Rigging

[Guest]

I have searched on the forum here, and throughout the internet to find a good site to find how to set up rigs, and to no avail haven't found anything much. I'm fairly new to using artificial baits, and besides throuwing them and reading the back of the box, I have no idea how to set them up properly. I've been using the pre rigged lake forest minnows, however the other day I was needing to replace the body and seemed to tear it up more than fixing it. Hopefully someone can either throw up a few pointers, or lead me to a site where I can get some pictures or something. All these years I've grown up using real baits, but I'm wanting to get into the learning and the finesse of using artificial lures effectively. Thanks in advance for any pointers.

 

[mallardecho]

What are you wanting to Rig? A Carolina Rig, Texas Rig, Dropshot, split shot. Swimbaits, wacky rig? I am sure someone will be more than happy to explain some of them to you and all of us. This could turn out to be a very informative thread for all to share.

 

[Exodus]

You can watch videos of most rigging on You Tube...just type in something like "Texas rigging a worm" or "Rigging a swimbait" or "Jig rigging and techniques" etc...etc.. i've found this out to be most helpful because I can actually see what is going on.

 

[Guest]

To be honest to start out with, the basic ones that are productive on the waters around here. I've heard allot of people talk about the carolina and the drop shot rig, however I have no idea the basis of how your supposed to properly set one up and when the best times are to use certain differnent setups. Thanks for the youtube idea, I've never reall used it much but will be checking it out.

 

[BackOnTheWater]

I'll take the carolina rig. I use a 7' MH rod...you have a lot of line to move when you set the hook, and the longer rod will help. 7-6 if you have one.</p>

In it's simplest form, slip on a bullet weight and tie on a swivel. Then tie on a 12-36" leader and a hook.</p>

I use brass weights from 1/4 oz up to 1 oz, depending upon how deep I'm fishing (bank to 30 ft). Most often a 1/2 oz weight.I put on a glass bead between the weight and swivel for a little extra noise. I generally use a leader of lighter line than my main line so that if I get hung and break off I only lose the hook instead of the more expensive brass and glass. I use 14# test w/ a 10 or 12# leader. I use a shorter leader than most, usually around 18". Some use up to 36" and longerleaders.</p>

I use a 3/0 to 5/0 Gammy wide-gap hook, and whatever soft plastic I feel good about.</p>

Drag itacross the bottom. Never move the lure with the reel, just the rod. If you feel the weight snag or hit anything, let it sit still for a bit before continuing. Generally, you will feel a tap and then feel the fish take off with the bait. Give him a solid hookset. I've had them almost yank the rod out of my hands, but have also had them sneak up on me and just sit with it and all you feel is a heavy load when you move the bait.</p>

Remember...better to look like a fool and set a hook on a phantom bitethan be a fool and not set a hook when a fish hits.</p>

So...weight, bead, swivel, leader, hook. Now there are all kinds of options of the basic componants, but there ya have it.</p>

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the replies. They are greatly appreciated. Hopefully we can get some good fish here in the near future

 

[mallardecho]

A Drop Shot rig is the simplest one of them all. It consists of a hook (#2 up to a 1/0) and a sinker (1/16 - 1/2 oz). You tie the hook directly to your line, usually with a palomar knot, leaving a long tag end from your knot. The tag end needs to be 6"-36" depending on structure, cover being fished. You tie your sinker at the end of the tag part of the line. Typical baits, small worms, lizards, small flukes, gulp minnows nose hooked on the hook. To fish you can either cast to your target and retreive slowly while remaining in constant contact with the bottom, or your can use your electronics and use a vertical presentation. This rig usually is thrown on 6-8 pound test and spinning gear.

This rig can also be used for live bait presentations.