How to Make My Own Fishing Harness

hook image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com

A fishing harness is typically used with larger freshwater fish species. It is a method of attaching a monofilament line to a fish hook and provides a way of presenting other attractors as well. Although these rigs are available for purchase from various sporting goods and bait shops, many anglers prefer to tie their own as this saves money and allows for a degree of customization. Often times, different style harnesses can be effective under different circumstances.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Monofilament fishing line
Long shank fish hook
Scissors
Metal beads
Spinner blade and clevis

Step 1

Hold a long shank hook in your hand so that the barb is pointing away from you. Insert the free end of a 12- to 18-inch length of monofilament line through the hook eye.

Step 2

Pull the end of the line down so that it is even with the bend, or bottom, of the hook and hold it in place. Tie a "knotless knot" by wrapping the opposite end around the shank six to eight times and then feeding the end back through the eye of the hook. Pull both ends to snug the knot down tight.

Step 3

Thread three beads down the line so that they rest next to the eye of the hook. Use metal or hard plastic beads as the purpose is to not only add color or flash but noise.

Step 4

Insert a U-shaped clevis through the hole of a spinner blade. It is a good idea to use a clevis, as the spinning blade will otherwise cut the line over time.

Step 5

Thread the line through the two small holes on the end of the U-shaped clevis and slide down to the beads. Place another bead on the line above the clevis and spinner blade.

Step 6

Finish the rig by tying a surgeon's end loop about 1/2 inch above the last bead. Tie the loop by doubling the line for several inches. Form a loop with the doubled line and pass the loop end through the larger loop once again. Pull the knot down tight and trim excess line with scissors.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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