Learn to hook all common types of bait to your hook! In this article you will find instructions on this, but don't forget to also ask some experienced fishermen and the shop assistant if you want even more details. Read on to learn how to attach almost any type of bait, from threading a worm to creating a bridle mount for live baits that will keep them that way for a long time.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Live Bait
Step 1. Use worms and bitches when unsure
This is the type of bait most used in many fishing techniques. Earthworms or cagnotti do well in fresh water, while mosquito larvae and sandworms do well in the sea. Beetle and other insect larvae are used for trout and sea bass.
- Stick several small worms or cut a large one in half to hide the hook among a mass of writhing baits. Some hooks have small hooks on the sides for this very purpose.
- If you use a large earthworm, stick it on the hook until all or most of the hook is hidden.
- If you use a very large worm, stick it in several points of the body, but leave a "tail" that attracts the fish as it moves.
Step 2. Use a small fish as a general live bait or a specific type if you want something special
Many fish feed on smaller prey but make sure your bait is the right size otherwise you won't be able to catch anything. Ask the clerk at your local hunting & fishing shop what bait the fish are taking.
- If you are dragging a lure behind a moving boat, hook it from under its jaw so that the hook comes out from the top. Alternatively, fix it only on the upper jaw, especially if it is a large bait. You can also use his nostrils as anchor points. All these methods guarantee the fish maximum freedom of movement by attracting predators with natural swimming.
- If you fish from stationary or with slow movements, hook the live bait on its back, in front of the dorsal fin. Pass the hook under the spine to avoid paralyzing it. This forces the fish to swim even more frenziedly and with the head down, attracting attention. You can adjust the fishing depth by hooking the hook further forward than the dorsal fin, this will make the lure swim at an angle less inclined downwards.
- If you fish from stationary without floats and weights, you can hook the lure near the tail to make it swim forward. To force it to move down, instead, stick it in the mouth by passing the hook through the gills.
Step 3. Attract certain species with freshwater shrimp
Among these are catfish, perch and zander.
- Insert the hook without going deep into the back of the shrimp, letting it come out on the same side. Do not hurt it deeper than necessary, if you go down beyond the shell you will kill the bait.
- Alternatively, fix the hook in the fleshy tail. In this way, the hook will be largely hidden and at the same time it will not injure the vital organs of the shrimp. Start from the end of the tail and push the hook out before reaching the animal's head.
Step 4. Use sea shrimp if you fish in salt water near the shore
These are very common and inexpensive baits that many fish living near the shore feed on. These include stone fish, mackerel and groupers. Shrimp resemble freshwater shrimp, but you need to use thinner hooks for smaller varieties.
- Hook the hook, without penetrating too deeply, to the fleshy part of the tail.
- Remove a few segments of the shell so that the shrimp smell is more intense.
Step 5. Attract freshwater fish with insects
During the summer there is a great abundance of insects and fishermen simply catch the adult specimens they can find on the ground or the young individuals found on the surface of the water. These are part of the normal fish diet of the area and are good baits. Trout are particularly attracted to insects.
- These should be handled with great caution because it is easy to kill them while they are placed on the hook.
- Tie a small piece of flexible metal wire to the shank of the hook, then gently wrap it around the insect to secure it to the hooked section of the hook.
- If you can't use a piece of wire, stick the insect on the back, in the back area of the body. Usually the vital organs are in the anterior segment of the insect and therefore should be avoided. The direction in which the bait is facing is not important.
Method 2 of 4: Dead or Artificial Baits
Step 1. Use pieces of fish to attract predators with their scent
Saltwater fish such as sea trout and blue fish as well as freshwater fish living on the seabed (carp and catfish) respond well to this technique.
- If you are still fishing, cut the bait into pieces thick enough to hide most of the hook.
- If you drag the line behind a moving boat, cut the bait into strips in the shape of a "V". Insert the hook in the thickest part, its thin ends will imitate the movement of a live fish.
Step 2. Use freshwater shrimp in brackish areas or in freshwater pools and sea shrimp in salt water
Any fish that hunts shrimp (such as pike and catfish) is attracted by several shrimp tails strung with a hook that pierces the pulpy central area. The same technique can be used to "lure" the saltwater fish that live near the shore.
Step 3. Customize the pasta balls according to the species you want to catch
Those found on the market are designed to attract sea bass, trout or other specific fish. You can also make them yourself with boiling water, flour, cornmeal, and molasses. Wait for them to cool for a few minutes. A fisherman can add any "secret ingredient" to the recipe, from cheese to garlic, to catch a certain type of fish.
