5/23/2019 Basic Rigging

Basic Rigging
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Choosing the right fishing rig to use under various conditions is important as learning how
catch fish on them. Most rigs are designed fairly simply and are used for specific types of
fishing. We have assembled information on the basic rigs, how to tie them and a few pointers
on how to fish them. The basic fishing rigs are numbered 1-9 please scroll down to
the rig you wish more info on: 1.Texas Rig, 2.Carolina Rig, 3.Drop Shot Rig, 4. Sliding
Sinker Bottom Rig, 5.Split Shot Rig, 6.Three Way Rig, 7.Stream Rig, 8.Bottom Bouncers, Bait
Walkers, and 9.Slip Bobbers.

1. Texas Rig

No bass fishing arsenal is complete without knowledge and how to fish the Texas rig.
Considered a finesse technique not a search bait such as inline spinner crank bait or spinner
bait. The Texas rig is adaptable to all kinds of soft plastics from worms to lizards and grubs
that can be fished in extremely dense vegetation and brush. The presentation is placement as
close to cover (weeds, logs) as possible. When casting or flipping try to let the rig enter the
water with as little noise as possible and keep some controlled slack in the line, watch your
line as well as many fish will strike the rig on the fall. If you don’t get a bite, let the rig rest
on the bottom and then begin to retrieve in a very slow, jerk pause motion. Always keep little
tension on the line because learning this technique is a lot about learning to differentiate
between the feel of the bottom and the feel of a fish. In setting the hook use a forceful snap
of the rod ensuring the embeded hook point travels through the body of the soft plastic bait.

Suggested Tackle
Rods 6-6 - 7 foot medium heavy fast action bait casting.
Reel: Low profile bait casting reel 6:3:1 gear ratio, thumb bar line release medium line
capacity.
Line: 10 lb to 14 lb testlow stretch monofilament.

What you need for a Texas Rig

Assortment of Bullet Sinkers (Lead Brass or Steel)

1/8 - 3/16 - 1/4 oz for shallow water or 4" to 6" soft plastic's
3/8 - 1/2- 3/4 -1 oz for deeper water or larger 6"+ soft plastic's

Offset Worm Hooks

1/0-2/0 Small Soft Plastic's
3/0 - 4/0 - 5/0 Larger Soft Plastic's

Soft Plastic Lures

Worms /Lizards/Grubs/Crawfish

How to Rig

Thread the Bullet Sinker on the line making sure the nose of the sinker faces the rod tip.

Tie on the hook using a Palmor or a Improved Clinch Knot

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Optional: Plastic or Glass Bead between the weight and hook. To make the weight stationary
peg the bullet with a piece of toothpick, or use a screw in bullet weight.

Insert the hook about 3/8" through the nose of the soft plastic bait, pushing hook completely
through.

Embed the offset portion on the upper shank of the hook into the nose of the soft plastic, this
locks the soft plastic lure on the hook

Insert the point of the hook back into the soft plastic making sure the bait hangs straight.

Insert the point of the hook into the body of the bait. This makes it weedless.

It is a good idea to push the hook through a couple of times to make a small hole or channel
in the plastic. This will help insure a good hook set.

2. Carolina Rig

The Carolina rig is a popular and effective way to rig for bass. Just about any soft plastic can
be used when Carolina rigging. It is a successful method of soft plastic bait presentation in all
depths of water, its only limitation is certain types of cover that you are trying to move it
through. For example areas of extreme weeds or brush don’t lend themselves to the usage of
a Carolina rig. Areas were the bottom is made up of rocks and boulders that are very close
together is another area where the rig is sure to get caught up. Fishing with a Carolina rig
you can see why they are so effective as the rig is drawn across the bottom the soft plastic
bait will move side to side upward and downward bumping weeds and bouncing off rocks.
Cast and retrieve slow is the key for a successful presentation. A bite on a Carolina rig can be
a subtle tap, twitch or pressure on the line in setting the hook use a forceful snap of the rod
ensuring the embeded hook point travels through the body of the soft plastic bait.

The Carolina rig is basically a modified Texas rig with a few additions and similar to a sliding
sinker bottom rig used for walleyes.

Suggested Tackle
Rods 6-6 1/2- 7 foot medium heavy fast action bait casting.
Reel: Low profile bait casting reel 6:3:1 gear ratio, thumb bar line release medium line
capacity.
Line: 10lb to 14 lb low stretch monofilament.

