How to Set Up a Fishing Rig

Anyone new to angling should learn the most basic fishing rigs. By knowing how to rig a hook under a fishing float and how to set up a split-shot rig, you will have the ability to fish in a variety of scenarios. These rigs are far from complicated but do require a little patience to fish. Both of these rigs are for spinning rods and reels and you can fish them in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

Things You'll Need

• Spinning rod and reel
• Fishing float
• No. 4 and 6 hook
• Three-way swivel
• Leader
• Split shot

Instructions

Basic Float Rig

1. Use an improved clinch knot to tie on a No. 6 hook to the end of your line. This knot is simple to make and will hold up against the strength a fighting fish can exhibit after you hook it.

2. Attach a fishing float about 24 inches from your hook. Use the common red and white, round bobber, depressing the catches on both ends by using the pushing down on the button on the top. Wrap your line around one of the catches twice so the bobber will not slip down the line.

3. Tie a three-way swivel onto your rig if you want to fish with two separate hooks. Tie your line to one of the eyes of the three-way swivel and then tie a leader to another of the eyes. Attach a snelled hook or a short leader with a hook tied to it from the third eye of the swivel. Secure another hook to the leader that you have descending from the three-way swivel, about 24 inches from it. This gives you two hooks that will not tangle with each other, doubling your chances of attracting a fish.

Split Shot Rig

1. Pinch a split shot onto your line above a No. 4 hook. Position the split shot 18 inches from the hook, upon which you will fasten live bait. Use this rig in many settings, such as next to boat docks or near submerged brush.

2. Substitute a floating crankbait for the hook. The split shot will give your lure the ability to move up and down in the water as you retrieve it, making it seem even more real to fish.

3. Consider moving the split shot along the length of the line to change how the live bait or lure acts under water. By moving it closer to the hook on this rig, you will give your bait more movement as you reel it in; conversely, placing the split shot as far as 30 inches from the hook gives the bait less action.

Tips & Warnings

• Rig your spinning rod with 4- to 8-lb. test monofilament. This strength line is the optimum type for both of these rigs.

References

• Rigs: Takemefishing
• Split Shot Rig: Fishinfo.com

Resources

• Link to Improved Clinch Knot Tying