How to Hook an Anchovy

When people hear the word "anchovies," many think of small tins packed with the fish or of anchovy pizza. Just as people eat anchovies, so, too, do the fish that anglers target. Anchovies coax bites from a wide variety of fish, such as bluefin tuna in the ocean and striped bass in freshwater rivers. As with all types of fish and minnows that anglers use as bait, there are a variety of methods for hooking anchovies.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold a dead anchovy in one hand, a fishing hook in the other. Insert the hook into the side of the anchovy's skull, just behind its eye. Push the hook through to the other side. Continue pushing until the anchovy rests in the bend of the fishing hook.

    • 2

      Hook the anchovy through the nose if you plan on casting with it. Insert the hook point into the anchovy's lower jaw and press it up through the mouth and upper jaw. It should come out of the anchovy's nose, just ahead of its eyes.

    • 3

      Hook the anchovy through the tail if you plan to fish it below the boat, without casting. Insert the hook into the meat right in front of the tail and push it through to the other side. The anchovy should rest in the bend of the hook.

    • 4

      Hook the anchovy near the gills if you plan to fish it without weight. Insert the hook into the top of the gill opening, making sure the point faces away from the gills. Push the hook into the anchovy's shoulder just above the gills. Push until the hook point protrudes from the top of the anchovy.