Watch as I show you how to rig a live shrimp for fishing. Shrimp, which is a decapod crustacean, is “one of the best” live baits for saltwater fishing. Shrimp are widespread and very abundant; they feed near the seafloor on most coast and estuaries. Their prey is endless, not only are they pursued continuously by most fish species, but they are also delectable table fair for humans. So hey, if fishing is terrible, you won't go hungry.

They make up an industry worth approximately 50 billion dollars each year. Often, when game fish such as snook and redfish prefer not to give chase to larger baitfish during the warmer and colder months, I throw out a delicious, slow-moving shrimp to entice a bite. A question that I frequently receive: “What is the best way to rig a shrimp?” I always say the best way is the way that works for you. Never be afraid to switch up your rigging techniques. The critical factor is to make sure you always present the bait in the most natural way possible. There are two primary preferred ways to hook a shrimp. 

Two Preferred Ways to Hook a Shrimp

1. Tail Hook Your Shrimp - The first way is to rig the shrimp in the underside of the hard part in the rear. When shrimp are in distress, they will flick backward. Rigging your bait in this manner will frequently influence the shrimp to start flicking erratically, which quickly triggers a strike. I also like hooking the shrimp this way because they are more arrow dynamic, making for a super-accurate cast.

2. Horn Hook Your Shrimp - Secondly, I prefer to hook the shrimp in the horn to give a natural forward swimming motion. It also allows the shrimp to flick backward when being chased. It's probably the best way to keep your shrimp in its healthiest state. When hooking the shrimp through the horn, you mustn’t hit any vital organs. In other words, don’t run the hook through the “black spot” that you see below the horn.

 There are a few other ways that you can rig a shrimp, but typically I have the most success rigging them as described above. Everything consumes shrimp; I don’t usually leave the boat ramp without a few dozen frisky baits. Next time you are out, experiment. Try new techniques and see what works for you. Also, we would love to hear what works for you; please share in the comment field below. Thank you, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Cya on the water!

Watch my detailed tutorial on how to rig a live shrimp here:

Here is an additional video tutorial on how to rig dead or cut shrimp: