Thread: LY's on surf ?

1-Can you catch them with cast net from surf? 2- if not is it practical to catch on pier then put in aerated bucket to take back to surf- how hard are they to keep alive?

I've rarely seen schools of LYs come close enough to use the cast net in the surf. But lots of other bait: mullet, small whiting, silversides, etc..
Aerator & bucket will work for tougher species, not sure about LYs.

Originally Posted by Arkie Preacher

1-Can you catch them with cast net from surf? Yes - Sometimes. I have caught them early in the morning when the surf is calm. You may have to be waste deep and know how to throw a net off of your shoulders rather than the standard "from the waist throw" 2- if not is it practical to catch on pier then put in aerated bucket to take back to surf- how hard are they to keep alive? Nearly impossible without some type of bait pen to keep them in their natural environment, or a round bait well with a constant supply of fresh seawater. I doubt you would get them off the pier alive in a bucket, much less to a destination away from the pier.

Good luck with your endeavor...

thanks CarlF and WMFowler- i can always count on this forum for help !!!

My recommended aerator Fish Saver 12V Livewell Aeration Pump - Walmart.com
Creates current and lots of bubbles.

Depending on how big the LYs are, I've kept some alive in a 5 gallon bucket with little problem as long as the aerator is running and you change the water often. Little ones stay alive quite well.

At times I've caught small LYs (the 3"rs) in the surf in late summer and early fall (August thru October) (castnet w/ 3/8" mesh).
Might keep 3 dozen (small ones) alive for hours in Sept/Oct.
I have put 3 to 5 large LYs in a bait bucket w/two aerators to walk them out to the end.
I was younger then and it was more worth while ;-)