Three-way swivel catfish rig

PREPARATION / NOTES

Tactics are starting approaches, not a live bite report. Check current access, posted restrictions, species limits, bait rules, weather and water advisories for the exact water before a trip.

EQUIPMENT

• Rod and reel matched to the target species
• Hooks, line, sinkers, and landing tools
• Notebook or phone field log

MATERIALS

• Bait or lure identified in the next field log

STEPS

• Tie the main line to one swivel eye, a hook leader to the second and a sinker dropper to the third.
• As a trial layout, use an 18–30 inch hook leader and a 6–12 inch sinker dropper; adjust for current and tangles.
• Choose sinker weight only heavy enough to hold the intended position and a hook matched to the bait, with the point exposed.
• Cast smoothly, take up slack and monitor bottom contact. With a circle hook, reel into steady pressure rather than making a violent hookset.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• A weaker sinker dropper can sacrifice the weight in a snag, but the rest of the tackle still needs sound knots. Long leaders tangle in strong turbulence.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

A weaker sinker dropper can sacrifice the weight in a snag, but the rest of the tackle still needs sound knots. Long leaders tangle in strong turbulence.

REFERENCES

.