Thread: Spider Rigging 101

Being a "newbie" to spider rigging, I would very much like to see a thread devoted to nothing but this method of fishing! Sure would shorten the learning curve for some of us. Wouldn't have to re-invent the wheel, and could save a lot of grief by avoiding some of the "don'ts" for those just starting out. We have some experts on here that I feel could really help a beginner like me.

Me to Ski. I've been doing it for about a year now and just can't seem to put it all together. I've jigged fished for about 20 years now and still don't like using minnows and don't see me doing that in the future. I love the thump as much as the next guy but I also like watching the twitch on the end of that pole. It's a lot more to it than just setting out some poles and catchin fish. I believe it's a different fish that you're fishing for than the fish in a top or mat. This fish is out schoolin around.

I have only been riggn for a couple of years myself. But, i can tell you, COLD=SLOW!!. Weather its drift socks or chains....or BOTH, be equiped to slow ur boat to .3 or less , or you might as well stay home.

.3 or less when it's cold or all the time. I'm not arguing the point because a lot of good riggers say "when your going slow, slow down some more". But at the same time they longline jigs at 1mph all the time so you would think going .5 or .7 might be good. Do any of you rig during the summer and if you start early morning do you start shallower or start in the deep channels? If you use jigs do you always use crappie bites?

The fish will tell you what speed to troll. I occasionally use 5oz weights at over 1mph. Changes day-to-day.

Originally Posted by mb4850

.3 or less when it's cold or all the time. I'm not arguing the point because a lot of good riggers say "when your going slow, slow down some more". But at the same time they longline jigs at 1mph all the time so you would think going .5 or .7 might be good. Do any of you rig during the summer and if you start early morning do you start shallower or start in the deep channels? If you use jigs do you always use crappie bites?

We was on butla last summer and we didnt get a hit until we bumped it to .6 -.7

The correct speed is what the fish want. It is hardly ever the same! !! It can change on the same day .but in the colder months is usually slow (.2 - .4)mph and warmer weather (.5 -.8) mph these would be a good starting speed then adjust if needed, you also need adjust your weight according to your speed and depth.

I normally start off slow and gradually increase my speed until I figure out what they want. Lots of days I will play with variances in speed and direction change. Sometimes you can trigger a strike with a quick jerk to the left or right, or a sudden speed change.