Cut Bait for Salmon Fishing Success

woman posing with huge fish caught while using cut bait for salmon fishing
The only remedy for salmon fever is going fishing.

Cut Bait for Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario

“Salmon Fever” is a disease that many anglers have contracted after experiencing the thrill of battling their first king salmon in the open waters of Lake Ontario. The exhilarating challenge and the raw power of these fish create unforgettable memories for anglers across the Great Lakes and beyond.

Henderson Harbor

When departing from Henderson Harbor, most fishermen set their sights on the trench in pursuit of big kings during the peak months of August and September. Experienced anglers know that the most productive times to fish are often just before or after dawn, when the bite tends to be particularly strong for a few precious hours. As rods are first set in the early morning light, anticipation builds, and every angler is on the edge of their seat, eagerly waiting for that first rod to “fire up,” signaling a king salmon that’s stripping line from the drag.

Flasher- Flies

In recent years, a combination of flasher-flies has emerged as the go-to method for catching salmon during late summer and fall. Among the most popular choices in this area are Pro Troll Flashers equipped with E-chips, paired with A-Tom-Mik trolling flies. Many charter captains swear by these combinations, considering them some of the most effective tools for luring in salmon. Indeed, during August and September, flasher-fly combinations are often the top producers on the lake.

Woman on fishing boat holding up large king salmon caught on Lake Ontario
Sometimes fishing cut bait will produce best results for salmon.

The Comeback of Cut Bait

However, cut bait is making a resurgence as a viable alternative for salmon fishing. This technique has long been a staple among seasoned anglers, known for its effectiveness in enticing salmon. The use of cut bait allows anglers to present a natural offering that can be particularly appealing to fish, especially during times when they are more finicky or less inclined to strike at artificial lures. As the season progresses, it’s wise for anglers to keep cut bait in their arsenal, ready to switch strategies when necessary and capitalize on every opportunity to land that trophy king.

Fishing with Cut Bait for Salmon 

What is Cut Bait?

Cut bait is a popular and effective fishing technique that involves using strips of fish—most commonly herring—attached to a colored teaser lure. These lures are designed to rotate in the water, mimicking the movement of injured prey, which helps to attract predatory fish like salmon.

The setup typically includes a flasher positioned in front of the teaser, which enhances visibility and adds an enticing flashing action that can draw fish from a distance. Both teasers and flashers come in a wide variety of colors, allowing anglers to tailor their presentation to match local conditions or fish preferences. Some of the most favored colors include silvers, blues, glo-greens, chartreuse, and reds, each chosen for their ability to stand out and capture the attention of hungry fish.

Using cut bait effectively requires a good understanding of the water conditions and the behavior of the fish you’re targeting, making it a favored method among seasoned anglers seeking to increase their chances of landing a trophy catch.

How to prepare Cut Baits

Cut herring strips, often packaged in a frozen saline solution, are a staple for anglers targeting salmon. To ensure the best results, these strips must be thawed properly before use. However, it’s important not to thaw them too far in advance, as they can lose their fresh, oily odor, which is critical for attracting fish.

Once the herring strips have thawed, you can begin preparing them for your fishing setup. Start by inserting a thawed herring strip into the plastic teaser. Push the strip all the way against the nose of the teaser, making sure it fits snugly. To secure the bait in place, use a toothpick to pierce through the designated hole in the teaser, holding the cut bait firmly. Be sure to clip off the toothpick flush with the teaser to avoid any snags during fishing.

Next, take a second toothpick and place it against the line in the special blister located at the tail end of the teaser. This setup allows the teaser to slide freely along the line while preventing the cut bait from slipping out. Properly preparing your cut bait in this way can enhance your chances of hooking into a big salmon on your fishing adventure.

Getting the Bait in the Water

When you first place the cut bait in the water, take a moment to observe its action. You may need to make adjustments since each herring strip is hand-cut, and they won’t all exhibit the same movement in the water. Variations in size and shape can affect how the bait behaves, so it’s important to fine-tune your setup for optimal performance.

