Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to bait-hooking apparatus and methods. A bait-hooking apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a handle, a stationary portion, and a pivoting portion. The stationary portion is rigidly secured to the handle and the pivoting portion is pivotally secured to the stationary portion. The stationary portion and the pivoting portion form a funnel having a tapered nozzle. The funnel has a plurality of holes, and the nozzle has a plurality of slots. The pivoting portion comprises a lever coupled to the funnel for pivoting the pivoting portion away from the stationary portion thereby opening the funnel and the nozzle.
