Characterization of bluefish baits (keeled mullet, leaping mullet, and sardine) in regard to biochemical and physical properties: bait preference of bluefish

The fishing industry needs alternative baits that are not based on resources available for human consumption. In order to develop artificial baits, first the preferred baits should be determined, and then their biochemical and physiological composition should be identified. The aim of this study was to determine bluefish bait preferences and reveal the biochemical composition and physical characteristics of the preferred baits. In this study, keeled mullet, leaping mullet, and sardine species were found to have the highest catch, respectively. The highest texture hardness and whiteness colour values were found in keeled mullet, which had the highest catch efficiency for bluefish fishing. The highest palmitoleic acid content was found in keeled mullet at 25.86% (16.93% in leaping mullet and 17.05% in sardine). However, the highest PUFA content was found in sardine (15.56%), followed by leaping mullet (13.97%), and then keeled mullet (11.32%). As for the amino acid compositions, it was determined that glutamic acid and serine content, which are known to have positive effects on feed intake, were higher in keeled mullet. In regard to volatile components, mullet species were especially rich in total alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, and amines, while sardines were rich in hydrocarbons and furans. Hexanal and heptanal compounds, known as fish aroma, were determined at high rates in keeled mullet. It can be concluded that these components may be attractive to bluefish. The data presented in this study may be useful for the production of artificial bait.