rigging a minnow on tip- up

[thndrvlly]

just curious on best method to hook a minnow thru the back, lips or the tail to keep them as lively and natural as poss.

[Tainterslayer]

I put a hook just below the top dorsal fin. I also use my finger nail to clip off some of the tail so they can't swim as well

[DasRottweiler]

Same here , to the rear and just underneath the dorsal fin. I cut the tail fins on the big chubs I use for bait to slow em up a lil.

[Wiener]

I make my own quick strike rigs, and I use small treble hooks.

I hook one treble in the jaw, and one below the top dorsal fin.

This has worked very well for me and it keeps the minnow alive for a long time.


Hope this helps,


Wiener

[icehousepsycho]

I  start in the dorsal fin, if no bites then I change hook placement for a different action to see what fish want.

[mealworm]

it depends on the size of the bait,for smaller bait i hook in front of the dorsal fin threw the middle of the back, for bait thats 4''to 6'' i hook them in the mouth and bait any bigger i use 2 hooks (one that slides free on the line)and hook them one in there mouth and one behind the dorsal fin threw the back

[rgfixit]

Any of you guys use a Seneca Gang rig for tip ups?

RG

[tightliner3]

i like to hook them thru the skin between the dorsal and tail fins

[Nor Easter]

Trap (tip up) use:
Rule #2:
Above the spine but grabbing as much meat as possible without killing or paralyzing the bait so they stay lively.
Rule #3
When using, or if local law requires, the use of dead bait, Hook it the same way but be more alert to making sure the bait hangs level in air and in the water.
But the #1 RULE USING SINGLE HOOKS IS! Be absotively posilutely ENTIRELY SURE the shank side, (aka) eye of the hook AND your line are on the right side of the bait.
__________

If you're losing bait and / or getting dropped hits, check what side the line is to the bait. If you have your line on the left side, once the hook lays down beside the bait when it is in the fishes mouth, the twist of the hook's curve dives into your bait instead of your quarry when you try to set the hook. You either end up with your bait back, or end up with the classic "robbed my bait" syndrome.
You can catch 2-3, even more fish with one minnow easily if you start with the hook behind the balance point ie, just ahead of the dorsal fin, second time, hook it just in back of the dorsal. If it's not swimming (ie dead) hook it so it sits level which for me most times is on the leading edge of the dorsal fin. (Rule #4) Getting your bait back down fast can, lots of times, get you another fish compared to rigging a fresh one, so I try that for a few minutes even when I remembered to bring the bait chasin flags! .

[timbobber]

never heard of Rule #1, shank on right side...never would have occurred to me. Looking forward to that tip alone landing more fish this year. Thanks. Don't forget to spit heartily on your minnow...p***es them off

[tubby jr]

Right on the tail we had one hooked for about a hour came back and he was still moving around alot 25 minutes later we caught a walleye on it. I recamend it.

[serchn4monsterpike]

always hook them just below the dorsal fin

[gfisher95]

hook'em right below the dorsal fin and they'll swim like there was no tomorrow for a LONG time