How to Hook a Minnow for Walleye

The largest member of the perch family, the walleye is a freshwater game fish found in colder inland waterways of North America. The name is derived from the fact that their eyes appear to reflect white light and can be seen below the surface of clear water. Walleyes can grow to as long as 30 inches and more than 10 lbs., although a typical walleye is only about 20 inches and around 4 lbs. Walleyes prefer live bait, and the most common bait used are live minnows. The methods of hooking a minnow properly depends on the style of fishing you are planning to do.

Things You'll Need

  • Hooks (such as straight hook, spinner or jig)
  • Live minnows
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hook the live minnows through the back for pier, surf and boat fishing that involves a float and sinker setup. Use your hook of choice -- such as a straight hook, jig or spinner -- and pierce the side of the minnow just in front of the dorsal fin. Run the hook through and out the other side in the same spot. Avoid nicking the spine, as this will keep the fish from swimming naturally.

    • 2

      Pierce the minnow through either the upper or lower lip for trolling. Open the minnow's mouth and hook it through, having it come out above the upper lip. Reverse the hook setup if hooking through the lower lip. This allows the fish to have a natural-looking swim motion while being trolled.

    • 3

      Hook the minnow through the tail, if you're not using weights or floats. Pierce the minnow's skin from one side right in front of the tail, and have it come out on the same spot on the other side -- avoiding the spine, if possible.