How to Rig a Crawfish Lure

Crawfish lures are useful for catching bass, trout, perch, walleye and catfish. Soft-shelled crawfish are particularly well-suited for catching fish, but hard-shelled ones also work, according to Mike Toth, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fishing Basics." You may be able to find crawfish at your local bait shop, but if you can't find them, catch your own by searching along the shallow rocky bottoms of cool creeks and lakes.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing pole
  • Line
  • Sinker
  • Hook
  • Crawfish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rig the freshwater fishing pole of your choice with fishing line. Use fishing line that is the appropriate strength for the fish you are trying to catch, or it may break off when you try to reel it in. Ask the representative at your local sporting goods store for assistance if you aren't sure which fishing line to use.

    • 2

      Tie the sinker to the line right above where you will tie the hook. The sinker will help prevent the crawfish from being swept along with the current or from floating with the line. Use the smallest sinker that you can find or the crawfish may be weighed down by it and unable to move.

    • 3

      Tie the hook to the line. Use a freshwater hook that is large enough to pass through the crawfish's tail.

    • 4

      Break one of the pincers off each claw. This will make the crawfish easier to handle and prevent it from grabbing weeds and holding on. The crawfish must move or it won't attract fish.

    • 5

      Pass the pointed end of the hook under the crawfish's tail and pierce the tail. The pointed end of the hook should be facing up, toward the back of the crayfish. This will prevent the hook from catching on weeds and rocks at the bottom of the lake or stream.

    • 6

      Place the crawfish in the water in an area that is not covered with weeds. Crawfish will hide in weeds, where they will not be seen by fish.