How to Keep Bait on the Hook When Surf Fishing

(Without Losing Cast Distance)

Few things frustrate surf anglers more than watching their bait fly off the hook during a long cast—or disappear after one wave rolls through. If you’re casting into the surf and targeting anything from pompano to sharks, keeping your bait secure is a must for success.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution that’s been used for years by South African beach anglers: Latex Cotton Bait Thread.

Let’s break down how and why you should be using it.

🪱 Why Bait Falls Off the Hook in Surf Conditions

Surf fishing puts serious stress on your rig:

• You’re casting 50 to 100 yards or more.

• Waves and current are constantly pulling and tumbling your line.

• Soft baits like squid, shrimp, mullet, or chunked fish tear easily on impact.

Without some way to secure your bait, you’re either:

• Reeling in bare hooks

• Missing strikes from fish that steal loose bait

• Burning through bait far too fast

Red Drum on a bait-threaded piece of cut mullet

🧵 The Solution: Bait Thread (Latex Cotton)

Bait thread (often called latex cotton or bait elastic) is a thin, stretchy, knot-free thread used to wrap bait onto the hook. Think of it like a stretchy tape that conforms to any bait and keeps it in place—even through powerful casts or rough surf.

✅ Just wrap it tightly 10–20 times around the bait and hook.

✅ A couple of overhead knots are needed so it sticks to itself and holds firm.

✅ Trim the end, and you’re ready to fish.

Bait Threaded Cut Mullet on a Circle Hook

🎯 What Kinds of Fish Is It Good For?

Bait thread is especially helpful when fishing for:

• Sharks - Secures large chunks of bait like bonito, mullet, or mackerel

• Drum & Stripers – Holds chunk bait tight against the hook shank

• Pompano & Whiting – Wraps soft shrimp or sand fleas cleanly

• Bluefish – Reduces bait loss from aggressive strikes

Latex Cotton Bait Threaded Hook on a Red Drum

💡 Pro Tip: Use Latex Cotton Pro for Better Results

We recommend using Latex Cotton Pro — a South African-style bait thread trusted by land-based shark anglers and surf fishermen worldwide.

Why it stands out:

• Non-stick and easy to handle

• Doesn’t cut or crush the bait

• Stretches without snapping

• Doesn’t leave residue on your hands

• Spool fits easily in your tackle bag

Whether you’re fishing for big predatory fish or just trying to keep shrimp on the hook for a light surf bite, Latex Cotton Pro makes your rig more reliable—and keeps you fishing instead of re-rigging.

🧰 How to Use Bait Thread (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare your bait and place it against the hook shank.

2. Hold the tag end of the thread with one hand.

3. Wrap tightly around the bait and hook 10–20 times.

4. A pair of overhand knots to finish it up and break or cut the thread.

5. Cast confidently!

🎣 Final Cast: Wrap It Before You Whip It

If your bait’s not staying on the hook, you’re losing time, fish, and money. Bait thread is a simple, cheap, and ultra-effective way to fix that problem—especially for surf and shark anglers casting big baits in big water.

Grab a spool of Latex Cotton Pro today and stop throwing bait (and chances) into the wind.