What you need for a Carolina Rig

Assortment of Sinkers Types Bullet or Egg (Lead, Brass or Steel)

1/8 - 3/16 - 1/4 oz for shallow water or 4" to 6" soft plastic's
3/8 - 1/2 - 3/4 - 1 oz for deeper water or larger 6"+ soft plastic's

Swivels
The swivels used should be of good quality and as small as possible. The general function of
the swivel is as a stopper for the weight rather than keeping out line twist. Sizes 5-6-7 Are
large enough to stop the sliding weight.

Offset Worm Hooks

1/0-2/0 - Small Soft Plastic's

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3/0-4/0 - 5/0 Larger Soft Plastic's

Lures
Just about any type of soft plastic baits

How to Rig

Determine the leader length, 18" to 36" is the most common, the general rule is 18 inches of
leader per 10 feet of water. Tie your hook on to the leader on the other end tie on your swivel
using a Palomar or Improved Clinch Knotfor both.

Slip on the sinker on your main line, if your using a bullet weight be sure the point is facing
the rod tip. Then slip on a glass bead, this adds sound that attracts bass and acts as a
insulator protecting the knot from the banging of the weight.

Tie on the leader to the other side of the swivel using a Palomar or Improved Clinch Knot
.

In rigging your soft plastic’s on the hook use the same procedure as the Texas Rig above.

3. Drop Shot Rig

The drop-shot rig is a finesse technique that has been made popular by the bass fishing
community, walleye and panfish anglers as well are now using the drop shot with many
successes. It is especially good for suspended fish that requires vertical placement of the bait
in front of active fish. The drop shot is a way of tying your hook up the line and putting the
lead on the bottom. Fishing the drop shot is simple, cast or drop the rig straight down over
the side of the boat, when the line goes slack reel up until the line is tight with the weight on
the bottom, now shake the rod gently, you just want your bait to wiggle. A bite can be a
subtle tug, a side way movement or just pressure on the line. Set the hook using a upward
sweeping motion.

Suggested Tackle : As a finesse rig the drop shot is best fished on light line and spinning
outfits.
Rod: Light fast action 6'-6" to 7' foot
Reels: Light Spinning balanced to the rod
Line: 6-8 lb monofilament

What you need for a Drop Shot Rig

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Weight/Sinkers
Many tackle companies manufacture designed drop shot weights, round or rectangular of lead
or tungstenthat come with a tie on clip on the top. The weights range from 1/8 to1/2 oz. The
most common weights used are 3/16 - 3/8 oz. Another alternative is a casting sinker a bell
shaped sinker with a tie on swivel molded on the top.

Hooks
There are many specialized drop shot hooks on the market, but any small hooks will work.
For rigging small soft plastic’s use a 1/0 or 2/0 offset worm hook. Live bait minnows and
leeches use a octopus hook size #6-#8. Panfish use Aberdeen light wire hooks size #6-#8

Lures/Live bait
Bait versatility is advantage of the drop shot rig. In rigging small soft plastic’s if you're fishing
open water run the hook thru it’s nose with the hook exposed, if there is cover in the area
you can rig it Texas style making it weedless (See Texas Rig above)
Live Bait hook the minnow through it’s mouth, leeches through its sucker.

How to Rig

The drop shot rig is a easy rig to tie as long as you become comfortable with the knot used
for the hook. The Palomar Knot . We recommend first time users to practice tying this rig at
home before heading out on the water. As a reference you should print out a copy of our knot
instructions as a guide. Just Click Here .

To tie a drop shot rig determine how far off the bottom you want your bait to be 18 to 36
inches, make a loop at that length and pass the line through the hook eye from the point
side. Allow the hook to dangle, and tie a loose over hand knot in the doubled line, being
careful not to twist the lines or tighten the knot. Pull the line by its looped end far enough to
pass it over the hook Pulling at both ends of the line, tighten the knot. Leaving one end
connected to the rod and the other tag end to tie on the drop shot weight using a Improved
Clinch Knot . Be sure the hook rides horizontally from the line.

4. Sliding Sinker Bottom Rig

The sliding sinker bottom rig is the most popular and versatile rig for live bait fishing.
Dependent on what part of the country your from and the species of fish you’re targeting it
has many names the most common is the Lindy Rig a trade name, others include: Live Bait
Rig, Slip Rig, River Rig, Catfish Rig, Walleye Rig, Walking Sinker Rig and Sturgeon Rig.

The basic rig is simple; weight/sinker - swivel/stop - leader - hook - floating jig- or
crawler/minnow rigs all used for live bait. The fishing presentation allows the sinker to rest on
the water bottom with the bait suspended above. This feature prevents the a fish from feeling
the weight as the line passes through the sinker.

