Bait Barge- San Diego Bay

[Mr. NiceGuy]

$20 for a kayak scoop.

The bait available varies. Tuesday they had large sardines.

I picked up 6 mackerels at sunrise near the entrance to Shelter Island Yacht Basin on my way to the bait barge, so I didn't need more. I stopped anyway to check out their stock and ask some questions. The area around the bait barge has been fruitful for making bait too.

For my past 6 trips to SD Bay, I have had luck picking up enough bait on my way to the bait barge so buying a scoop has not been necessary. Personally I don't care much for sardines. I like anchovies and mackerels for bay fishing. I usually carry a few squid as backup.

First light has been pretty reliable for quick bait. Tuesday I was seeing bait balls on my FF throughout the morning until the wind came up. I left at noon.