Tackle Tactics » Rigging-Guides » Knots-Rigging » Gary-Browns-Freshwater-Bait-Fishing-Rigs » Whitebait / Minnow Rigs

Whitebait / Minnow Rigs

My preferred size of baitfish for this rig is about 5 to 7cm long and about 1 to 1.5cm wide. Before you use this rig, you will need to check with your local Fisheries website to see if you are allowed to use baitfish in your state or territory, and any rules and regulations that apply.

In figure 1 you will need to use a circle hook that is then passed through the eyes of the fish. Using one fish is ok, but I prefer to use two, three or even four. This will depend on the size of the gape of the hook. What this allows to happen that if one does fall off you have extras on the hook.

In figure 2 you need to put the hook through the tail of the fish as close to where the lateral line is. This will avoid the hook from tearing through the flesh.

Bass, estuary, golden and silver perch, Murray cod, trout, Atlantic salmon, and many other freshwater fish species can be caught while using whitebait, minnows, galaxias, gudgeon, smelt and other baitfish.

Each of these rigs can be used while fishing a selection of different rigs, including the paternoster, running ball sinker down onto the hook, a running sinker down onto a swivel and a leader of about a metre, suspended under a bubble or stemmed float, a small spit shot or just unweighted.

You can check these rigs out in Gary Brown’s essential Saltwater bait rigs.

https://tackletactics.com.au/Rigging-Guides/Knots-Rigging/Gary-Browns-Essential-Bait-Fishing-Rigs

If you are into slow trolling your lures, then try slow trolling a nose hooked whitebait, minnow, or narrow and slender fish. The trailing hook is then passed up through the anal cavity and comes out just in front of the tail.

Technique 1

In the three diagrams I have only used a single hook. Have you ever thought of using a small set of ganged hooks to secure your whitebait? Many anglers who fish freshwater, using a rig where the running ball or bean sinker slides down onto the bait, will substitute a single hook for a set of small ganged hooks.

To make the bait become more lifelike you will need to break the joints in the backbone of the bait and the top hook needs to go through the eye of the baitfish, while the last hook needs to finish as close to the tail as possible. Finally, when rigged the bait must be straight.

Technique 2

Instead of slow trolling a lure out the back of your boat, try trolling a live whitebait or minnow. NOTE: Check with your local fisheries as to whether you can use live whitebait or minnows where you are fishing.

If you can’t, you can always try using a saltwater whitebait (dead).

Technique 3

Don’t forget to try using a float. I prefer to have my float running on the line as this allows you to quickly adjust your depth by sliding the float stopper up and down. The running float also allows you change the depth.

The size of the float depends on the turbulence of water, however in calm conditions a fine pencil type float is best. Use a small, number 10, swivel below the float to eliminate line twist, then a leader of 6lb fluorocarbon, attached to a small hook, size 8 to 10. Use just enough split shot to make the leader hang straight down. The bottom split shot is usually kept at least 20cm above the hook. When at rest the float tip should be about 25mm above the water. A finely balanced float will go down at the slightest bite.

If you are after a new rod and reel outfit to try these techniques, check out the range at www.tackletactics.com.au.

Suggested Combos

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods - BN-S-702NT, X-Light, 7'0" Nibble Tip, 2-4kg rod, matched with an Okuma JAW Spin - JAW-30 reel and spooled with 6lb Platypus Pulse Mono or Pulse X4 Braid for either out of a boat or from the shore.

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods - BN-S-1162NT, Med/Light, 11'6" Nibble Tip, 2-6kg rod, matched with an Okuma Epixor XT 20, 30 or 40 size reel and spooled with 6lb Platypus Pulse Mono or 6lb Pulse X4 Braid.

Okuma LRF Gen2 Spin Rods - LRF2-S-742L, Light, 7'4", 2-5kg is great for when you are getting those very sensitive bites, matched with an Okuma Epixor XT 20, 30 or 40 size reel.

Try a Ceymar baitcast rod, matched with a Ceymar C100H-A baitcast reel.

Gary Brown - Whitebait and Minnow Rigs | Download