| So you are about to start fishing. First things first, | | | | through. Most fish species don't mind if the shell is |
| you need to bait your hook. Do you know the | | | | left on. Some people believe in de-shelling the |
| correct way to bait you hook? Below are some | | | | shrimp but this takes time and often makes them |
| tips that will help you attract and catch more fish | | | | soggy and they may fall off the hook easier. You |
| by simply baiting your hook better. | | | | can take the head off the shrimp as this often |
| Firstly, you need to use sharp hooks. Buy new | | | | makes the shrimp too big to fish with if left on |
| hooks frequently and replace your old ones. If | | | | (and as an added bonus you can add the heads |
| you keep your hook on the line for a long period | | | | of the shrimps to your burley bucket to attract |
| of time you should sand the point to keep it nice | | | | more fish) |
| and sharp. Try to buy the best hooks you can (if | | | | 2) Octopus should be baited using the tentacles |
| you buy the cheapest you may save a few | | | | foremost so they cover the hook. As with the |
| dollars but in the long run is it worth it?). | | | | prawn the octopus should thread over the hook |
| Hooks vary in size, shape and color so go for the | | | | to disguise it. |
| hook that is best for the fish you are targeting. If | | | | 3) Squid is a good bait as it is hardy, easy to |
| you're not sure, ask the people in your local fishing | | | | place on a hook and is hard for nibbling fish to |
| store. Some fish are supposedly attracted to red | | | | nibble off. Just thread the squid over the hook |
| hooks (some sand varieties of fish target | | | | and once again try to disguise the hook with the |
| bloodworms and can be attracted to the red | | | | bait. Also try to use the softer parts of the squid |
| color of the hook) but a plain silver hook will | | | | body as some fish may not like the harder parts |
| usually do. | | | | found near the head. |
| So you are ready to bait your hook. It sounds | | | | 4) White bait, Mulie or any other small fish really |
| very easy but are you really baiting your hook | | | | needs to be hooked with a gang of hooks (at |
| correctly? Below are some common bait varieties | | | | least 3 hooks in a row) otherwise they simply |
| and suggested ways to apply them to your hook. | | | | slide off the hook. |
| 1) Shrimp (prawn) should be put on the hook tail | | | | So next time you are baiting your hook, take the |
| first and so the body of the shrimp curls up into | | | | time to try to disguise your hook and make sure |
| the shape of the hook. Most people bait shrimp | | | | that the bait sticks on your hook securely. This |
| the other way (head first) but this will cause the | | | | will help you catch more fish and save you time |
| shrimp to fall off more easily. Try to keep the | | | | as you will not have to keep replacing your bait. |
| hook entirely in the shrimp when threading | | | | |