Thread: How to fish minnows

my standard is #2 split shot and #2 hook. Open water I'll put 18" between the minnow and the split shot so it can roam around.
Iffn I'm dropping into spars brush 8 - 10". I put it 3" above the hook if the brush is thick. I typically go through the bottom of the lip unless I'm casting and pulling through brush, then I've found that hooking them just under the dorsal lessens the snags. I'll hook them in the tail if I'm fishing off the docks under lights. Seems like they have more action hooked in the tail.
Pappy is right on hook size. don't be afraid of big hooks unless the water is super clear. Super clear water I recommend light line 4# clear with a #2 hook in not a necessity, but I feel better about it, so i recommend it. Light action pole for the light bites i good. You want that split shot to pull a little tension on the pole so when a crappie picks the bait up and moves the split shot up, you see the rod tip move up.

G-3 sportsman did a show fishing minnows in Minnesota for walleye. The hook the minnow in the mouth and out the head. That jeeps the minnow from spinning around the hook. Make sense to me.