Suggested Tackle
Rod: Walleye: 6’-6" - 7‘- 0" Foot -Light to Medium Light Power Spinning / Fast action
Rod: Large Catfish: 6’-6" to 7’-0" Foot -Medium Heavy Power Bait Casting / Fast action
Reel: Walleye: Light spinning balanced tothe rod
Reel: Large Line capacity Bait Casting.
Line: Walleye 6lb-8lb test low visibility monofilament.
Line: Large Catfish 20lb to 30lb test low stretch monofilament.

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Fishing from a Boat
When casting the sliding sinker bottom rig allow the rig to sink to the bottom, reel up the line
until it is tight, this brings the sinker up to the swivel/stop. Slowly retrieve the rig along the
bottom, when a fish bites the live bait it usually pulls the line the opposite way of the sinker
telegraphed by a small tug or twitch on your line. Open the free spool on your reel allowing
the fish to swim away on a free line after grabbing the bait. Walleye and catfish are notorious
for picking up bait and dropping it as soon as they feel resistance. After a few seconds
engage the reel bring the line tight and set the hook.

River Fishing
In fishing rivers with current from a boat anchored or from a shoreline as a set line, the basic
principles apply the same. Cast the rig and reel up the line until it is tight. Set the rod in a
rod holder. Watch the rod tip closely as this will be the bite indicator. When the rod tip
twitches, open the free spool on your reel, wait a few seconds, engage the reel and set the
hook using a sweeping motion of the rod. This technique is highly successful for catfish and
sturgeon on river systems.

Controlled Drifting or Trolling

When front trolling, back trolling or on a controlled drift, release or cast allowing as much line
out until it is at the desired distance from your boat. Leave the reel in free spool and use your
finger to stop and hold the line. As the boat moves the line will become tight once the sinker
reaches the bottom. While holding your rod periodically give it a small pump keeping your
finger on the line, this adds action to your bait, as the slack line becomes tight, feel for bites
as many times this acts as a trigger for a following fish. If you feel a twitch or a tap release
you’re finger give it a few seconds engage the reel bringing the line tight slowly and set the
hook.

What you need for a sliding sinker bottom rig

With the hundreds of options that this rig offers it is impossible to list all by types for each
species and fishing conditions that you may encounter. But here are some general guidelines
to follow:

Weight/Sinkers
Any type of sliding sinker will work for this rig. As a general rule you’ll need a 1/8 of an ounce
for every 10 feet of depth for lake systems that have minimal of current.Start with few a 1/8
-1/4 and 1/2 ounce sinkers this will cover most lake fishing techniques. Walking sinkers are
the most generally used and work the best over rocks and along mud bottoms. Use a bullet
sinker when weeds are present. Bullet sinkers will slide through the weeds better as the taper
head will not pick up bits of vegetation and floating debris.

Recommended Sliding Sinker Weights

1/8 oz. for 6-10 feet of water
1/4 oz. for 10-15 feet of water
1/2 oz. for 15-25 feet of water
3/4 oz. for 25-35 feet of water
1 oz. for 35 feet and deeper

The weight of the sinkers used on rivers is a totally dependent of the current speed and type
of live bait. Egg, no roll, disc, casting, and pyramid sinkers are all used for river rigging
ranging in weights from a 1/8 to 8 ounces. You’re best bet is to check with the local sport
shop or a local fishing guide in finding the correct type and weight for the proper set-up.

Hooks
The octopus hook is the most widely used on this rig as a single hook or pre-rigged on a
crawler/minnow rig harness, all quality hook manufactures produces them in various sizes
and colors. For small minnow and leeches use size #6-#8 for walleye crappie and bass. Size
#4 for larger minnows and night crawlers for walleye northern pike and trout. Catfish and
sturgeon sizes range from 1 to 6/0.

Other hooking options include floating jigs sized by the hook #4-#6. Crawler and minnow
pre-rigged harnesses with single or double blades work extremely well in stained or murky
water by producing a loud blade vibrations helping the fish locate your bait.

Swivels
The swivels used should be of good quality and as small as possible. The general function of

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the swivel is as a stopper for the weight rather than keeping out line twist. Be sure the swivel
is large enough to stop the sliding weight.

Live Bait
All live bait will work on this rig.

How to Rig

Begin with making the leader, we recommend using fluorocarbon monofilament as the leader
material, it is invisible in the water and abrasion resistant and has low stretch. This can be
purchased at quality sport shops as 10 to 20 yard spools.

