A good live bait rig should hold the hook securely without overpowering or badly damaging the bait. Andrew Hestelow's long-used method for trolling yellowtail uses a bait needle, a small rubber band and a single short-shank hook. It is quick to rig, keeps the hook clear for a solid hook-up and works particularly well when trolling live bait for kingfish with a downrigger.
- Choose a healthy, active bait and match the hook size to the bait.
- Fit a small rubber band to a bait needle before taking the bait from the tank.
- Carefully pass the needle through the tough tissue at the front of the eye sockets without contacting the eyes.
- Pull the rubber band through until you have an even loop on each side.
- Pass the hook through both loops, twist it 180 degrees and pass it through the loops again.
- Return the bait to the water promptly and troll at a speed that keeps it swimming naturally.
Live bait rig: what you need
This setup is deliberately simple. Andrew originally demonstrated it with yellowtail scad, but the principle is useful for other appropriately sized live baits where this style of rigging is suitable.
- Single hook: a strong, short-shank hook with enough gape for a clean hook-up, but not so large that it overwhelms the bait. Andrew used a 6/0 Mustad Hoodlum for small-to-large yellowtail.
- Bait needle: either open-eye or closed-eye. A closed-eye needle takes a little longer to disengage but is less likely to lose the rubber band while rigging.
- Small rubber bands: Andrew's original setup used size 12 bands.
- Healthy live bait: choose a lively bait without obvious mouth or body damage.
Why use a rubber band? The hook stays outside the bait instead of being buried in it, while the rubber band provides a little cushioning. That is especially useful with low-stretch braid, where boat movement and sudden load changes can be transmitted directly to the bait.
How to rig a live bait with a bait needle and rubber band
1. Choose a healthy bait
Select a lively yellowtail that is swimming strongly and has no torn mouth or obvious damage. Andrew avoided darker fish that appeared stressed. Wet your hands, handle the bait firmly but gently behind the gills and keep it out of the water for as little time as possible.
2. Pass the needle through
With the rubber band already on the bait needle, carefully pass the needle through the tissue at the front of the eye sockets. The important point is to avoid the eyes themselves. Work smoothly rather than repeatedly probing for the right path.
3. Centre the rubber band
Draw the needle completely through and disengage it from the band. Adjust the rubber band so the two exposed loops are approximately equal. Keeping the loops even makes the final hook attachment neater and more secure.
4. Lock the hook into the loops
Hold both rubber-band loops together, pass the hook through them, twist the hook through 180 degrees and pass it through the loops again. The hook should now sit securely outside the bait with the point and gape unobstructed.
Trolling live bait without wearing it out
Once rigged, get the bait back into the water promptly. The goal is a presentation that still looks like a live, healthy baitfish. Watch how it swims beside the boat before sending it back; if it is rolling, spinning or struggling unnaturally, correct the problem rather than trolling it as-is.
When downrigging, use enough forward speed to keep the bait swimming naturally and the downrigger cable controlled, but do not assume that more speed is better. The right pace varies with bait species, current and sea conditions. Regularly check the bait if the rod tip stops showing its normal swimming action.
Why this live bait rig works with a downrigger
A downrigger lets you control the depth of a live bait while keeping the fishing line separate from the downrigger weight. That makes it possible to present a yellowtail around the depth where kingfish are showing on the sounder instead of simply hoping the bait swims there on its own.
The rubber-band rig complements that system because the hook remains exposed and the bait can move naturally. If you are new to the equipment side, see our guide to setting up and using a downrigger.
NSW fishing rules: The species you use as live bait, how it was caught and where you use it can all be subject to fishing rules. Check the current NSW recreational fishing rules before fishing. In inland NSW waters, live finfish cannot be used as bait.
Live bait rigging questions
What is the best way to rig live bait for trolling?
For yellowtail and similar baits, Andrew's method uses a bait needle to pass a small rubber band through the tissue in front of the eye sockets, then locks a single hook into the two exposed loops. It keeps the hook point clear and avoids burying the hook in the bait.
What is a live bait needle used for?
A bait needle helps pull rigging material such as a rubber band cleanly through the chosen attachment point. Closed-eye needles hold the band more securely; open-eye styles are faster to disengage.
Why use a rubber band on a live bait rig?
The rubber band provides the connection between bait and hook while leaving the hook outside the bait. It also adds some elasticity between the bait and low-stretch fishing line.
Can this rig be used for kingfish?
Yes. This is the exact application Andrew originally demonstrated: trolling yellowtail live baits for yellowtail kingfish around Sydney, including with downriggers.