Things You'll Need:
- Fishing pole
- Minnow
- Bobber or lure
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Step 1
Fish a minnow out of whatever container you have it stashed in and hold it in your hand for thirty seconds. This will deprive the minnow of oxygen so that it won't flap around as much while you are putting it on the hook. But don't kill it before you get it back in the water. For fishing with a bobber, it's best if the minnow is alive.
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Step 2
Grip the minnow between the bottom of the knuckle of your index finger and the pad of the thumb. This might feel awkward the first time you try it, but this method ensures the best combination of stability and control over the minnow. The minnow's head should be facing the inside of your hand, with the back third of the fish exposed and ready for the hook.
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Step 3
Holding the hook in your strong hand, pierce the hook through the minnow in the solid flesh just in front of the tail fin. Placing the hook here ensures minimal damage to the minnow, which in turn ensures the injured minnow stays alive as long as possible. Live, injured minnows are much more effective at attracting predatory fish than dead minnows.
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Step 4
Slip the minnow into the water for a few seconds to let it catch its breath. This will help the minnow endure the cast and ensure the minnow lasts as long as possible.
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Step 5
Casting exerts a toll on the little guys, so the fewer casts you inflict on a single minnow, the longer it will last.
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Step 6
Keep your eyes on that bobber and reel them in!
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Step 1
Grab a minnow and hold it for thirty seconds.
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Step 2
Grip the minnow using the method described in Step 2 of the previous section, except that this time the minnow's tail will be facing the inside of your hand and the head will be exposed for hooking.
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Step 3
Hook the minnow through its lower lip and push the barb through the back of the minnow's head.
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Step 4
Begin casting. There is no need to let the minnow rest first--using this method means the minnow will not be alive for long. It is not important for the minnow to be alive when jig or lure fishing. Because you hooked the minnow at the front, it will slip realistically forward through the water as you cast and reel.