Start with cutting the length of leaders at 24-to-36 inches use 6 to 8 lb test for walleye and
bass - 8lb to 10lb for light catfish & pike - 20lb for medium catfish -Large catfish & sturgeon
30 to 40lb test. Note: Length of leader and size of hook will vary based on the fishing
conditions.

Tie the hook on one end using a Improved Clinch Knot tie the other end to the swivel using
the same knot

Thread the sinker onto your fishing line. For the walking sinker make sure the bent bottom
end is facing towards the rig or away from the rod tip. Bullet sinkers face the tapered end
towards the rod tip. Egg, no roll, disc, casting, and pyramid sinkers have no preference. After
slipping the sinker on your line tie to the open end of the swivel on the leader using the
Improved Clinch Knot. Once tied, the slip sinker should be above the swivel and move
freely.

5.Split Shot Rig

This is about as basic as you can get on a rig. The nice thing is, you don't have to retie any
knots to change the sinker position on the line; just pinch it on and off. Fishing with the split
shot rig is considered a finesse technique by adding a split shot sinker in front of your live
bait offering, using line 4-8lb test on a light to medium light spinning rod and reel set-up.
Unlike the other rigs mentioned Texas, Carolina and the sliding sinker rig that are primarily
fished on the bottom, the split shot rig gently moves downward after a cast, until it reaches
the bottom thus requiring patience to fish it correctly.

There is no wrong way to fish this rig, it is excellent for open water covering vertical
structure, steep breaklines sloping banks and bluffs where fish suspend, it is also surprisingly
good in light timber using a weedless hook and a light split shot where the weight isn’t heavy
enough to pull it down into the branches. The split-shot rig is also effective around floating
boat docks, where fish often hang under.

The placement of the split shot is more versatile and adjustable than most anglers think. The
general consensus is position the split shot 18 inches above the hook, which gives the bait
adequate freedom of movement. But by placing it closer to the bait like within a 12" or less
the bait will react more like a jig, giving a pronounced action. Conversely by placing the split
shot 3 feet or more up the line will minimize the action of the live bait. As a finesse technique
this will require the angler to keep alert while using this rig, watch the line after the cast for
any subtle changes or sideway movement a twitch means you have a bite, upon engaging the
reel beginning the retrieve keep the bait moving on a semi-tight line leaving a little slack.
Avoid keeping the line too tight this will take away the natural presentation of the bait. If the

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slack in the line tightens or you feel a slight tick you have a bite, make a easy sweep upward
to set the hook and keep the pressure on the fish.

Tackle Suggestions
Rod: 6-6 to 7-0 foot-Light to Medium Light/ Medium Action Spinning
Reel: Light Spinning balanced with the rod
Line" 4-8 lb test monofilament

What you need for a split shot rig

Weight/Sinkers
All fishing shops and discount stores sells split shots, purchase the assortment pack that
comes in a round case for a selection of sizes and weight. Split shots come in standard round
once pinched on your line they can be difficult to pry open to remove or reusable which
features tiny wings that you can pinch between the thumb and forefinger to remove or move
on the line which we recommend to start out with.

Hooks
Use the smallest hook possible to maintain the natural action of the live bait. Rigging
minnows and leeches use a octopus hook size #4-#6-#8. Size #4 for larger minnows and
night crawlers. Panfish use Aberdeen light wire hooks size #6-#8

Tip
Add a split shot in front of a floating crankbait or a rigged soft plastic bait. Different size shot
change the lure's sink rate and you can vary retrieve speeds to produce an enticing "up and
down" action. Tie on your lure of choice, then add one or two split shot sinkers starting about
1 foot above the lure. The closer the weight is to the bait the more precise your casting will
be. This finesse technique is used for shallow water or clear water fish that have been seeing
a lot of action. To add depth to your lure for trolling add a split shot or for increased depth
add a rubber core sinker.

How to Rig

Tie a hook on the line using a Improved Clinch Knot. Add split shot

6. Three Way Rig

The three way rig receives its name from the main swivel used on the rig. It is also
recognized as the wolf river rig. Unlike the sliding sinker bottom rig three-ways don’t slip, so
you don’t feed line upon a bite, they are a fixed bottom rig mainly used on river systems to
place the bait at a set distance off the bottom. The three way is used from a stationary
position, anchored in a boat or from a shoreline. The bite indicator is your rod tip the key to
sense a strike is to have no excess line between the three-way and the rod. River currents
creates drag on the line which reduces sensitivity and control. In other words you do not
want to have a bow in your line from the rod to the rig. Tighten up the line as much as
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possible to have a direct line from the rod to the rig. When you see a bite the tip of the rod
will twitch, simply drop the rod tip towards the rig allowing it to collapse the rig back to the
fish, as the slack of the line tightens, its time to set the hook using the upward sweeping
motion of the rod.

