Three Way Rigging?

[TR0PHYPHISHIN]

A friend and I are getting excited to fish the opener but we want to try something other then just jigging. Could someone please give me some specifics on how to three way rig on the st croix. Weight shape and size. Rapala type and size. Leader length and what lbs test? Any info would help. Thanks!

[croixeyes]

Threeway trolling is a good way to contour troll on any body of water.The most common setups are a 7ft graphite or glass rod somewhere in the medheavy range,I prefer glass over graphite cause of the flexibility glass gives you.Grab some threeway swivels and start tying your dropper weights and leaders up.Typical lengths for dropper weights are 1 or 2 ft,with leader lengths running up to six or seven feet depending on what crankbait your tying on.You dont want to go real long on the leader cause you wont be able to get the fish close enough to net.The amount of weight you use can be determined by your trolling speed.You want to try and stay at a 45degree angle at most when trolling with this setup,so with that in mind I like to use a large snap swivel to change out my weights.

Line counter reels come in handy when threeway trolling as in longlining,being able to get back to the same depth is a time saving bonus.Common weghts used are anywhere from 2 to 6 ounces,bell sinkers work well with this method.Once you have the speed of your troll dialed in let down to bottom,when you hit hold it there for a minute,then let down again til you feel bottom with your sinker and you should be good.I frequently drop my rod back to make sure im close to bottom,its a hands on job using threeways unless your trolling a super long sterch of consistant depth.Just remember,when your using this method that sharp turns mean one rig is dropping straight down to bottom and the other is raising up.As far as lures,shad raps,floaters and anything else you like can be used,they all hit bottom with a sinker in front of them.Line weight can vary but typically 10 to 20lb for your main line and 6 or so for your weight,Id rather loose the weight than a crankbait....Hope this helps.......

[Stratosman]

A few different options on 3-waying the river. First weight size depends alot on current and depth, bring some different sizes on a snap for easy changeout and do some experimenting. I always use a lighter # test on the dropper line, if that gets hung up, it's generally gonna break there rather than on the main line saving most of the rig. For lures I would run stick baits like #7 rapalas and such on a 4-6' leader, 8-10 lb flourocarbon would be your best leader choice in my opinion. Change until you find a pattern. And maybe a superline on the main line, 14# or so. Definately would want a longer rod with a fast tip to absorb some shock from all the rocks and such, as well as when a fish strikes allowing less fish to pull off, especially when using a superline.

Good luck and see ya out there.

[Cbreeze]

I agree with the previous posts but would add a couple things. First, 3-ways can be deadly with live bait. I pull a lot of spinners with 2-hook crawler harnesses (Gulp if your on'em heavy). I find, especially mid-season (dogdays), that crawler harnesses are my go to system. For cranks I like bright colors early (firetiger) with the dirty water but natural will have times as well. I will use bell sinkers (cheap) but I do prefer bottom-bouncers in the 2-4oz size. Don't worry about colors on the bouncers, I've never really noticed a huge difference. Just my 2 cents..

Breeze

[tunrevir]

If you are running spinner rigs a nice way to do the threeway is to place a barrel swivel above another barrel swivel to which you tie your spinner rig. Tie your dropper onto the barrel swivel above the one connecting your spinner and any size dropper length depending on where the fish are. You can feed finicky fish line just like a lindy rig without them feeling a thing set the hook and your home! (Did that make any sense? It did in my minds eye!?).

Tunrevir~

[Turk]

Very good replys gents! As always this St. Croix Forum is a self moderating site!

About the livebait rigging being discussed and running spinners believe it or not, I find a single hook to be a better presentation than the double. I agree that there are better hook ups with two hooks, but I find you get more bites with a single hook.

Keep catchin'

Turk