How to Set Up a Fishing Pole Reservoir Rig

Dry fish on a dish in the form of a fish image by terex from Fotolia.com

Fishing is a sport that requires patience, precision and planning. Whether you are bottom fishing (a method of line fishing whereby you lower your bait to the bottom and attract fish there) or fishing close to the bank or shore line, it's important that you fish at the depth where the fish you want to catch are active. When you fish a reservoir with a slip-bobber rig, you should know the depth at which to present your bait for superior striking action.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Monofilament fishing line
Reel
Bobber
Spinner
Hook
Bait

Step 1

Thread your fishing reel with monofilament fishing line, which is available at fishing and tackle stores.

Step 2

Thread the monofilament fishing line through each fishing rod ring. You want a double line, so fold the loose end of the line over itself and slide it through each ring. The rings on your fishing rod will guide you as you spool up the line.

Step 3

Tie off the tag end. Make a loop using a separate shorter piece of nylon fishing line. Thread the loose end back through the loop and then back around the fishing line four times. Pull both ends tight and cut off any excess line. Pass a slip bobber onto the fishing line.

Step 4

Add a sinker to the loose end of the line.

Step 5

Tie a hook onto your line using the clinch knot. Thread the tag end of the line through the eye of the hook and then rotate it around the main line five times. Thread the tag end of the line back through the loop that was made just forward of the eye of the hook. End by threading the tag end through the larger loop. Tighten and then cut off any excess line.

Step 6

Add bait. Use earthworms, flies, mealworms, crickets, minnows, shad or crayfish when fishing for Bluegill, perch or sunfish. Northern pike and bass like chub, whereas crappie and panfish prefer fathead minnows. Switch to bluntnose minnows if walleye are what you're after.

Tips & Warnings

Always switch your bait if the fish are not biting.

Fish swim at different depths, so be sure you are fishing the correct depth depending on what you want to catch.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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