>>2753504>>2753498bring the live fish to the waiting pin rig. promptly hook it with the first trebelhook (closest to the swivel) close behind the head. size up the second hook so that there is a little slack and the baitfish can move freely. pin the hook in to the fish so the point and bend of the hook are buried in the back of the fish. you want the hook shank running paralell to the fish, with two of its points sticking up and out. applicably, if there is a third hook, if it lines up such that it can be reasonably hooked in to the bait, go ahead and put it in, this time completely bur. if it dangles freely to the tail fin or even past, letting it hang free is a common option. if the bait is big enogh to hook in the same maner as the second hook, with the third hook, do so. there shouldnt be any tension or excessive slack when the fish is straight, and as it bends to swim it should be able to do so freely without creating tension.
if a bait is too lively it can be 'doctored up' by trimming fins, cutting tails off entirely, or otherwise butchering the fish. if a fish dies and bait is scarce, butterflying it is a great option. you fillet from the tail towards the head, both sides, so that the fillets are dangling free but still firmly attatched on both sides. hook it just as you would if it were alive, on the piece with the spine, and send it back out. the thin slices of meat with bone removed should flutter some in the current, and the exposed flesh will put the scent of blood in the water.
