Catching sardines can be both a rewarding experience and a valuable skill for fishermen. These small, silvery fish are often found in large schools near the surface of the water, making them relatively easy to locate with the right techniques and equipment.

Whether you’re fishing for sardines to use as bait or to enjoy as a fresh meal, understanding their behavior and the best practices for catching them can greatly improve your success.

This guide on how to catch sardines will provide insights on the tools, methods, and tips needed to efficiently catch sardines.

Why Catch Sardines?

Sardines are a popular bait fish for larger game fish such as tuna, marlin, and swordfish. They are also commonly used by anglers to catch other species like mackerel, bass, and snapper. Additionally, sardines are a nutritious food source that can be enjoyed fresh or preserved in various ways.

Furthermore, sardines play an important role in the marine ecosystem as they serve as a vital food source for many predators. By learning how to catch sardines responsibly and sustainably, you can help maintain the balance of marine life.

Tools Needed

Catching sardines requires basic fishing equipment, including a rod and reel, hooks, and bait. However, there are a few specific tools that can greatly improve your chances of success.

Fish Finder:

A fish finder is an electronic device that uses sonar to locate schools of fish underwater. This can be particularly helpful when searching for sardines as they tend to school near the surface. A fish finder can save you time and effort by pinpointing the exact location of the sardine school.

Cast Net:

A cast net is a circular net with weights around its perimeter. It is used to quickly and efficiently catch multiple fish at once. When thrown correctly, the cast net will spread out over the water and trap any sardines within its radius.

9 Methods on How to Catch Sardines

Method 1: Chumming 

Chumming is a highly effective method for attracting sardines to your location. This technique involves dispersing small pieces of bait or ground-up fish into the water to create a scent trail that sardines will follow.

To start, prepare a mix of finely chopped fish, breadcrumbs, or fish meal, and toss it into the water near your fishing spot. It’s best to chum in areas where sardines are commonly found, such as coastal waters or near piers.

Once the sardines are drawn in by the chum, you can use a cast net or small hooks with bait to catch them. Remember to be patient, as it may take a few minutes for the sardines to gather in sufficient numbers. Avoid over-chumming, as this can scatter the school and reduce your chances of catching them efficiently.

Method 2: Sabiki Rig

A Sabiki rig is a type of multi-hook setup that is designed to mimic a small school of fish. This rig can be purchased or made at home using multiple hooks and colorful beads tied onto a line. The rig is then baited with small pieces of fish or shrimp and dropped into the water near the surface.

As the sardines are attracted to the movement and color of the rig, they will bite onto the hooks, allowing you to catch several at once.

Method 3: Jigging 

Jigging is another effective technique for catching sardines, especially when they are schooling in deeper waters. This method involves using a weighted lure, known as a jig, that is designed to imitate the movement of a small fish. To begin, attach a small jig to your fishing line and drop it to the depth where sardines are located, as identified using a fish finder or visual observation.

Once the jig is in place, use a quick, vertical motion to raise and lower your rod tip, creating a jerking action that makes the jig appear alive and enticing to the sardines. Jigging can be done from a boat, dock, or the shoreline. It’s a technique that requires some practice to master, but once you find the right rhythm, it can yield impressive results. Keep your movements consistent and pay attention to the line for any sudden tension, indicating a sardine has taken the bait.

Method 4: Troll with Lures

Trolling involves slowly moving a boat through the water and dragging lures behind it to attract fish. This method is commonly used for larger game fish, but it can also be effective for catching sardines. Use small, shiny lures that mimic the appearance of small schooling fish and adjust your trolling speed to match the swimming pace of the sardines.

You can also add a small piece of bait to the lure for added attraction. As with jigging, pay attention to your line for any sudden tension that may indicate a sardine has taken the bait.

Method 5: Handlining 

Handlining is a simple and traditional method for catching sardines that requires minimal equipment. This technique involves using a fishing line held directly in your hands, with a small hook and bait attached to the end of the line. Handlining is particularly effective in shallow waters or when sardines are schooling near the surface. 