Suggested Tackle: Rod/Reel/Line Set-ups: White Bass/Stripers & Walleye 6’-6" to 7’0"
Medium/Fast Action Spinning Rod and Reel with 10lb monofilament test line. Catfish 6’-6" to
7’-0" Medium/Fast Action Baitcasting with 20lb to 30lb monofilament test line.

Trolling Options
With the depth control of the three way rig some innovative anglers use this rig for a trolling
presentation. Floating crank baits are a superb way to use the three way rig on rivers. They
wiggle and wobble in the current, troll upstream they vibrate madly go downstream move
along slightly faster than the current to make the lure wiggle, experiment to find what the
fish prefer. The set-up for this is simple, instead of the hook add a snap or tie directly on a
floating crank bait, free spool the line over the side of the boat until the sinker reaches the
bottom, release as much for the desired length from the boat, engage your reel keeping your
finger on the line. As the sinker bounces along the bottom the crank bait will ride about 20
inches above. This set-up is excellent for river walleyes and white bass.

What you need for a three way rig

Weight/Sinkers
The weight of the sinkers used on rivers is a totally dependent of the current speed and type
of live bait. The most common used is a casting (bell) type sinker ranging in weight sizes of
1/2-3/4-1 oz. For rivers with extreme current, bank and pyramid sinkers are rigged with
weight sizes starting from 1 oz up to 8 ounces. You’re best bet is to check with the local sport
shop or a local fishing guide in finding the correct type and weight for the proper set-up.

Hooks
White Bass/Stripers Walleye size #4-#6 Octopus/Aberdeen Hooks/Floating Jigs size 4
Catfish size 1/0-2/0 Circle/Octopus Hooks

Swivel
A three way marine brass swivel size 4

How to Rig

Tie the main line to one eye of the three way swivel, add/tie the drop lines. one at 12 to 18
inches and the other at 24 to 36 inches to the other two eyes on the swivel. Tie the hook to
the longer drop line (24/36") and the sinker to the other at (12/18") For all knots use the
Improved Clinch Knot.

Tip: If you fish in area’s with a lot of snags, reduce the drop line pound test for the sinker
than the main line or hook line, this way if the sinker gets hung up, the lighter dropper line
with the sinker breaks with out loosing the entire rig.

7. Stream Rig

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The stream rig also known as a drift rig are used commonly by steelhead, salmon and walleye
anglers in certain situations, such as in small streams with light current or when drift fishing
in relatively shallow water. The stream rig is very similar to the three way rig with the
exception of the sinker dropper line which uses a series of split shots instead of a casting
(bell) sinker. This allow the angler not to lose the entire rig if hung up, by applying pressure
pulls the split shot off the dropper saving the hook and swivel.

Fishing the stream rig takes some finesse and can be difficult for the new angler to pick-up.
The basic presentation of the rig is relatively simple, but requires a very light touch and feel
to detect what is the bottom and what is a fish. The rig is cast upstream in the current and
allowed to sink to the bottom. The key here is to have enough weight attached to let the rig
to bounce along the current, slowly towards the angler as it moves downstream. Some fish
are caught in this portion of the drift where the rig is bouncing, but most bites occur at the
bottom end of the drift when it is quartering (The swing) back through the current towards
the angler. At this point the rig is moving slower than the dead drift portion of the drift and
more fish are apt to see and strike the bait quartering than coming straight at them.

As the split shots on the rig and bait ticks along the bottom, this is where the angler must
pay close attention to differentiate between the feel of the bottom and the feel of a fish. Any
bump, twitch or pulling sensation can be a fish. If you're unsure ... set the hook. After a
while, you'll develop a 'sense' of what is bottom and what is a fish.

Suggested Tackle: The basic rod and reel set-up for fishing the stream rig is light for the
sensitivity, many anglers prefer longer light, soft action spinning rods with 4-8lb test line for
drift fishing. 8’ to 10 foot drift rods are common. The long soft action rods will bend starting
in the lower third using nearly the entire rod providing the most flexibility. Because of this
parabolic action the angler is using the rod as a shock absorber in fighting the fish in the
current this allows the use of light line.

