Lizardfish. If there were a “Hall of Fame or perhaps Hall of Shame” for fish disliked by anglers, lizardfish, Synodus lucioceps would rank up near the top alongside the white croaker (aka kingfish, tomcod, and roncador). They are most common in cold-water years but when they show up they are generally found in large schools (sometimes seeming to cover the bottom). That means they are easy to catch on Sabiki-type bait rigs, they generally don’t offer much in the way of fighting ability, and most are too small to eat. A bigger sin is that they often grab bait intended for more preferable species. Most people feel they are worthless so once caught they’re left to dry out on the deck of the pier or they are killed and tossed back into the water.
However, they make good live bait for some species, including halibut and bass. In fact, some years back an angler won the big-time, big money halibut derby in Santa Monica Bay using a lizardfish as bait. His “secret” bait surprised many people.
On a pier, use small lizardfish on a Carolina type rigging if seeking out halibut. If bass are the goal, fish straight down by the pilings using a hi/lo rigging and a size 4 or 2 hook. Although far less effective than when used live, lizzies can also be used for cut bait; cut them as you would most strip bait or cut small triangular pieces for bait. You can also cut them as strip bait and use them with plastics.
However, they make good live bait for some species, including halibut and bass. In fact, some years back an angler won the big-time, big money halibut derby in Santa Monica Bay using a lizardfish as bait. His “secret” bait surprised many people.
Lizardfish
On a pier, use small lizardfish on a Carolina type rigging if seeking out halibut. If bass are the goal, fish straight down by the pilings using a hi/lo rigging and a size 4 or 2 hook. Although far less effective than when used live, lizzies can also be used for cut bait; cut them as you would most strip bait or cut small triangular pieces for bait. You can also cut them as strip bait and use them with plastics.