Abstract: Hooked apparatus for insertion within minnow bait utilizes an elongated body having an axial bore through which a leader extends forward to join a plurality of straight fishing hooks. When in retracted position, these rest, with their eye ends forward of their barbed ends, inside a hollow conical nose secured to the forward end of the body, the hook shanks resting in troughs formed in the forward end of the body leading slantingly rearward to outlets, where the barbed hook ends rest. Tension on the leader drives the hooks outward to project from the body and through the minnow bait.