What you need for a stream rig

Weight/Sinkers
An assortment of split shots sizes 3/0-7-5 for light current 2-3-4 for faster current. All fishing
shops and discount stores sells split shots, purchase the assortment pack that comes in a
round case for a selection of sizes and weight or the individual packs . Split shots come in
standard round once pinched on your line they can be difficult to pry open to remove or
reusable which features tiny wings that you can pinch between the thumb and forefinger to
remove or move on the line which we recommend to start out with.

Hooks
Use the smallest hook possible to maintain the natural action of the live bait. Popular hooks
for walleye, steelhead and salmon are octopus and egg styles size #6-#8 for salmon eggs,
spawn sac’s and small minnows. Size #4 for larger minnows and night crawlers and cut bait.

Three way swivel

The three way swivel used should be of good quality and as small as possible size 8-6

How to Rig

Tie the main line to one eye of the three way swivel.

Add/tie the drop lines, one at 6 to 10 inches and the other at 24 to 30 inches to the other two
eyes on the swivel.

Tie the hook to the longer drop line (24/30") and the split shots to the other at (6/10")

For all knots use the Improved Clinch Knot. Add the appropriate amount of split shots to
the sinker dropper line.

8. Bottom Bouncers and Bait Walkers

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Bottom bouncers are weighted L-shaped piece of heavy wire using live bait, crawler harness
or floating spinner rigs attached to the non weighted arm via a snap swivel. The bottom
bouncer can be as light a1/2 oz up 3 ounces. This is all attached to your rod, by tying the line
to the eye at the intersection of the two wire arms of the bouncer. The bottom bouncer is an
effective rigging tool while trolling or drifting presenting the lure/bait rig above snag laced
bottom of small rocks, logs, over mud/sand flats, or open basins. A weighted wire feeler arm
minimizes hang-ups while riding upright across underwater structure deflecting snags.

Using a bottom bouncer is a search technique by covering a lot of water efficiently (trolling or
drifting) in seeking active feeding fish especially walleyes that tend to related to bottom
structure. Fishing a bottom bouncer, the angler casts or releases the line allowing the rig to
sink to the bottom, engage the reel to tighten line as close to a 45 degree angle from the
boat, this guarantees frequent bottom contact, control and feel. You do not want the line to
be vertical, by having the 45 angle provides enough distance for the bouncer to work
correctly and gives it enough distance from the boat not to spook the fish. When you feel a
bite ( a subtle tap, twitch or pressure on the line) lean the rod tip forward slightly and use the
rod in a sweeping overhead motion away from the fish in setting the hook this helps
eliminating any slack line ensuring a good hookset.

Bait Walker
The Bait Walker is a trade name for a similar rig only smaller in
overall size. The weight is located on the bottom tip of the lower
arm than in the middle on a bottom bouncer. The weight design is
tapered, rounded and has a concave flat top which makes the bait
walker feel like a keel sinker providing little resistance as it rides
across the bottom, excellent for trolling in preventing line twist.
Another feature is the selection of weight options 1/4 oz up to 10
ounces allowing the angler the versatility to use the lightest
presentation, small floating crank baits and flutter spoons for
walleye and bass down to reaching the depths for lake trout.

Suggested Tackle:
Rods 6‘-6" to 7"-0" Medium-Power Medium action casting rod with a long handle for rod
holder placement.
Reels: Medium-capacity baitcasting reel.
Line: 10-14 pound test low stretch monofilament.

What you need for a bottom bouncer

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Weight Sizes
Most all fishing shops and large discount stores sells bottom bouncers, the key to a proper
presentation is using the correct weight. Weight selection depends on a combination of depth
and speed.

Recommended Bottom Bouncer Weights:

1/2- to 1-ounce for under 15 feet.
1 1/2- to 2-ounces for 15 to 20 feet.
2 1/2- to 3-ounces for 30- to 40-foot depths.

Hooks/Rigs/Lures
With the hundreds of rigging options that the bottom bouncer offers it is impossible to list all
by types for each species and fishing conditions that you may encounter. For live bait there
are pre-rigged: live bait snells, floating snells, bladed worm harnesses and minnow rigs sold
in shops that vary in leader lengths from 12 to 30 inches, these all attach to the bottom
bouncer snap from a pre tied loop on the end of the leader. Artificial lures are all so used with
good success, floating crank baits, (use shallow to mid range running lures) or light weight
trolling (flutter) spoons are also popular.

