ABSTRACT This study developed and evaluated dry artificial fish bait for trap fishing utilizing tuna red meat (TRM) and shrimp head powder (SHP), aiming to replace the usage of edible fishes, such as sardines and squids, as bait. A total of 23 dry baits were prepared and tested for stability in seawater and acceptance by tilapia. Based on the stability and acceptability test results, two baits were selected as ideal and were further tested for protein leaching and dry matter loss in seawater. The tests revealed that the stick-shaped bait containing 61% TRM and 15% SHP was the ideal bait, with a protein leaching rate of 24.82 mg/g/h and dry matter loss of 36.6 mg/g/h. The catch rate of the traps baited with the artificial fish bait was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those baited with squid meat (17 Nos/trap) and sardines (23 Nos/trap). Further, the catch rate of traps baited with artificial bait (38 Nos/trap) was found to be comparable with those baited with raw shrimp head wastes (SHW) (40 Nos/trap). When the bait was concentrated with 0.1% sodium benzoate, shelf life was extended by up to 6 months.