I'm fairly new to using 3 way rigs for drifting. I made up a bunch of my own drift weights and I have affixed each with a snap/swivel. My question is how do you guys prefer to attach them? Directly to the three way swivel with snap or with a length of leader line. I can see how each would have its pros and cons. TIA
Chuck, I make a very similar item but put my weights inside a short length of rope. I may nit answer your question since I do not actually use a three way. I have tried a few ways to build my rig.
One is to just run the main line through the eye at the end of the weight. Then I tie a swivel to the end of the main line. And then attach a 2 to 3 foot hook/leader to that swivel. I put a 2 or 3 inch peg float a foot above the hook to keep the bait slightly suspended.
This has worked very well.
I have tried two slight alterations. One is just to add a bead to the main line to help protect the knot. The second thing I have tried was to take an inch long piece of aquarium air hose and warm it under hot water. Then push it through the eye on the sinker swivel. When the plastic hose cools it stays in place. The main line goes through the hose and it acts as a knot protector and is protection for the main line. Much like a store bought sinker slide.
Now with all that said, I do not drift with this rig but it may be just a difference in terminology. I drag this rig 50 feet or so behind the boat. The weight in (no current lakes) is only 1-1/2 ounces for mine. The weight stays right on the bottom sliding through the mud you might say. I use wind or more often a trolling motor and try to hold a speed of .4 to .8 mph.
Here is a pic of the current rig I use. This is set up for channel cat fishing using a 5/0 circle. Main line is 20 pound test and leader is 15 pound test Big Game line. The yellow bead/bumper is optional.
I would estimate I have dragged this rig at least 8 miles or further without a snag (((((knock on wood))))).
Just as a more direct answer to your question, if we are talking about somewhat the same rig, I do not use a leader on the sinker. If you did, that might take the place of the having a float on the bait leader by holding the bait slightly above the bottom. It might also be the cause of some tangling.
@vortex that is the problem I notice when I clip straight to the three way.
@twaskom I haven't thought about running the weight on a slide. That would probably minimize the chances of me losing my entire rig when I get hung. I'm gonna keep tinkering with it to see the differences between the set ups.
Chuck, are you lake fishing, river fishing or both? There is supposedly a better rig for rivers that does use a three-way swivel and is better at not getting snagged.
On a Lake, I think your on the right track. I could easily take the rig above and add a short 10 pound test leader to bring the bait up off the bottom slightly. Probably would not need the peg float then.
While the boat is trolling or moving with the wind, I slowly lower the rig to the bottom. The movement through the water will keep the bait held out away from the main line preventing tangles. When I hit the bottom, I just lat it set as line is coming off the spool. When enough line is out I just engage the reel and start dragging the rig. This has worked well for me with channel cats.
If you keep your speed low (.5 mph) you don't need a lot of weight. 1.5 ounces is plenty and could be a little lower than that for up to 20 feet of water depth.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Catfish Angler Forum at USCA
2.6M posts
49.9K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more!