Using a sharp knife, make a cut lengthwise from head to tail, making sure to split the tail at the fork so that each piece of cut bait has a piece that resembles the tail of a live baitfish. To keep your line from possibly tangling in the fins, trim off the first couple of finbones. Discard remainder of head and body.

Attach to your line pushing the hook through both thicknesses of outer scales at the top of the bait.

Each piece of cut bait offers certain advantages. The top piece of bait is slightly heavier and stronger, while the belly piece is lighter in weight, yet shines brighter in the water.