How do you "cut" your cut bait?

[joesf]

I usually let the fish decide I've seen it where they would only eat the bait if it was dressed just right.

[SubnetZero]

I usually let the fish decide I've seen it where they would only eat the bait if it was dressed just right.

I agree.. Last year,for me at least, fillets outfished pockets, heads, etc.. This year, whole or just the tail cut off seems to be producing more... Best think to do is throw out multiple choices and see what they want..
When I cut the tail off, I angle the cut across .. Tip of knife behind dorsal find, angled down with the bottom of blade towards the tail (Hope that makes sense)

[prostreetS10]

I like using the head and the mid section for dead bait .but i like taking live bluegills and cutting the back tail fin off. puts off alot of blood and they seem to stay alive for a pretty good amount of time

[FATFLATTIE]

I use head, midsection, and tail. They all work and there is no need to throw away bait, especially early in the night. You can end up regretting it later on in the night(I speak from experience).

[River_monster91]

depends on how big the bait is if ya ask me

[JAinSC]

You really need an "all of the above" answer.

I have done all of the above at one time or another depending on the tyoe of bait, size, and size fish I'm after.

About only generalities are:
1 I usually like for the bait to have some guts included
2 Dont' like plain tails much

[Big Cat Hunter]

I generally take a small live bait (6 inches or so) and cut the tail off and fillet down one side. This makes him bleed and also releases more scent into the water.

[SunburntAgain]

I cut my bait with what is known as a "maja cut" to some East coast striped bass anglers. I take the shad (or preferably skipjack herring) and cut from the back of the head straight down to the pectoral fin, then cut downward at an angle ending at the base of the bottom of the tail. The Idea is to leave the head intact with the gut pocket attached. My second favorite cut is to take a crossection about 2-3" long directly behind the head from a 12-17" shad. This section will include the heart and other vital oragns if taken propperly. These are the baits I use to catch blue cats over 30 lbs.

[Dadoftwo]

I have better luck with cut sides. I have tried the fillets but didn't seem to be as affective as cuts. If you use the heads be sure and leave about 1/4th of the body with it. This will help increase the odds. I hope this helps.

[yeppa]

Can you freeze the leftover cut-bait for the next trip??