Get the Right Size Hook
The following chart gives a rough idea for hook selection:
- Roe, Red Worms: #12 to #4
- Small Minnows (2- to 4 inches) and Leeches: #4 to 1/0
- Medium Minnows (3- to 5 inches), Crayfish, Leopard Frogs: #2 to 3/0
- Large Minnows (5- to 10 inches): 2/0 to 8/0
Bait-Hooking Strategies
Live bait fishing is as old as the sport itself, revered for its effectiveness in attracting a wide range of fish species. The key to success lies not just in choosing the right bait but in how you hook it.
Hooking Worms
Worms are a staple in the angler's bait box, appealing to various fish. To hook a worm, start by selecting a hook size that matches the worm's size. Throw them onto the hook multiple times for larger worms, leaving both ends dangling to maximize movement. A single hook through the center or one end is often enough for smaller worms. The goal is to keep the worm alive and wriggling for as long as possible.
Small portions of worm are an excellent choice for plump gills. Since these fish have small mouths, a 1-inch to 2-inch piece of worm works best. If you're dealing continuously with nibblers, your presentation is too large. For bigger prey, such as bass and walleye, hook the worm once through the collar, or directly through the middle (wacky-worm style), or through the fat end, depending on how you're fishing it. Up-front hooking is best for fishing a worm on a moving presentation, such as a trolled harness or a drifting rig. Larger fish will inhale a whole night crawler, so don't worry that excess worm is away from the hook, as this adds to a realistic presentation.
Hooking Leeches
Leeches, with their undulating motion, are irresistible to many fish species. To hook a leech, pass the hook through the sucker end, avoiding the body's middle to preserve its natural movement. A thin-wire hook works best, allowing the leech to swim freely and attractively.
Hooking Minnows
Minnows can be hooked in several ways, depending on how you want them to behave in the water. For a natural swimming action, hook the minnow lightly through the lips or the back just below the dorsal fin. To keep the minnow in place, hook it through the tail. Use small, sharp hooks to minimize injury and stress, ensuring the minnow remains active.
Hooking Crayfish
Crayfish are excellent bait for bottom-feeding fish. Hook a crayfish through the tail, either from underneath and up or through the side, to keep it secure while allowing for natural movement. When targeting species that prefer active prey, hooking through the thorax allows the crayfish to move more freely.
Hooking Frogs
Frogs are top choices for large freshwater fish like bass. To hook a frog, insert the hook through the lip or hind legs, depending on your fishing technique. Hooking through the hind legs allows for an enticing leg-kicking action, especially effective in topwater fishing. Choose a hook that is large enough to secure the frog but small enough to allow for its natural movement.
Each hook type offers distinct advantages, whether you're looking to ensure bait longevity, facilitate ethical catch-and-release, or enhance bait presentation. By experimenting with these different hooks and applying the provided tips, you can tailor your approach to suit your target species and fishing conditions, leading to more enjoyable and productive fishing experiences. Also, we highly recommend you consult a reputable fishing report for the area you are fishing to get a good idea on what type of bait the fish are biting on.
