How to Hook Live Fish Bait or Minnows

Live fish bait including shrimp, eels and minnows are extremely effective because they are exactly the type of bait fish are looking for. These bait fish can produce hits when fish are really finicky, when they won't hit artificial lures.

Things You'll Need

• Live bait fish
• 4/0 bait fish hook
• Towel

Instructions

1. Store the live fish bait in a round minnow bucket with perforated bottom.

2. Open the fish bait bucket and scoop out a live minnow or live shrimp.

3. Hold the live minnow, live shrimp or bait fish in one hand and the bait fish hook in the other.

4. Hook the live bait fish right behind the head on the top of the back. Stick the hook in about a half inch down and pull it through so the hook is exposed. This gives the bait fish full mobility and ensures the bait stays on the bait fish hook.

5. Hook the live shrimp bait just behind the eyes through the head shell in the same manner. It is important not to hook the live shrimp bait through the brain, which is located a little farther back.

Tips & Warnings

• Use live shrimp as bait for Redfish, Sea Trout and grouper. Live bait fish minnows like greenbacks, pinfish and chubs are also good for these fish and also bring in mackerel and other species.

Resources

• Live bait fish, minnows and shrimp
• Bait fish, shrimp and more online