How to Make a Lindy Rig

Lindy rigs are synonymous with walleyes, but they're effective for other species.

Lindy rigs, also known as live-bait rigs, are one of the most effective ways to present live bait, such as leeches, minnows and night crawlers. The key aspect of this rig is that when fish bite the bait, they can swim off with it without feeling pressure that would cause them to drop it. Although anglers who use Lindy rigs often target walleyes, nearly any fish that swims will hit Lindy rigs. The two most common ways of fishing Lindy rigs are trolling and drifting because the rigs are designed to be fished along the bottom.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing line
• Walking sinker
• Barrel swivel
• Hook

Instructions

1. Spool a fishing rod and reel with 4- to 6-lb. test monofilament fishing line. The best rods for fishing Lindy rigs are medium action and 6 to 7 feet long.

2. Cut a section of fishing line that is at least 36 inches long to use as a leader. When walleyes are finicky or when they are suspended off the bottom, anglers use longer leaders -- 5 feet or longer.

3. Slide a sliding sinker onto the main fishing line. The sinker should have enough weight to keep the rig on the bottom.

4. Tie a barrel swivel to the main fishing line with a Palomar knot. Tie one end of the leader to the other opening on the swivel.

5. Tie a size 2 to 6 hook on the end of the leader. Size 2 is good for minnows, and size 4 and 6 are better for leeches and night crawlers.

References

• Nebraska Fishing; Catch More Fish With These Fishing Rigs Part 4, Lindy Rig; Derek Bierman; January 2007

Resources

• Animated Knots: The Palomar Knot