Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to hook a shrimp, brought to you by Captain Blake Nelson of Last Cast Charters. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, mastering the art of hooking shrimp can make all the difference in your fishing success. In this article, Capt. Blake shares his expert tips and techniques for hooking shrimp in different ways to optimize your chances of landing the big one. So grab your gear and get ready to learn how to hook shrimp like a pro!
Hooking In The Head
I like to hook the shrimp in the head and when fishing under a popping cork. You will see it has two dark spots, one right behind the eyes and the other a little way back. You want to insert the hook between them. You can either hook them horizontally (as shown) or from bottom up
Hooking The Tail
I use this hook-up when I’m fishing with light monofilament or a light fluorocarbon leader. Hook the shrimp in the hard area far back in the tail and push the hook through that hard ridge. That allows you to get good casting distance and allow the shrimp to pop around and do their thing. Hooking it horizontally in the tail keeps the shrimp alive a little longer and it is harder to fling them off the hook but you can also hook them up from the underside and push the hook through the hard ridge.
Hooking In The Middle
I hook a shrimp in the middle when the fish are biting great and it really doesn’t matter.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered hooking shrimp in the head and tail, you may find yourself in situations where hooking them in the middle is just as effective. Whether the fish are biting eagerly or you want to mix things up, this versatile method can come in handy. Experiment with different techniques and observe how the shrimp’s behavior changes in the water. With practice, you’ll become adept at adapting your hooking strategy to suit any fishing scenario. Good luck on your next trip!
