There are a multitude of positions that hooks can be placed into live baits. Probably one of the more traditional tactics is hooking the live bait through both nostrils. This is a popular tactic while live bait trolling, simply because the bait fish swims more naturally.
However, by hooking the live bait just in front of its dorsal fin, the live bait will tend to swim deep. This can be very effective while slow trolling or simply when drifting with live baits over a deep, offshore structure.
On the other hand, by hooking your live bait just behind the dorsal fin and in front of the tail, your live bait will tend to swim toward the surface. This rigging tactic will not work while slow trolling live baits, but works extremely will while drifting or fishing from an anchored boat.
In all cases of barbing live baits, wet your hands first before handling you bait. This will keep the protective film on the fish so they not only live longer, but help attract the smelling instincts of nearby predator game fish.
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