Bullheads. This is the term commonly used for staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus), one of most frequently caught fish on CenCal and NorCal piers, and a fish that is largely considered a nuisance. However, it is also one of the top baits for striped bass in the San Francisco Bay Area. Live bullheads are hooked through the bottom and lower jaws with hooks sized 2 to 4/0, or used with thread to secure them to the hook, and then fished at or near the bottom. Bullheads will stay alive for a considerable length of time in a little bit of water or even a damp gunnysack.
Do be careful when handling live staghorn sculpins since they have a strong spine on the side of the head and can give a person a nasty jab if they’re not careful. Although many anglers prefer live bullheads for bait, some experts specifically prefer to use dead bullheads since the live ‘uns have the audacity to burrow into the mud (which makes it a little hard for a fish to grab them). If using deceased bullheads do remember to use fish that are fresh and still coated with slime, it seems to act as an attractant.
Do be careful when handling live staghorn sculpins since they have a strong spine on the side of the head and can give a person a nasty jab if they’re not careful. Although many anglers prefer live bullheads for bait, some experts specifically prefer to use dead bullheads since the live ‘uns have the audacity to burrow into the mud (which makes it a little hard for a fish to grab them). If using deceased bullheads do remember to use fish that are fresh and still coated with slime, it seems to act as an attractant.
Staghorn Sculpin aka Bullhead
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