I love talking fishing with other anglers. Whether they fish in my fishery or not, it’s always interesting to me. Often these discussions will give me ideas… a fresh insight on a familiar fish’s behavior, or a new technique I could use in my own fishery.
I especially like seeing different riggings, hearing the theory behind how the angler came up with them, and why they think they work. Here’s one I came across that I really liked. Two lures on the same line, but with different actions that keeps them from tangling. This particular presentation is used to catch springtime walleyes.
Springtime walleyes in the Great Lakes can be finicky—if not infuriating. Since it’s too early for live bait and shiners, the trick to filling your limit fast is giving the fish an extra reason to hit your trolling spread. Using a three-way swivel on their trolling rigs, anglers are fishing two lures per rod. This tactic creates the illusion of a bait ball and allows anglers to cover the water column more thoroughly. It’s an effective way to kick-start a lethargic walleye’s appetite.
How to Rig
Attach a 20- to 50-pound three-way swivel to the end of the main line. On the bottom ring, tie a 2- to 4-foot fluoro leader and to this add a deep-diving crankbait. A round-bodied crankbait with a 2- to 3-inch-wide bill, which gives the lure an erratic action, works best. On the top swivel, tie a leader twice as long, 4 to 8 feet, so the lure will hang farther back in the spread. A flutter spoon—in silver or chartreuse—provides a unique contrast to the noisy crankbait. Plus, since a flutter spoon doesn’t dive, it won’t foul the other lure.
Photos: Field & Stream (top), Evil Eye Charters (above)
