How do you "cut" your cut bait?

[CATFISHERMAN001]

I fillet any of my bait, whether it is shad, bream, gold fish down one side starting from the tail all the way to the head. I cut the dorsal fin and tail fin off and hook the fish from inside the fillet side with the bone and exit the side that is not filleted. This is how I fish for blues. For Flats, I hook the live bait behind the head just below the front of the dorsal fin.

[bownero]

It all depends on what baitfish I'm using. Most of the time I use the whole fish. I always leave the skin on so the hook grabs the bait better when casting. I sometimes use the head only. Threadfin Shad I will use whole. Gizzard Shad I fillet into pieces. Alewifes I will use whole. Bluegills, Goldfish I will use whole.:wink::big_smile: The fresher the better!!!!!!!

[catfisherman_eky3]

I use them whole or i cut the tails off where blood can soak

[WaterHog]

I'm still experimenting, but it seems most I talk with have alot of confidence in using the heads.

[zeboman]

I usually use everything but the tail, the head seems to work best for me.

[wishiwasfishin]

most of the time whole or i'll trim off his tail fin or something. i have also took and scaled them a bit. not sure what that does to the fish but it does work from time to time.

[01richard]

i cut the head off and use it and fillet the sides off and use them with the guts throw the tail away:cool2:

[Catchinbiguns]

I really love the head piece... seems like the heads produces more for me in the areas that I fish at.

[katkiller77]

i fish my bluegills whole, rather have bluegill live and wriggling for those shovelhead. better luck like that rick

[Junior42]

I use shad. I cut the head and the tail off and use the center.