How to Hook a Minnow for Bass

Many bass fishermen use nothing but artificial baits, which they believe to be a more sporting method of targeting fish. That is their choice, of course, but by limiting themselves they also leave fish in the water they otherwise might have caught. Using live baits such as minnows is one of the best ways to coax a strike from bass under difficult fishing conditions. Few bass can resist a minnow dangling above their heads, no matter the conditions.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing line
  • Lead-head jig
  • Slip sinker
  • Swivel
  • Hook (sizes 2, 4)
  • Split-shot weights
  • Bobber
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Instructions

  1. Jig

    • 1

      Tie to the end of the fishing line a lead-head jig ranging in size from 1/8 oz. to 1/4 oz. The jig should be just heavy enough so you can fish it along the bottom. Tie a Palomar knot to connect the jig to the line.

    • 2

      Hold the minnow horizontally and push the point of the hook into its mouth.

    • 3

      Press the hook into the minnow's throat, and then push it upward so the hook comes out the minnow's head, just behind its eyes.

    Live-Bait Rig

    • 4

      Cut a 36-inch piece of 8-lb. fishing line, which will be the leader for the live-bait rig.

    • 5

      Thread a slip sinker, which slides on the line and should be just heavy enough to maintain contact with the bottom, onto the end of the main fishing line. Tie the end of the main line and one end of the leader to the two openings of the barrel swivel.

    • 6

      Attach to the leader a size-4 hook.

    • 7

      Push the hook through the side of the minnow, just in front of its tail. Another way to hook a minnow on a live-bait rig is to push the hook point into its lower jaw, through its mouth and out its nose, which is in front of its eyes.

    Bobber Rig

    • 8

      Tie a size 2 or 4 hook to the end of the fishing line.

    • 9

      Clamp one or two split-shot weights on the line about 8 inches above the hook.

    • 10

      Attach a bobber to the fishing line. Select the spot to attach it based on how deep you want to present the minnow. The distance between the bobber and hook is the depth at which the minnow will hang in the water.

    • 11

      Insert the hook into one side of the minnow, just behind its dorsal fin. Push the hook through to the other side.