A freshwater fishing rig describes the way you tie your bait, lures, hook(s), swivels, sinkers, leaders, clips, beads, bobbers, dodgers and other terminal tackle to your fishing line in such a way as to create a presentation that will attract and catch target freshwater game fish species.
There are almost as many freshwater rigs setups as there are freshwater fish. But to catch a target fish species a rig doesn’t need to be overly complicated or terribly unique. Some of the simplest rigs catch the most fish—most of the time. However, each freshwater rig setup is intended and designed to support a unique fishing opportunity and experience.
The freshwater fishing rig you select will depend primarily on your target fish species and the fishing technique you’ll be using. There are freshwater rigs designed specifically for bottom fishing. There are freshwater rigs designed for surface fishing. There are freshwater rigs designed to fish the mid-water column. There are also specific freshwater fishing rigs for still fishing, drift fishing and trolling.
Below are the most popular, and proven, fishing rigs for catching a large variety of freshwater game fish species using a variety of fishing techniques. These rigs are ideal for targeting bass, trout, crappie, sunfish, panfish, and many more freshwater game fish species.
A surf fishing rig used to catch a large variety of fishing including stripers and redfish
A weedless bass rig ideal for fishing in cover such as vegeration, rocks and weeds
Used for casting and dragging across a target area where fish may be located
A bass fishing rig that can be fished deep, shallow, and anywhere in between
Ideal for fishing tough conditions. Small profile and mimics natural food source
A finesse fishing rig that mimics a bobbing and wiggling bait worm
A version of the wacky rig with a weight inserted into one end of of the soft plastic
A popular rig made of a straight-tailed worm rigged with a round jighead-style hook
Ideal for still fishing or drift fishing the bottom for light biting fish such as walleye
This is a traditional saltwater drift fishing rig designed to fish on the bottom
Offers the ability to adjust how deep or shallow by adjusting the bobber stop
One of the most traditional and effective rigs for catching a large variety of fish
A versatile rig for fishing natural or artificial bait from shallow to deep water
Simple and proven rig for catching trout, walleye and other freshwater game fish
Mimics the behavior of a small fish. Ideal for walleye, pike, muskie and trout
Trolling rig that keeps bait close to the bottom while minimizing snags from cover
Popular panfish rig used for spider rigging, drift fishing and casting from a boat
Attaches up to 5 lures to a single line to attract the attention of feeding bass
