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FRESHWATER RIG LIBRARY

Lindy Rig / Walking Sinker Rig

A boot-shaped walking slip sinker on the main line, a stop, then a long leader to a hook with a float or floating jig head. The bait drifts above the bottom while the sinker walks over rocks.

Best forWalleye, bass, catfish
WherePoints, flats, breaks
MethodSlow trolling / dragging
DifficultyModerate
Lindy Rig / Walking Sinker Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Main lineWalking slip sinkerBead + swivel (stop)Long leaderFloat bead / floating jigHook + bait

Rig diagram (component order)

Lindy Rig / Walking Sinker Rig: Main line, Walking slip sinker, Bead + swivel (stop), Long leader, Float bead / floating jig, Hook + bait

Step-by-step how-to

Lindy Rig How To Rig
Graphic: Tackle Village, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Slide the walking sinker onto the main line.

  2. 2

    Add a bead and tie on a small swivel to stop it.

  3. 3

    Tie a 4–10 ft leader to the swivel.

  4. 4

    Thread a float bead (or use a floating jig head).

  5. 5

    Tie the hook and add a nightcrawler or minnow.

  6. 6

    Troll or drag slowly. On a bite, open the bail and let the fish take it.

BigJoe Tips

  • Keep the line near vertical as you move slowly.
  • Longer leaders for spooky or suspended fish.
  • Feed line on the bite before setting.
  • Walking sinkers snag less than egg sinkers on rock.

Variations

  • Spinner blade on the leader for flash.
  • Leech or shrimp instead of a crawler.
  • No-snag sinkers for heavy rock.
  • Shorter leader in weeds.

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Target Species

Largemouth bassMicropterus nigricansChannel catfishIctalurus punctatusButterfly peacock bassCichla ocellaris