Using live bait is one of the most effective ways to catch fish, but success depends on correctly using your bait hooks for fishing. However, state regulations in Missoula, MT, bans the use of live bait in the Central Fishing District. Anglers may use non-game species or dead fish as bait instead.
The regulations list a few non-game species that can be used as live bait in some of Missoula’s waters. This blog will talk about handling a non-game fish as live bait.
Why Proper Hook Placement Matters
When using a live bait fish, a poorly hooked bait fish will die quickly or fall off the hook, while a properly hooked one swims naturally and attracts more strikes. Whether you're using minnows, shad, or shiners, knowing where and how to place your bait hooks makes all the difference between a slow day and a full livewell.
Choosing the Right Hook
The first step is selecting the right hook:
- Match hook size to bait fish size. Too large kills the bait, while too small won't hold larger fish.
- Thin-wire hooks keep baitfish lively longer than thick-wire options.
- Circle hooks reduce gut-hooking and improve catch-and-release survival.
Hooking Through the Lips
Hooking your hook through the bottom lip and out the top nostril of the fish keeps the bait fish swimming naturally while trolling or casting. Hooking fishing bait hooks through the lips is best for active presentations where movement is key.
Hooking Through the Back
Place the hook just below the dorsal fin, avoiding the spine. This technique is ideal for still-fishing or under a bobber, since it lets the bait swim freely in place. Keeps the baitfish alive longer than other methods.
Hooking Through the Tail
Run the hook through the tail area for a slower, more erratic swimming action. This works well when targeting predatory fish that key in on wounded prey.
Final Tips
Always handle baitfish gently to avoid killing them prematurely, and check your bait hooks for fishing regularly to ensure they stay sharp and secure. With the right hook placement, your bait will stay lively longer, swim naturally, and dramatically improve your odds of landing that next big catch.
