How to Hook Anchovies for Bait for River Fishing

Many people hear the word "anchovies" and think of either a small tin container packed with the small fish or a pizza loaded with them. People frequently eat anchovies, and so do game fish species. Anglers often use anchovies as bait when targeting striped bass living in freshwater rivers. Anglers have several choices when it comes to methods for hooking anchovies when fishing for striped bass and other species in rivers.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grab an anchovy with one hand and a fishing hook with the other. Push the point of the hook into the anchovy, just behind its eye. Push until the hook comes out the other side and the anchovy's head rests in the fishing hook's bend.

    • 2

      Push the hook into the lower jaw of the anchovy and push it until it comes out the anchovy's upper jaw, just in front of its eyes. This method is best if you plan on casting.

    • 3

      Press the point of the hook into the meat just before the anchovy's tail. Push it through to the other side so the anchovy rests in the hook's bend. This is a good method if you plan to fish the anchovy vertically without casting.