Shape the dough into balls to completely cover the hook by squeezing them well so that they adhere. Some hooks have small springs to keep the ball in place
Step 4. Use local shellfish
Clams and other shells are excellent for attracting native fish to the body of water where you are fishing. Clams, mussels, liver and other soft meats can be exposed to the sun to harden them before using them, or you can freeze them well in advance and put them on the hook when they are partially thawed.
- When the meat is hard, stick it with the hook in several places, try to completely hide the hook.
- If the bait still does not adhere to the hook or you suspect that the fish is able to "nibble" it without biting, use a thin wire to tie it.
Step 5. Buy an artificial bait suitable for the fishing depth
There are models that go to the bottom, that float or that are just under the surface of the water. You can also customize them according to the habits of the fish you want to catch by adding smells or colored details.
To attach a standard artificial bait that looks like a "larva" to the hook, stick it through the mouth so that the front part reaches the eye of the hook and then push it towards the abdomen
Method 3 of 4: Construct a Bridle Type Trigger
Step 1. Learn how to use this bridle trigger
A bridle is tied between the hook and the lure to keep the lure alive for as long as possible and increase the chances of a good bite, since it is difficult to get rid of the bridle.
The bridle bait is used very often at sea for catching large fish, since a large bait is less replaceable and easier to handle
Step 2. Use thick synthetic fishing line or waxed twine
A polyethylene terephthalate line will do just fine. Do not use any thin line because it could break while you put it in the lure.
Step 3. Knot the two sides of the line together
Make a loop leaving the two ends free for about 6-12 mm.
Step 4. Pull the knot as tightly as you can
Abruptly tug the ring to tighten the knot without slipping the two free ends.
Step 5. Use a lighter to fuse the two ends (optional)
Keep the flame close enough until a ball has formed on the line to ensure the line does not slip through the knot.
Pull the line ring as hard as you can to make sure it doesn't open
Step 6. Get ready to attach the bridle to the hook
Place the hook on the top of the bridle so that it rests on the flat part. Follow the next steps to secure these two structures together if you don't know how to tie a "wolf's mouth" knot.
The end of the knot should be placed a short distance above the end of the "J" shape of the hook or at the base in the shape of an "O" (if using an anchor hook) with the rest of the bridle passing underneath. I love it and it extends under the "J"
Step 7. Pass the end of the ring over the hook and then under the knot
It should pass over the “J” fold and between the two sides of the line near the knot.
Step 8. Tighten it tightly
Pull the slack part out of the line and tighten it against the "J" curve of the hook.
Step 9. Secure the bridle in place
Wrap the side closest to the hook over its tip and pull it firmly against the knot, this way you prevent it from slipping.
Tie a second lark knot if you want extra hold
Step 10. Keep the mount ready to attach the live bait
Many anglers prepare the hooks on hooks of different sizes so as to be always ready for the various catches. You can bring your own supply of live baits with you or practice mounting this hookbait with dead ones.
Method 4 of 4: Bridle Type Bait with Live Bait
Step 1. Prepare the trigger in advance
If your live bait needs to remain so for as long as possible while maintaining a natural look, you can attach them to the bridle instead of damaging the hook.
Ask an experienced fisherman to prepare this type of hookbait for you, or follow the instructions in the previous section
Step 2. Thread a crochet hook through the live bait
You can do this through the pockets in front of the eyes (not through the eyes themselves) or through a hole in the back near the head.
You can also use a specific needle instead of a crochet needle
Step 3. Attach the bridle and drag it through the bait fish
Use the hooked end of the needle to grab it.
Keep the ring still so that the fish, wiggling, does not let it come out again
Step 4. Put the hook through the ring, on the opposite side from the fish
You should now be able to let go of the line and hold both the hook and the fish with one hand.
Step 5. Twist the hook several times
In this way you eliminate the play of the line and bring the hook closer to the bait. Continue like this until there is a small gap between the fish's head and the curled line.
Step 6. Pass the hook through this crack
Slip it between the two sides of the circle, just above the fish's head.
Step 7. Give a little line and carefully put the bait in the water
If the bridle baiting has been done correctly, you should see the bait alive and well for several hours without detaching from the hook and dying. But we hope you can catch something before this happens!
Advice
- If you don't know what kind of bait to use in a particular area, ask the clerk at the hunting & fishing shop.
- If the bait comes off the hook, change the hook and take one with more barbels, or one more suited to your fishing technique in terms of size and shape.
- Keep the rod safe and unwind the line enough to handle the hook with ease.
