best bait?

[AK_angler]

I have asked this question in a few other threads with not much success in getting input so I thought I would try it in this one. I am heading to St. Thomas USVI in March. I want to do some fishing from shore and I was thinking about using some Berkley power bait. Since I have not yet found out what fish I should be targeting I was thinking about bringing a selection of power bait or gulp. I was thinking clam, shrimp, crab and maybe a mullet or something similar. Would these be good choices or should I just concentrate on trying to catch some bait when I get there? I am new to warm saltwater fishing and I just want to be headed in the right direction when I am there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Flatdog]

Bud use that as your back up when you get there, go to a local tackle shop, most fish in the sea eat other fish or what clings to rocks, fresh is best anywhere and local knowledge out weighs anything you or I might guess.

[Glueman]

LIVE shrimp! then frozen ones, then gulp shrimp. They live everywhere! Freshwater and salt. I agree with Flatdog, hit they bait shop first. Get bait and INFO of where to go. You wont get the Shop owners secret spot, but you probably will get a good one. Best of luck! I keep Gulp shrimp in the bag only as an emergecy. OR use little bits of gulp scented to catch live bait fish. Live bait is always a good thing!

[AK_angler]

I guess living I am just use to the rules here in Ak where live bait will get you a hefty fine/confiscation of tackle etc. Thanks for giving me a reply.

[Van Wildonher]

Have had pretty good luck with some gulp alive 4" mullet recently. Not as good as live bait, but it's alright stuff when it comes to lures.

[AK_angler]

Thanks for the input. I will try to get some live bait and if I have trouble I will resort to the Power Bait. Thanks.

[SoFLA34]

If your going to bring plastics as back-ups I would recommend looking into the DOA shrimp kits, a small one. They have worked for me up and down the east coast and shrimp are everywhere so I am sure something will be willing to eat them!

[marine4003]

Was down in Guadalupe last year looking at what to use for bait and where to fish...guy at the hotel told me to bring a 6 pack down to the beach..when i saw someone fishing , offer them a beer and ask away...it worked..got all the knowledge i needed.