A live bait zip tie is an apparatus used to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish. The apparatus is configured to hold the hook in position, so that the hook cannot rotate or swivel. The apparatus includes a prong, a ratchet band, a hook-bracing fixture, a band-receiving head, and a pawl. The prong allows the user to puncture through a bait fish. The ratchet band engages with the pawl to tighten the apparatus against a bait fish. The hook-bracing fixture allows a hook to secure against the body of a bait fish. The band-receiving head allows for connection of the prong and ratchet band. The pawl is a unidirectionally biased protrusion that allows for tightening engagement with the ratchet band. This configuration allows the apparatus to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish so that the hook does not move during fishing activity.