How to Make Umbrella Rigs for Fishing

Umbrella rigs are used when trolling for striped bass out in the deep ocean. The rigs usually consists of three arms with six baits attached, along with a long leader running from the center with a larger bait attached as the teaser. It is this longer bait that usually gets the strike, but the six small baits serve to attract the striped bass. The purpose of the umbrella rig is to imitate a school of fish, as opposed to a lone fish moving through the water, oddly out of place.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 three-arm umbrella rig frame
  • 6 size-7 hooks
  • 1 leader, 3-foot long
  • 1 size-5 hook
  • 6 plastic tube worms, 18-inch
  • 1 plastic tube worm, 24-inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hook your six hooks at the ends of each umbrella arm by clipping the hook around the end of the arm. Simply insert the eye of the hook around the end of the arm and pull it so it hangs down.

    • 2

      Put the six 18-inch plastic tube worms on each hook by hooking the tube worm through the top and out the side of the plastic worm. Make sure you are using tube worms, as any other plastic worm my not imitate a school of fish accurately.

    • 3

      Tie your 3-foot long leader to the center of the rigs frame using fishing line. Connect the swivel end (the end without the clasp) by tying it to the center of the rig frame using a good, sturdy fishing knot (see Resources) and place your hook through the clasp end by unclasping it, sliding your hook on and clasping it back.

    • 4

      Hook your 24-inch plastic tube worm through the head and out the side of the body.