Either through the back or through the tail, like right where the meat is before you actually get to the tail. You don't necessarrily have to use a smaller hook to prevent it from dying quicker I don't believe. they will die at there own rate. Plus if your fishing with minnows, chances are what your going to catch is going to be pretty big or atleast big enough to eat a minnow, so if you use smaller hooks they may have a better chance at getting off. Just in my experience with fishing with minnows
P.S. It's finally in the 80's in Florida too and NOT RAINING!!! lol.