Using a live shrimp as bait is one of the best ways to catch saltwater fish like redfish, tarpon, seatrout, bonefish, snook, and many more. Almost all gamefish that can swim will eat a live shrimp if they can find them easily where they live.
Are you not sure how to rig a shrimp? Here are five simple methods that have been used for years.
Shrimp are one of the most popular and effective baits for catching inshore saltwater fish. I love using shrimp when fishing for species like redfish, snook, trout and flounder. The scent and movement of a shrimp imitation triggers vicious strikes from predators. But in order to get the most out of your shrimp, you need to know how to hook them properly based on whether you’re using live or dead shrimp.
In this complete guide I’ll walk you through the best techniques for rigging shrimp bait to catch more fish. I’ll cover methods for live and dead shrimp as well as tips for keeping your shrimp lively in the bucket. After reading this, you’ll be an expert at hooking shrimp like a seasoned angler. Let’s get started!
Rigging Live Shrimp
Live shrimp are extremely effective for inshore fishing when rigged properly. Their legs kick and move in the current, attracting predator fish looking for an easy meal. Here are some of the best ways to hook live shrimp:
Through the Head
Hooking a live shrimp through the head is a great way to rig them when casting or trolling
-
Push the hook under the shrimp’s head and out the top, avoiding the vital organs in the head. This method works well for fishing shrimp on the bottom.
-
You can also insert the hook through the top of the head and push it out beneath, still avoiding the vital organs. This technique is preferred for bottom fishing shrimp.
-
One downside is that shrimp hooked through the head tend to fall off the hook more easily. But it still works well in many situations.
Through the Carapace
When drift fishing or float rigging shrimp, try hooking them crosswise through the carapace or shell segment:
-
Poke the hook through the carapace just under the shell tip, taking care to avoid the stomach and pancreas which appear as dark spots.
-
This method allows the shrimp’s kicking legs and swimming motion to work best, attracting fish.
-
You can also hook just below the head and thread it so the hook emerges through the carapace. This casts further but will kill the shrimp quicker.
Through the Tail
Hooking a live shrimp through the tail is great when casting for cruising predatory fish:
-
Break off the tail fan and poke the hook through the center of the tail before pushing it out the underside.
-
The shrimp’s body will cover the hook eye and the tail fan releases scent.
-
Using a bait holder hook can help hold the tail better. This technique lets you achieve maximum casting distance.
Weedless in the Body
When fishing in heavy weeds or cover, try a weedless hook setup:
-
Break the tail fan off, push the hook through the tail, then bury the point in the meaty section of the tail.
-
The hook will be weedless but still allow a lively tail kick. You can use this on a Carolina rig or with a 3-way swivel setup.
Rigging Dead or Frozen Shrimp
While live shrimp are hooked to maximize movement, dead and frozen shrimp are used more for their scent. Here are some effective rigging methods:
Dismember the Body
You can cut off the head, feet, and tail fan of dead shrimp before rigging them:
-
This allows more scent to flow out and attract fish based on smell rather than appearance.
-
Many anglers will just hook the whole shrimp without cutting off any pieces first. Both methods work!
Thread from Head or Tail End
After cutting up the shrimp, you can thread the body onto the hook from either the head or tail end:
-
Just make sure the entire shank of the hook is covered by the shrimp body for best action.
-
The scent will flow out either way and attract hungry fish.
Sweeten Your Jig
Cut dead shrimp into pieces the length of your jig hook to tip it and add scent:
-
Cut the pieces rather than tearing for a firmer hold on the jig.
-
You can also pinch off the tail and thread just the shrimp tail onto the jig head for added action.
Keeping Live Shrimp Lively
To get the most out of live shrimp, you need to keep them frisky and active in your bucket until you hook them:
Use the Right Bucket
-
Choose a single layer or two-layer minnow bucket which makes changing water easy. Some good sizes are 5-15 gallons.
-
Don’t overfill your shrimp bucket – too many will cause some to die quickly.
Keep the Water Cool
-
Check the temperature and add ice regularly to maintain cool water around 50-60 degrees F.
-
Change some water periodically to keep it fresh and clean.
Oxygenate the Water
-
Use an aerator device or oxygen releasing tablets to maintain oxygen levels.
-
Proper oxygen allows the shrimp to stay lively until you hook them.
Follow These Shrimp Rigging Tips
By following these shrimp hooking methods and best practices, you’ll have great success next time you hit the water:
-
Match the rigging technique to your fishing method – drifting, bottom fishing, casting, etc.
-
Hook live shrimp to maximize swimming action and dead shrimp to release scent.
-
Keep shrimp lively in a properly oxygenated bucket until you’re ready to rig them.
-
Experiment with different hook placements to see what works best for you.
-
Use circle hooks or bait holders to prevent shrimp from sliding down the hook.
-
Always make sure to avoid piercing the vital organs when hooking live shrimp.
-
Don’t be afraid to cut up dead shrimp bodies to release extra scent.
How to Tail Hook a Live Shrimp
It’s best to hook the shrimp through the tail when you need to cast far, like when you’re trying to get a bait in front of a fish that’s moving slowly. This will move the heavier head section to the front and make it less likely that the shrimp will tear off on the cast. Also, removing the shrimp’s tail fan will emit a scent that attracts fish. After cutting off the tail fan, put the hook through the middle of the tail so that the whole shank is hidden. Then, push the point of the hook through the bottom of the tail. Now push the tail over the hook eye and knot to hide them. A baitholder-style hook will help prevent the shrimp from sliding off the hook.
How to Rig a Live Shrimp to Drift in the Current
When you drift a live shrimp in the current or dangle it below a float rig or popping cork, you should use its natural kicking action to your advantage. This is what many game fish do to make them strike. The best way to do this is to hook the shrimp through its carapace. However, it is important to avoid the shrimp’s stomach and pancreas, which appear as two translucent dark spots. In version one, the hook is threaded crosswise through the carapace, just under the tip of the shell.
How To Hook Shrimp The CORRECT Way
How do you fish a hook with shrimp?
Check out our How to Bait a Hook with Shrimp video, to learn the basics. Hold the shrimp firmly but without crushing it, between two fingers, just in front of where the tail meets the carapace. Look for the dark area behind the eyes, which are part of the shrimp’s organs.
How to bottom fish with live shrimp?
If you wish to catch some fish for dinner, bottom fishing with live shrimp is a great way to do it. This type of fishing is relatively easy and can be done with just a few supplies. All you need for bottom fishing with live shrimps is a fishing rod, reel, line, bait, and weight. The initial step is to bait your hook with the shrimp.
Are shrimp a good bait for surf fishing?
You may have heard that shrimp are great bait for many surf fishing species. If you bait the hook with shrimp the wrong way, however, you’re destroying your chances of catching a fish and risk losing your bait. With all the money you’ll waste on bait, it would be cheaper to buy the fish!