How to Learn Methods for Rigging Live Bait

Whether you are fishing for the first time or you're a seasoned fisherman, the type of bait you use can mean the difference between fishing success and failure. Live bait often works when nothing else will. Learn how to rig live bait and reel in the big ones—hook, line and sinker.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Bait
• Hooks
• Fishing line
• Rod
• Reel

1. Choose the strongest, liveliest bait you can find. Larger baits are often the strongest, and the liveliest ones will be difficult to catch.
2. Use the smallest, lightest hook available and the least amount of weight possible.
3. Hook big, fast bait—like sardines and mackerel—through the nose when surface-baiting. It will help slow them down and make them easier for predators to catch.
4. Add weight to your rig to get the live bait into deeper water. Hook bait through the collar or anal vent to get them to swim deeper.
5. Keep fresh, live bait in the water at all times. This might mean changing bait every 5 minutes.