Rigged Cut Bait – Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Cut Bait Guide

Whether you're new to running meat rigs or dialing in a tournament spread on Lake Ontario, these answers will help you get the most out of your cut bait program.

❄️ Does the bait need to be frozen?

Our Pacific herring cut bait is shelf stable, but for best results we recommend keeping it frozen until use.

Freezing helps maintain firmness, shine, and durability — especially important when targeting King salmon and trout on the Great Lakes.

🦠 Is this VHS tested? Can you ship to Michigan?

At this time, our bait is not VHS tested, and we cannot ship to Michigan.

✂️ Are the strips hand cut?

Yes. Every strip is hand cut from the fillet and precision trimmed to ensure consistent thickness, profile, and roll.

Consistency in the cut equals consistency in the action.

🎣 What bait heads does it fit?

Our strips are designed to fit most standard bait heads used for salmon trolling.

If you are running Rhys Davis heads, you may need to trim a small portion of the rib cage area to get a perfect fit. A simple pair of scissors on the boat works great.

And remember:

A pair of scissors should always be on the back of the boat.

It’s all about the roll. There may be times when you want to:

• Trim a tail
  
  

• Adjust the profile
  
  

• Slightly reshape the strip
  
  

Small adjustments can make a big difference in achieving that perfect spin.

🔄 Any tips on running cut bait for salmon?

Start with a consistent roll of about 2 rotations per second as your baseline.

From there:

• Slow it down if fish are neutral.
  
  

• Speed it up to trigger reaction strikes.
  
  

• Always check your roll next to the boat before sending it down.
  
  

Most anglers troll cut bait between 1.8 – 2.5 mph, but focus on roll consistency more than GPS speed.

Fish it until you catch fish.

🪝 Where should I rig the treble hook?

Place the treble so the eye of the hook sits even with the tip of the bait strip.

Avoid placing it too deep into the meat. If the hook is too close:

• It can wrap
  
  

• It may hook the bait itself
  
  

• It causes erratic spinning
  
  

• The bait won’t present properly
  
  

Clean presentation = consistent roll = more bites.

📏 What leader length should I run?

For beginners, we recommend starting with a pre-packaged 6-foot meat rig with teasers.

To adjust spin and action:

• Shorter leader (meat head to barrel swivel) = more aggressive roll
  
  

• Longer leader = slower, wider roll
  
  

• Lighter line test = more spin
  
  

• Heavier line test = less spin
  
  

• You can also adjust length from the last twinkie (up to 3 feet)
  
  

Keep in mind: longer leaders can produce excellent action but are harder to net fish.

🏆 Is it tournament proven?

Yes.

Rigged Cut Bait has helped win tournaments across Lake Ontario, including:

• Wilson Harbor Invitational
  
  

• Sandy Creek Shootout
  
  

• Oak Orchard Open
  
  

• Monroe County Offshore Classic
  
  

When money and bragging rights are on the line, it’s been in the spread.

🔵 What’s the difference between Blue Label and Purple Label?

Visit our Products Page for full details.

Blue Label (6–7”)
Our standard cut and everyday workhorse. This is what we run most often.

Purple Label (7–8”)
Longer and slightly thicker strips cut from larger fish. Designed to match larger natural forage when salmon are feeding on bigger baitfish.

Sometimes fish want something bigger than “normal.” That’s when Purple Label shines.

📦 What’s the average count per pack?

Packs come vacuum sealed in resealable zipper bags.

Available in:

• 13 packs

• 6 packs
  
  

It all depends on how much you want to run in your spread.

🌅 How should I thaw it before fishing?

On the morning of your trip:

1. Remove bait from the freezer.

2. Break the seal and open the pack once to release the vacuum.

3. Let it naturally thaw.

By the time you’re ready to set lines, your bait will be ready to fish.

♻️ Can I use the bait more than once?

Yes — with Bait Revive.

To re-brine used strips:

1. Mix one Bait Revive powder packet with 12oz fresh or distilled water in a container.

2. Shake to dissolve.

3. Add dye or coloring if desired.

4. Place used strips into solution.

5. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours (up to one week).
   
   

After re-brining:

• You can refreeze them for your next trip

• Or run them the next day directly from the revive container
  
  

Re-brine. Reuse. Run it again.

Why Anglers Choose Rigged Cut Bait for Lake Ontario Salmon

• Premium Pacific herring

• Hand cut for consistent roll

• Designed for Great Lakes trolling speeds

• Tournament proven results

• Built for King salmon, Coho, Lake trout, Brown trout & Steelhead
  
  

If you’re serious about running meat rigs on Lake Ontario, your bait program matters.

And it all starts with the roll.