An apparatus used for maintaining bait or bait fish at a more level attitude when trolling includes a non-stranded wire attached to a hook. A first end of the wire is threaded through an eye of the hook and wrapped around a shank of the hook. A main loop is provided at an opposite second end. The main loop can be modified to include a first upper loop and a second upper loop. The second upper loop is attached to a fishing line and a pin is inserted into a head of the bait fish, through the first upper loop, and through a bottom of a mouth of the bait fish to secure the bait fish to the apparatus. An elastic band maintains the mouth in a closed position. If desired, a single thicker non-stranded wire may be used or an optional trailer hook may be added to any version.
