This method has been around for years and years on KY Lake for all species of fish. Never thought of it as being a newfangled invention. :D

Pre-made "crappie rigs" that are basically the same setup with a barrel swivel on one end and a snap swivel on the other have been sold in marinas and shops here forever for vertical crappie presentations. I've only recently heard it called a "KY rig" by out of state fishermen that have visited.

It is the only way to rig when bottom fishing for catfish in either a vertical or cast and wait presentation.