Colors/Blades
The same basic fish attracting principles applies when it comes to color selection on blades or
lures; use hot orange, yellow, or chartreuse for darker water, nickel, silver, or non-fluorescent
colors for clear water; and copper, gold, or neutral colors for conditions in between.

Typically the blade sizes and types on pre rigged worm harnesses and minnow rigs are
Indiana and Colorado blades sizes #3-#4-#5. The Indiana spins tighter to the rig than the
Colorado producing less of a thump, conversely a broad blade such as the Colorado will rotate
at a greater outward angle from the rig producing a lift, greater thump and more vibration.

As you can see, fishing a bottom bouncer presents numerous bait rigging questions:
Type of live bait (minnow, night crawler or leech), rig blade color and type, artificial lures,
colors, spoons - straight or jointed crankbaits, and length of leader. You would be best served
before heading out to do a little research with the local sport shop or local fishing guides in
finding out the correct bait rigging set-up for the waters you’re fishing.

How to Rig

Tie the bottom bouncer on the center eye at the intersection of the two wire arms of the
bouncer using a Improved Clinch Knot. Attach the appropriate rig to the top arm snap
swivel.

9. Slip Bobber Rig

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Many anglers began their first fishing experience using a red and white bobber rig off a dock
or boat for panfish. While the basic bobber set-up is simple we have witnessed over the years
many anglers over-rig this set-up by using a extremely large hook, connected to a pike
leader attached to a tennis ball sized bobber. Unfortunately they never received guidance or
advice for the correct presentation, but at least they are fishing. To properly fish a attached
bobber or slip bobber rig the key is to use the smallest and lightest tackle in order to present
the live bait as natural as possible, and to detect a bite from your bobber. By doing this your
success and catch rate will increase dramatically.

For a bobber or float to work properly, there has to be some point to hold the bobber from
movement on the line to float. Conventional round bobbers achieve this by attaching directly
to a fixed point on the line using a snap, cigar shaped floats use a spring that is pulled back
with the line inserted into a slot, by releasing the spring, will hold the line. The attached to
line bobbers will work but are limited to very shallow water a few feet or so, in other words
the amount of line from the attached bobber to your hook should be shorter than you’re rod
length. Using a bobber to hook length longer than the rod will restrict your casting ability and
the fish landing as the attached bobber stops the line at the rod tip hampering your efforts to
net the fish, especially large ones.

The slip bobber can be fished at any depth, it's design has a hollow tube through it and will
slide freely from the hook or bottom weight to the stop. The stop point on the line is called a
bobber stop, this can be purchased at a store as rubber pellets, small vinyl strips and dacron
knots on a tube, or can be tied by the angler using this knot ( Stop Knot ) The bobber stop
when used correctly is small enough to pass through the rod guides and reel mechanisms
when retrieved or cast, but is large enough to stop the bead on a slip bobber. Thus the angler
using slip bobbers can fish at any depth, only limited by the depth of the water and the
amount of line on the reel.

Fishing a slip bobber is an effective way to catch almost any species of fish. To began, the slip
bobber rig should be balanced with the correct amount of weight including the live bait. The
bobber/float should only be large enough to hold your bait and float upright in the water, that
way it will be sensitive to any type of bite. If your bobber lays flat on the surface, you’re
probably on the bottom or need additional weight. Adjust the bobber stop upward or add
weight. Setting the correct depth is critical for successful slip bobbering. Start at 6" to 12"
inches off the bottom and adjust the bobber stop upward from there. Walleyes and perch
relate to bottom structure, bluegills, crappies and bass often suspend higher. An inexpensive
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tool to use in setting the correct depth off the bottom is a ice fishing depth finder, a alligator
clip attached to a lead weight. These can purchased at any fishing shop for under two dollars.
Clip the depth finder on the hook release the line until reaches the bottom, set/slide the
bobber stop accordingly.

Upon setting the proper depth and weight balance on the slip bobber. It’s time to fish. Once
reeled up the slip bobber should rest above the split shot with the bobber stop on your reel.
After the cast wait for the bait to sink and the bobber to go upright before reeling in any slack
line. Keep alert for any movements, up, down, sideways, indicating a bite, if the bobber goes
flat on the water, this means a fish has taken your bait and is swimming upward eliminating
the weight that kept the bobber upright. In setting the hook reel in any slack line, use the rod
in a sweeping overhead motion away from the fish this helps ensuring a good hookset.