If the bait isn’t swimming correctly or isn’t drawing attention, consider trimming the edges of the herring strip or adjusting how it is secured in the teaser. Small modifications can significantly enhance the bait’s effectiveness, ensuring it mimics the natural swimming action that salmon find irresistible. Keep an eye on the bait’s movement, and don’t hesitate to make changes until you achieve the ideal presentation.

Revolving Bait

Lake Ontario angler on a boat holding up huge king salmon catch
Paying attention to details while fishing cut bait for salmon often pays big results.

One fundamental principle in nature is that wounded behavior often triggers aggression in predatory fish. This is particularly relevant when it comes to salmon fishing, where revolving herring baits are remarkably effective. These baits simulate a wounded fish, creating an illusion that captivates king salmon due to their flashes of light and dark that disrupt the natural camouflage.

Research has indicated that the sounds produced by revolving baits can further entice strikes, as they mimic the sounds of a struggling, injured organism. For many fish, an easy meal is far more appealing than expending energy on elusive prey.

Teasers and the baits used with them typically revolve at a rate of one to two turns per second. It’s crucial that the bait rotates properly; if it doesn’t revolve, it’s unlikely to attract fish. The ideal action is a gentle roll rather than a fast spin. Baits that spin, where the head moves in a small circle while the tail makes a larger circle, are often less effective at enticing bites.

For optimal results, aim for a rolling action that incorporates a slight wobble or hesitation. Before lowering your setup to the desired fishing depth, be sure to check the lure’s action at the side of the boat. This simple step can make a significant difference in your success on the water.

Adjusting Your Bait

Getting the action of your bait just right is key to attracting king salmon. If you find that your bait is acting too slowly, here are a few adjustments you can make:

  • Speed Up: Increase the speed of your retrieve to enhance the bait’s movement.
  • Move the Hook: Adjust the hook placement, moving it back closer to the tail of the bait for a livelier action.
  • Bend the Tail: Gently bend the last ¼ inch of the plastic lure tail down and away from the strip. This can help create a more enticing movement.

Conversely, if the bait is acting too quickly, you can try the following:

  • Slow Down: Reduce your retrieve speed to give the bait a more natural look.
  • Move the Hook: Again, reposition the hook closer to the tail of the bait to help slow it down.
  • Flatten the Tail: Flatten out the plastic tail section of the lure. This modification can help stabilize the bait’s action and make it appear more realistic.

By making these simple adjustments, you can fine-tune your bait’s action and increase your chances of hooking a salmon on Lake Ontario.

Leader Lengths

When fishing with cut bait for salmon, the leader length you choose can significantly impact your success. Leader lengths can range from two feet to five and a half feet, depending on the fishing conditions of the day. Factors such as water clarity, depth, and current can influence your choice. Always be prepared to experiment with different setups to find what works best for the conditions you’re facing.

As you rig up, remember to keep a firm grip on your rod. Fishing with cut bait can trigger some ferocious hits from salmon, and being ready for these aggressive strikes is crucial.

Also, don’t forget to bring a container to keep your cut baits fresh and organized while you fish. Having everything prepared and easily accessible will enhance your fishing experience and help you focus on what matters most—landing that trophy salmon.

Cut Bait is Worth a Try!

While cut bait for salmon may not guarantee more king salmon on Lake Ontario, it can be an exciting alternative worth exploring if you find some quality bait. Good luck, and enjoy the adventure of trying this unique fishing method. And if the cut bait doesn’t yield results, don’t hesitate to revert to the tried-and-true flasher-fly combinations.

Keep in mind that there’s no known cure for “Salmon Fever,” but the best remedy is to hit the water as often as you can. So grab your gear, head out, and embrace the thrill of fishing!

Original Article By Captain Bob Dick

About the Author

Captain Bob Dick owns and operates “Moby Dick Charters” out of Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario.  Captain Bob specializes in sport fishing for trophy walleye, browns, lake trout, king salmon, northern pike and smallmouth bass. He has lived and fished the eastern end of Lake Ontario and tributaries his entire life and is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association.

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.

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