To begin, use light fishing lines and small hooks, as sardines are relatively small in size and may be deterred by larger equipment. Attach bait such as small pieces of shrimp, fish, or bread to the hook, and gently lower the line into the water where sardines are present. Allow the bait to sink slightly below the surface, as sardines typically feed in these areas.   Once you feel a tug on the line, gently pull it up to hook the sardine and reel it in.

Method 6: Fly Fishing 

Fly fishing for sardines is a fun and challenging technique that can yield great results. You will need a fly rod and lightweight flies that mimic small baitfish. Cast your fly near where the sardines are schooling and use short, quick movements to make the fly appear alive in the water. Sardines will often bite during these sudden movements, so be prepared to quickly set the hook.

The key to successful fly fishing for sardines is using lightweight equipment and subtle movements. The smaller the fly, the better your chances of attracting sardines.

Method 7: Dip Netting

Dip netting is another simple method for catching sardines from shore or shallow waters. This technique involves using a long-handled net with a wide, shallow basket to scoop up sardines swimming near the surface. Sardines can often be seen jumping out of the water or splashing near the shoreline, making them easy targets for dip netting.

To begin, stand at the edge of the water and gently lower your net into the water. Slowly move it towards any visible sardines and then quickly scoop them up with a swift upward motion. Dip netting is most effective in areas where large numbers of sardines are present.

Method 8: Bait Fishing

Bait fishing is a popular method for catching sardines from shore or piers. This technique involves using a small hook, baited with pieces of shrimp or fish that sardines are known to feed on. Cast your line into the water and wait for the sardines to bite. It’s important to keep an eye on your line for any movement, as sardines can often take the bait quickly and swim away.

Bait fishing is best done in areas where there is little current or movement in the water, as this can make it difficult to detect bites.

Method 9: Cast Netting

Cast netting is a highly effective and efficient method for catching large numbers of sardines at once. To begin, you will need a circular cast net with weights around the edges and a line attached to the center. Standing at the water’s edge, gather the net in your hands and throw it out into the water in a circular motion.

As the net sinks to the bottom, use small movements to gather it back towards you. This will create a pocket in which sardines will become entangled. Once you have gathered enough of the net, pull it back onto shore or onto your boat to retrieve your catch.

Following these methods on how to catch sardines and techniques can greatly improve your chances of catching sardines. Remember to always check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before you begin. Happy fishing! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the Best Time to Catch Sardines? 

A1: Sardines can be caught year-round, but they are most abundant during the summer months when water temperatures are warmer. They also tend to be more active during dawn and dusk, making these times ideal for fishing.

Q2: What is the Best Bait for Catching Sardines?

A2: Sardines are known to feed on small fish, plankton, and crustaceans. Some effective bait options include pieces of shrimp, small fish such as anchovies or herring, and even bread.

Q3: Can I Use Artificial Lures to Catch Sardines?

A3: Yes, artificial lures can be effective in catching sardines. Look for small lures that mimic the appearance and movement of small schooling fish. Jigs and spoons are also commonly used for trolling or jigging for sardines.

Q4: Where is the Best Place to Catch Sardines?

A4: Sardines can be found near shore, in shallow waters, and even offshore. Look for areas with structures such as piers, jetties, or rocks where sardines may gather. Pay attention to any visible signs of sardine activity such as splashing or jumping out of the water.  Additionally, using a fish finder can help you locate schools of sardines in deeper waters.

Conclusion

Regardless of which method you choose, catching sardines requires patience, skill, and knowledge of their behavior. Each technique has its advantages and can be used in different environments or situations. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you.

Remember to follow all local regulations and guidelines on how to catch sardines when fishing for sardines. Enjoy the experience and happy fishing!  So, next time you see a school of sardines swimming by, don’t hesitate to try one of these methods and see which one works best for you. Happy fishing!