How to Hook a Mud Minnow

Mud minnows are a species of saltwater bait fish, named for their habit of burrowing into the silt in shallow waters for food. Because mud minnows roam the surf close to shore, they are a popular bait for surf-casting anglers hunting for flounder, sea trout, bluefish, croaker and other in-shore species. A good mud minnow rigging on the hook is essential, to keep the bait from falling off in the turbulent surf.

Things You'll Need

  • Rod and reel spooled with line
  • Egg-shaped sinkers
  • Size 8 barbed hooks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the tip of your fishing line through the hole in the center of an egg sinker.

    • 2

      Tie a size 8 barbed hook directly to the end of the line.

    • 3

      Insert the point of the hook through the underside of the mud minnow's jaw.

    • 4

      Push and turn the hook upward, until the barb emerges from the minnow's upper jaw and points toward the fishing line. Game fish attack from behind, so this rigging allows them to inhale the bait before sensing the hook. By that time, it's too late and you've got a fish on the line.