- 1). Select a hook appropriate to the size of fish you wish to catch. Bigger, stronger fish, such as tuna, marlin or larger sharks, will require bigger hooks. Hook sizes are graded from 1/0 (smallest) up to 12/0 (largest). Hooks without the "0" are smaller than a size 1/0.
- 2). Select the type of bait you wish to use to catch your desired fish. All fish respond differently to different baits, so selective fishing will require a bit of research for the right bait. Typically, when saltwater fishing, shrimp or prawns are popular as bait.
- 3). Put on gloves to bait the hook. Handling bait for a long time will ward off fish. The human hand will secrete an amino acid that fish try to avoid.
- 4). Place the shrimp onto the hook barb at the shrimp's tail end. Slide the body of the shrimp onto the hook until the shrimp body takes on the hook's shape. It is best to make the shrimp---or any type of bait---look as it normally would while swimming in the water, and some fishermen prefer to place the head on the hook first; however, this will allow the shrimp to slide off much easier in the water and when casting.