How to Use a Lindy Rig
Lindy Rigs are an effective way to present live bait such as leeches, minnows and nightcrawlers. They most commonly are used by anglers who are pursuing walleyes. Each Lindy Rig includes, in order, a walking sinker, swivel, leader and hook. The idea behind the rig is that a fish can bite the bait and not feel pressure because the line slips through the sinker. To learn how to use a Lindy Rig, read on.
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Things You'll Need
- Fishing rod Fishing reel Fishing line Slip sinker Swivel Hook Live bait Boat
Instructions
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How to Use a Lindy Rig
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1
Select the proper equipment. A long fishing rod--from 6 1/2 to 7 feet long--is best. Use 6- to 8-pound test monofilament line on a spinning reel. A #6 or #8 hook is best, and a 1/8-ounce to 1-ounce slip sinker will cover most situations. The sinker should be just heavy enough to keep the rig on the bottom.
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2
Assemble a Lindy Rig. To do so, slide a sinker on the fishing line, then tie a swivel to the end of the fishing line. Tie 36 inches of fishing line onto the other end of the swivel, then tie a hook onto the end of the fishing line.
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3
Decide where to fish. Lindy Rigs are productive in many areas in which walleyes are found--along flats, drop-offs, reef and hump edges and weedlines.
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4
Bait your hook. Minnows should be hooked through the lips or just behind the dorsal fin, leeches just below the sucker and nightcrawlers at one end.
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5
Lower the Lindy Rig to the bottom, then close your bale or hold the line with your index finger so no more line goes off your reel.
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6
Begin trolling or drifting in the area you are fishing. From time to time, lift the tip of your rod and lower it. If there is no slack in line when you lower your rod tip, it means your Lindy Rig is not on the bottom. Let out line until the rig is on the bottom.
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7
Pay attention for a bite. The bites range from sudden taps to increased resistance on your line. When you feel a bite, open your bale or release the line from your finger and let out line. This way, the fish will not feel any resistance. Count to 10, close the bale and set the hook in a sweeping motion.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with the length of the fishing line between the swivel and the hook. Some anglers use leaders as long as 7 feet, but in most instances, a 3-foot leader is sufficient.
Ensure you have proper licensing before fishing.
