Many sport fish prefer live bait, and for good reason. Using real minnows, worms, crayfish and other bait items means presenting the fish with foods it is accustomed to feeding on in its environment. However, fish are known to be rather suspicious of things dangling in the water that don't look quite right. Part of using live bait is presenting the bait in an authentic manner and taking full advantage of the live motions of the bait. Dead bait, or bait that is improperly presented, won't be as effective.
Hooking Live Minnows
While dead minnows can be effective in certain circumstances, live minnows are certainly better. You have to hook the minnow so that it is secure on the hook, yet in such a way that the act of hooking it doesn't kill it quickly. There are two popular ways to hook a minnow. First, run the hook up through the bottom lip, through the mouth and out the top of the fish's carapace near the tip of the nose. The minnow won't be able to tear the hook out through his lips, and the hook location won't impair his central nervous system. Second, hook the minnow through the middle of his upper back, being careful to place the hook below his spinal cord. This position also will delay death for a half hour or more.
Hooking Live Earthworms
If you have a very large earthworm, and you're only fishing for small panfish like crappie or bluegill, consider using sections of the earthworm rather than the whole thing. Using a whole earthworm to go after bluegill will result in poor fishing. The smaller fish will simply nibble away at the worm and never bite the hook. Cut the earthworm into two sections. Thread either the end section or the head section onto a hook, in a sleeve-like motion. Leave just a little bit of "tail" just below the curve of the hook, enough tail for one nibble.
Hooking Crayfish
Pierce the middle section of a crayfish, starting at the front end of the dorsal or top side of the body. Run the hook through the dorsal carapace and then push the hook back out at the end of the carapace "hood." This hooking will leave the crayfish's "hands" and legs free to wiggle and attract fish. The crayfish should stay alive for about a half hour before you may need to replace it with a crayfish that is still kicking.
Hooking Grasshoppers
Large grasshoppers can make effective bait. Hook a live grasshopper sideways, along the middle of the back. Press the hook through one side and then out the other side so the grasshopper is suspended from the hook. The grasshopper will still be able to kick its legs and attract the fish.
Amphibians
Small frogs and tadpoles should be hooked like minnows, through the lower lip and mouth, and then out the top of the nose area. Use tadpoles and small frogs as long as they continue to wave their tales or kick their legs. When the amphibian is no longer moving, change it out.
References
- "IGFA's 101 Freshwater Fishing Tips & Tricks"; Bill Dance and Rod Walinchus; 2007
- "Roland Martin's 101 Bass-Catching Secrets"; Roland Martin; 2008
- "What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insider's Guide to Freshwater Fishing"; Frank P. Baron; 2003
- Bass Pro Shops: Keeping Live Bait Alive
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