Sardina

Sardina, or flat iron herring, are the most common bait fish throughout much of the Sea of Cortez. The pliers in the picture are standard sized to give you a little scale. This picture was taken at the end of the day so the colors aren't quite so strong on the sardina and the distinctive black dot behind the eye is not very clear. Numerous patterns imitate this species, be sure to have some when heading south. In Loreto, netters are available at the marina to fill your panga's live bait tank. The guide uses these fish to lure predatory fish into fly range. Putting just a couple in the water and watching what happens provides the guide with a lot of information about the type and behavior of any fish that might be in the area.