Garfish, also known as needlefish in some regions, are a popular target for anglers due to their fast strikes, exciting fights, and unique appearance. These long, slender fish with pointed jaws are usually found in coastal waters, estuaries, and harbors. Their feeding habits make them an interesting species to pursue, especially for beginners or those fishing with light tackle. Choosing the right bait for garfish is essential to increasing your chances of a successful catch. Understanding what attracts garfish and how to present it effectively can make a significant difference during your fishing trip.
Understanding Garfish Behavior
Feeding Habits and Environment
Garfish are surface feeders and are often spotted close to the top of the water, especially during early morning or late afternoon. They are known to feed on small baitfish, shrimp, plankton, and floating organic debris. Garfish are attracted to shiny, moving objects, which is why reflective bait or lures tend to be effective.
These fish are commonly found in warm coastal waters, estuaries, and shallow bays. They prefer calm conditions and are often active when the tide is moving. Since garfish travel in schools, once you locate them, the action can be fast and exciting.
Natural Baits for Garfish
Best Natural Bait Options
Natural bait is one of the most effective ways to catch garfish. These fish are opportunistic feeders, and the right bait can entice them quickly. The following are some of the top choices:
- Prawns and Shrimp: Small prawns are an excellent choice, either live or dead. Thread a prawn onto a small hook and present it just beneath the surface.
- Worms: Sandworms and bloodworms are highly effective, especially when fishing from piers or in estuaries. Their natural movement and scent attract garfish from a distance.
- Small Fish Pieces: Thin strips of pilchard, sardine, or mackerel are ideal. The oily scent and soft texture are appealing, and their shimmering skin can attract garfish visually.
- Chicken Breast: Surprisingly, tiny pieces of raw chicken breast can be effective when cut into thin slivers. Soaking them in tuna oil or fish attractant can make them even more appealing.
Presentation Tips for Natural Bait
Use very small hooks, such as size 10 to 14, and ensure your bait is securely attached while still looking natural. Float rigs are perfect for presenting bait near the surface, where garfish typically feed. A small float, a light trace, and a single hook just beneath the surface is often all you need.
Artificial Baits and Lures
When and How to Use Artificial Bait
Artificial lures can also work for garfish, particularly in clearer waters where fish can spot the flash and movement. If you’re looking for an exciting and active style of fishing, using small, reflective lures might be a good option.
- Silver Spinners: Lightweight spinners that flash in the sunlight can mimic small baitfish and entice strikes.
- Soft Plastics: Tiny paddle-tail or grub-style plastics in natural colors can be effective when fished slowly across the surface.
- Feather Rigs: Feathered hooks or sabiki rigs with reflective material can work, especially when fished just below the surface.
Tips for Success with Lures
Keep in mind that garfish have small, bony mouths, so make sure your lures are equipped with small, sharp hooks. Light gear is essential for casting accurately and feeling subtle bites. A slow, twitchy retrieve often works best with lures.
DIY Baiting Techniques
Creating Your Own Garfish Bait
If you’re fishing in a remote area or want to experiment, you can make your own garfish bait using items from your kitchen. Here are a few ideas:
- Bread Dough: Mix white bread with a bit of water to form a soft dough. Roll into small balls and use with a float rig. Soaking in fish oil helps enhance scent.
- Fish Oil-Soaked Cotton: Soak cotton balls or small sponge pieces in fish oil and place them on the hook. This releases scent slowly into the water.
- Canned Corn Kernels: Sweet corn can be surprisingly effective, particularly in areas where garfish are used to human activity and leftover food.
Choosing the Right Tackle
Lightweight Gear
Since garfish are not particularly large, a light spinning rod and reel setup is ideal. A 6-7 foot rod with a sensitive tip, matched with a 1000-2500 size spinning reel and light monofilament or fluorocarbon line (4-6 lb test) will provide the best feel and control.
Hooks and Floats
Use long-shank, fine-wire hooks to make it easier to hook garfish in their small mouths. Floats should be small and sensitive, just enough to support the bait without adding too much drag. Pencil floats or small clear bubble floats are common choices.
Chumming for Garfish
Using Berley to Attract Gar
One of the most effective ways to keep garfish around your fishing spot is to use a steady stream of berley (chum). This draws fish in and keeps them interested even between bites.
- Breadcrumb Mix: Mix breadcrumbs with tuna oil, mashed sardines, or crushed prawns to create a cloud of scent and ptopics.
- Commercial Berley Pellets: These are available at most tackle shops and are specifically designed to attract garfish and other surface feeders.
- Dispenser Bags: Use a mesh bag tied near your float or off the side of a pier to slowly release berley into the water.
Timing and Conditions
Best Times to Fish for Garfish
Garfish are most active during dawn and dusk when light levels are lower. On overcast days, they may feed throughout the day. A rising or falling tide tends to trigger feeding behavior, especially near estuary mouths or rocky outcrops.
Water Clarity and Weather
Clear water with minimal wave action is ideal. Garfish are visual feeders, so murky water or rough conditions can reduce their activity. Calm days with bright skies offer the best opportunity to spot surface movement and target schools of gar.
Catching garfish can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when using the right bait and techniques. Whether you prefer natural bait like shrimp or worms, or you enjoy experimenting with artificial lures and DIY solutions, there’s a method for everyone. Understanding garfish behavior, choosing the right gear, and fishing under optimal conditions can significantly improve your success. With a little preparation and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the thrill of landing these energetic surface feeders.