, skippys, or salmon heads) from their frozen bait supplier. I know New Fishall bait can supply a large block of lobster bait.
Jim / Saba Slayer

Wow, how big is a 50lb block? Probably need a dedicated freezer for that one. Thanks for the tip. I heard Dana landing might have those too now that I think about it.

Squidco has a good variety of frozen lovelies.
Salmon heads, pornstar macs, etc. Find out whene they get their deliveries, because they seem to sell out pretty often early on in the season.

Willy

I'm in North Orange County, but have always heard great things about Squidco. I have a reliable bait shop near me that sells individual frozen macs for a few bucks a piece. I guess it does come down to economy at some point given the volume needed for hooping tho...also large volume bait storage is an issue for me so looking for a place to grab the fresh stuff the day of hoopin.

Thanks for the tips guys! keep em comin...I think I'm gettin it tho, there may be no middle ground, its get it yourself or pay the piper! All for the shot at :lobster:ZILLA!