Suggested Tackle:
Any light rod & reel set-up will work but we suggest a longer rod in aiding longer casts and
setting the hook.
Rod - 7' to 8' foot plus, light with medium action spinning rod.
Reel - Any good quality spinning reel balanced to the rod with a smooth drag.
Line - 4 - 8 pound test monofilament.

What you need for a slip bobber rig/bobber

Type of Floats/Bobbers
There are variations in styles and types of floats. Matching the live bait, larger bait requires a
larger float or a fishing presentation such asdrifting a float over a flat or fishing a targeted
piece of structure, rock pile, hump or crib. For night fishing there are LED lithium battery
tipped lighted floats. You should have variety of floats enabling to fish in various situations
and conditions.

Round Basic Bobber

The round attached bobber comes in a rainbow of colors made of hard plastic or Styrofoam
that have a spring clip on the bottom attaching to the line. Fishing with attached bobber
limit’s the amount of line to a few feet for shallow water. Great for kids who fish off a dock.
The best bobber size is about 1 inch or equal to a quarter for small worms.

Pear Shaped Slip Float

These are the most common, made of Styrofoam or balsa, easy to cast, and will work in
waves or still water conditions. They come in a variety of sizes to match the live bait, smaller
for leeches and worms larger for minnows.

Cigar Shaped Slip Floats

For light biting fish, these have a thinner profile and offer the least resistance on a bite. Easily
cast and best used when fishing calm water over structure. Made of Styrofoam or balsa

Pencil Slip Float

This is the lightest and thinnest float used to detect a bite, often referred as a shy bite or a
waggler float. A popular float in Europe for light biting fish. Made of balsa.

Oval Slip Floats

A larger float used for larger minnows small suckers and red tail chubs. They are a good
choice for (drifting) covering an expanse of water as the increased profile will drift along
pushed from the wind and waves. Made of Styrofoam or balsa.

Bobber Stops/Stop Knots

There are three common types of bobber stops that are sold in shops. Rubber pellets that
come attached to a fine wire loop, they attach by running the line through the loop and pull
the stop onto the line. Vinyl/Plastic strips that have small holes that you weave the line
through and the Dacron knot stop that come on a small tube which is threaded onto the line,
the knot is pushed off the tube to the line then tighten, the tag ends are trimmed off. All
three come with stop beads if the hole on the float is too large for the stop.

The Dacron stop is the most universally used as well as the easiest to adjust on monofilament
just wet the line and slide the stop to the proper setting.

Weight/Sinkers
Proper weighting and placement are the utmost important when using a slip bobber. Start by
placing the split shot 8 to 12 inches from the hook, if more than one split shot is used always

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place the smaller split shot closest to the hook, this will allow your bait to appear more
natural. Each size and type of slip bobber will require different sized split shot weights. The
correct weight and placement will keep your line vertical through the water allowing the float
to indicate even the lightest bite.

All fishing shops and discount stores sells split shots, purchase the assortment pack that
comes in a round case for a selection of sizes and weight. Split shots come in standard round
once pinched on your line they can be difficult to pry open to remove or reusable which
features tiny wings that you can pinch between the thumb and forefinger to remove or move
on the line which we recommend to start out with.

Hooks
Use the smallest hook possible to maintain the natural action of the live bait. The Octopus
hook is the most commonly used although circle hooks are equally effective. Sizes #6 and #8
for worms and leeches, size #4 for minnows for walleyes and bass. Crappies and bluegills try
a gold Aberdeen long shank hook size #6 or#8 tipped with a small minnow or redworm.
Another option is using a jig 1/64 to 1/8 ounce this offers color to the bait as well as a
horizontal presentation. Try this for early and mid season walleyes.

Live bait
Worms, leeches, minnows. Minnows are the favorite during the spring and fall seasons with
leeches and worm/night crawlers used during warmer summer months.

How to rig a slip bobber

Began by threading the stop knot tube on the line

Push the stop knot off the tube onto the line toward the rod tip and remove tube.

Pull the loose tag ends of the knot semi-tight to be adjustable. Trim off the tag ends close to
the knot.

Thread on the bead and slip float, be sure the top of the float is facing the rod tip.

Pinch on a split shot below the float and tie on the hook on using a Improved Clinch Knot.

Tip
Add a small barrel swivel above the split shot using lighter line than the main line. For
instance the main line is 8lb use 4lb or 6lb test from the swivel down to the hook. If you get
snagged and had to break the line, you would only lose the hook and split shot by breaking
the lighter line. This keeps the float as the swivel acts as a stop on your main line. It saves
you time not chasing a floating bobber.

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