How to Make a Pole Rig

Fishermen have nearly limitless options when it comes to the equipment they use to catch fish. Some anglers use nothing but live bait, while others shun live bait and use only artificial lures. Many fishermen use both artificial and live baits, depending on the situation. Anglers can easily switch between using an artificial bait and a live-bait rig if they rig a swivel on the end of their fishing line. By using a swivel, they can switch rigs without having to cut their line.

Things You'll Need

  • Slip sinker
  • Swivel (with a snap and barrel)
  • Fishing line
  • Hook
  • Bait
  • Lure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spool the fishing pole and reel with 6- to 8-pound test fishing line.

    • 2

      Cut a 36-inch piece from the end of the fishing line. This is the leader for a live-bait rig.

    • 3

      Slide a removable slip sinker onto the end of the fishing line. These sinkers have wire eyelets that can be open and closed with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Choose a sinker heavy enough to keep the rig in contact with the bottom.

    • 4

      Tie a barrel swivel -- one that has a snap attached to it -- to the end of the main fishing line via a Palomar knot. Tie the leader to the snap, and a size 2 to 6 hook to the end of the leader.

    • 5

      Hook a piece of live bait onto the hook. Use a size 2 hook for minnows, a size 4 hook for night crawlers and worms, and a size 6 hook for leeches.

    • 6

      Remove the slip sinker by opening the wire eyelet and pulling it off the line. Also, push the snap together to open it, and then slide leader off of it.

    • 7

      Connect the snap to the eyelet of an artificial lure. Close the snap.