Three-Way Rigging for Walleye

[Jay Thomas]

I recently watched a 2011 video about three-way rigging for walleye - available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yc_SH0yegY

I have never used this method. Consequently, I was wondering whether anyone with experience with this method for walleye could share some recommendations/experiences particularly with respect to choice of lures and trolling speeds. The video recommends Original Floating Rapalas, Rapala Flat Raps and Storm Thundersticks. Thanks in advance.

Jay

[RHYBAK]

Jay

After watching that video , I would agree that you need a floating bait with small lip such as the rapala.
A suspending bait will hug the bottom.
Large lipped baits will dive to bottom.
I'll definitely be trying that up at the cottage this summer .

[puckster_guy]

 just saw the video... awesome looks like a plan. ty for posting it. I love the Lidners (in fisherman) One of the few fishing shows that strive to teach fishing rather then being just an infomercial selling gear. 

[Balsams]

Hi Jay,
Have fished this rig on Stoney Lake in the Kawarthas where rock structure was up and down from 8 to 20 ft. This rig 'ticked' off the bottom instead of really digging in and hugging the bottom (like with a bottom bouncer rig). Started with a worm harness and a big Lindy Rig weight on the 3 way. 15lb test mono main line with 8lb mono lead. Caught lots of smaller pickerel and small bass on the worm, so switched to shad rap with small lip (shallow running) large size bluegill patern. Honestly, I would rather not have to deal with worm guts if the fish are on...does that make me a half man? It makes my snacks less enjoyable worrying about dirty fingers (I'm ok with fish slime - huh?). Caught some nice 3 and 4 lb fish after switching to the lure...which is pretty good size for the Kawarthas. Finished the day hooking a really nice musky but she snapped me off around the boat. If you know the lake, it was right out from McCrakens Landing. Great Lake to fish, haven't been there for awhile. Have also fished Kipawa area with a smallest size dipsy with hard body minnow baits to get close to the bottom, and make periodic contact, but stay up off it. This works well for early season pickerel and lakers. I, like Puck, like the lidners and any other guys who go beyond the "traditional" methods and techniques...Fishful Thinking guy is ok too. Any of the guys here have any other unconventional techniques for walleye (besides slip bobbering)?

[rambler]

I saw that video years ago and tried it on my next trip to Kip, using a 3 way and small Rapala. It caught fish, but I had more success with Hot-n-Tots that particular year. I use 3 ways all the time but instead of a 3 way swivel, I like a dropper sliding on its own swivel and a crawler harness.

[NortonJoe]

@Jay Thomas thanks for posting the video...now I have more gear to buy!!!  Just kidding, it actually makes a lot of sense especially since we go up end of July or beginning of August when the fish tend to go deeper.

[Bennythebushman]

I have had success running small floating rapalas behind a walking sinker. I will attempt this next time.

[T-Bone]

I know some of the fun for many of you is trying to solve "the puzzle" when fishing. This technique seems to put a puzzle into the equation when there really isn't on there.

Looks like an awful lot of work when, it appears, you know the fish are there and the depth they are positioned. Even in the video they admit having to try different depths and action by doing this or that. Then you have x-feet of line to the sinker, and x-feet of line to the lure (bet that needs to change if the lure size changes)....this weight size...etc. I don't know...I'm not trying to solved the riddles of the fishing world by trying an alternative technique and presentation just to see if it works better if I know the fish are there. It seems simple enough, but at the same time it's not. Seems like a lot of things to figure out and calculations...not to mention a few assured snags. I hated calculus in college...I'm not inclined to do that much thinking when I'm fishing when it's really not necessary. Oh yeah...and I really dislike trolling...that just seals the deal for me that this is something I won't be trying.

[RHYBAK]

It's more like... O.K. drop the anchor here...... cast out the float...... pass me a beer....catch a few fish.....pass me another beer..... what do you mean we ran out.... darn, pull out the anchor, we have to go get more beer.

[Oarin]

Well said RHYBAK !!

[johnny walleye]

3 oz sinker sure seem to heavy, i like to be on the bottom . I think 1 oz would work just fine.

[T-Bone]

Not sure it goes quite like that Rhybak...but it should go like that. Drop that anchor and pound the fish when you have them cornered...not sure why trolling is called for here. Run out of beer? Never... 

[Jay Thomas]

While I'm unaware of the statistics when comparing popularity of fishing methods, I'm pretty sure there are significant numbers of fishermen who fit into the trollers camp, the jiggers camp or both. Not surprisingly, most fishermen have a preference.

During the 16 years that I have fished walleye in the lakes of the Abitibi/Témiscaming region, I have never marked pods of walleye greater than say 15 walleye. Sure, its fun to anchor and jig a pod of walleye until they quit biting but then what? You either have to wait until another pod of walleye comes along to your anchored position or you go looking (trolling) to find the next pod.

For me personally, I like any legal fishing method that puts walleye in my boat. However, my preferred fishing method is trolling. Consequently, I'm always on the look out for alternative trolling methodologies.

Jay

[SgtCrabby]

I primarily go close to Rhybak's method:  find a spot, drop a baited jig over the side, grab a beer.
But do not run out of beer!

But I do troll some.
80/20 %

[T-Bone]

I don't disagree Jay that trolling has it's place and I've caught plenty of fish when trolling. But I believe that the pod of 15 fish you see on your electronics is actually more like 150 or more when considering the 'metro area' of where you are marking them. Like you I'll do what the situation calls for...but in my experience Kipawa fish stay very near common locations so there is not often a need to search for them. Maybe if I had a boat with an advanced trolling motor that can stay on a contour line or could self guide itself I would use the tactic more. Monkeying around trolling in a camp boat is just not my idea of fun...certainly not my idea of relaxing. There are guys in my group that love trolling. To each his own I suppose.