KNOTS & RIGS
You’re only as strong as the weakest link in your tackle. Here’s a growing reference to help you ensure your skills AND repertoire are robust.
TACKLE TWEAK — How To Rig A Butterflied Baitfish
If you’re bait fishing, nothing beats a livey. However, if you don’t have live bait but do have fresh bait, try the butterflied method, which leaves two fillets attached to the head. When rigged correctly, this bait will resemble a live fish swaying in the current as it descends through the water column.
Tap on the + icon at the right of each step to expand.
YOU WILL NEED:
- desired baitfish
- scissors
- filleting knife
- two suicide hooks (or similar)
- leader material of preferred weight
Step One
Snell or snood front hook to your leader, leaving plenty of length in the trailing tag to tie on a second hook using the same method. For instructions on how to tie a snell knot, click here. Trim the tag close, once the second knot is locked tight.
Step Two
Next, prepare your baitfish. Starting from the tail, carefully cut the fillet away from the bones, stopping at the gills. Turn the fish over and repeat on the second side. Once you’ve done both sides, break the spine behind the head and discard the frame.
Step Three
Insert the first single hook through both jaws of your butterflied bait.Step Four
Lastly, pierce the trailing hook through one fillet,as shown. Ensure that the stinger line between the two hooks remains slightly slack so that the bait can “swim” and isn’t bent.
