Insurance rig

[barus243]

I was talking to BobbyJ this morning and he convinced me to post one of the rigs that I use especially for catfish. A note of caution this rig uses circle hooks and they are perhaps one of the worst for hooking yourself that you can possibly get. If your finger happens to get caught in the circle don't try to move your finger if the hook point starts touching the skin, instead use your other hand and push down on your skin to get your finger free.

Here is the complete rig its setup with a number 4 hook this would be good if you're looking for a good all around setup.




Here is one of the larger rigs that is mainly for cat hunting it has a 3/0 hook so it takes a pretty good size mouth to take this offering in.



Here is a closeup of the circle hook.



Remember when using circle hooks not to use a hook set. The fish will hook itself typically in the corner of the mouth as it. If you try a hookset it will almost always just pull the hook out without catching on anything. This rig takes a little patience. I usually keep a few different types in the tackle box. Gamakatsu makes these all the way down in a size 10.



I typically use a 3 way swivel in the rig to prevent a large cat from just rolling its way into a line twist. I picked up this pack at a local shop a few years ago.



Now this is the secret part of the rig. I use women's stocking to wrap up my bait. Try to find stockings that are made out of nylon since it seems to hold up really well. I'm using an old white pair so it will show up better. You can use almost anything as bait (cut bait, worms, dough, livers, corn, i've even seen banana peels used) for this demonstration I'm just going to use a beetle spin.



Now just wrap up your bait and tie it off. You can either use a bread tie or fishing line.





Now just thread it onto the hook. Remember to be careful since the hook isn't pointing the usual way.





Now you have a rig that is almost impervious to being pecked off. I usually just toss one of these off to the side of the structure where I'm fishing. This is also a good way to get rid of the dead minnows just cut them a bit and wrap them up.

[Big Crappie 2]

looks like a killer setup! thanks, i'll give it a try

[Bobby J]

Looks good, good report. Later Bobby

[Tracy Swanson]

barus243 i use that same rig for the cats and stripers it works great

[Mcslabs]

very nice demonstration

[boots]

thinks for the new to me rig, will give it a try Monday.

[greenchicken]

thanks for the demo

[blairarnold]

Great rig!

[mycat]

Thanks Barus; Great rig for liver & Sonnys.