5-6 per pack
Similar to anchovies
Yes — capelin should definitely cover both sea fishing and pike. It's a small whole fish, so its pike-deadbait use deserves proper space rather than being treated as just another sea bait.
CAPELIN – FROZEN SEA FISHING & PIKE BAIT
Capelin are a small whole-fish bait suitable for both UK sea fishing and pike deadbaiting. Their convenient size means they can be fished whole without having to cut down a larger baitfish.
For sea fishing they can be used whole, doubled up or combined with squid. For pike, they make a useful smaller deadbait, particularly when you want a more compact presentation.
CAPELIN FOR SEA FISHING
Capelin can be used for bass, cod, rays, dogfish, whiting and other predatory sea species.
For bass, fish a whole capelin on a Running Ledger or Pulley Rig. A Wrigglers Chinu Hook makes a good compact presentation without overpowering the bait.
For cod, fish a capelin whole or step up to two fish together. Wrigglers Chinu or Octopus Beak Hooks are good choices depending on the size of the bait.
For rays and dogfish, use two capelin together or combine them with squid to create a more substantial bait. A Pulley Pennel or Up & Over Rig works well, with Wrigglers Octopus Beak, Mutsu Circle or True Circle Hooks depending on the presentation.
Smaller pieces can also be used on 2-Hook and 3-Hook Flapper Rigs with Wrigglers Chinu or Aberdeen Hooks for whiting and general mixed-species fishing.
CAPELIN & SQUID
Capelin and squid make a particularly useful combination.
Lay a narrow strip of squid alongside the whole capelin and secure it lightly with bait elastic. The squid gives the softer fish extra support during casting while allowing you to retain the natural whole-fish profile.
For larger cod, bass or ray baits, use a Pulley or Pulley Pennel Rig with a Wrigglers Octopus Beak or Takumi Wide Gape Long Shank Hook.
CAPELIN FOR PIKE
Capelin also make an excellent small pike deadbait.
Their compact size makes them useful when you want a smaller offering rather than a large mackerel, herring or other substantial deadbait. They can be ledgered on the bottom or presented beneath a float.
Fish them on a Wrigglers Wire Pike Trace fitted with Wrigglers Barbed Treble Hooks.
Size 8 Trebles — particularly suited to small capelin and lighter presentations.
Size 6 Trebles — useful when fishing larger capelin or a slightly heavier presentation.
Size 4 Trebles — better reserved for larger deadbaits rather than automatically using them on a small capelin.
Always use an appropriate wire trace when intentionally targeting pike, and keep the treble points exposed.
WHY USE CAPELIN?
The big advantage is their size.
Rather than cutting a larger baitfish down, you have a naturally shaped small fish that can be presented whole. That makes capelin useful for both a neat sea-fishing bait and a compact pike deadbait.
COMPLETE YOUR SETUP WITH WRIGGLERS TACKLE
For sea fishing: Chinu Hooks • Aberdeen Hooks • Octopus Beak Hooks • Takumi Wide Gape Long Shank Hooks • Mutsu Circle Hooks • True Circle Hooks • Pulley Rigs • Pulley Pennel Rigs • Power Swivels • Rig Line
For pike: Wrigglers Wire Pike Traces • Wrigglers Barbed Treble Hooks Sizes 8, 6 & 4 • Power Swivels • Pike Rig Components
TOP TIP
For sea fishing, keep a whole capelin straight and lightly secured rather than covering it in bait elastic. For pike, take advantage of its small size and use a trace and trebles that don't overpower the deadbait.
SEA BAIT • PIKE DEADBAIT
#GetAWriggleOn