How to Rig Worm Harness for Walleye
If you’re an angler looking to catch walleye, rigging a worm harness properly is a crucial skill to master. Walleye are known for their elusive nature and strong fighting ability, making it essential to use the right rigging technique to entice them effectively. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to rig a worm harness for walleye, ensuring you’re equipped with the best approach to land these prized fish.
Choosing the Right Worm Harness
Before you start rigging, it’s important to select the right worm harness. There are various types of harnesses available, each designed for different fishing scenarios. For walleye, a standard 3-way rig or a Carolina rig are popular choices. These harnesses provide the necessary weight distribution and stability to keep your bait in the strike zone.
Assembling the Rig
1. Thread the Hook: Begin by threading a quality worm hook through the harness’s eye. Make sure the hook is securely in place and cannot be pulled out easily.
2. Attach the Weight: Slide the weight through the harness’s center loop. This weight will help keep your bait on the bottom, where walleye tend to feed.
3. Connect the Swivel: Thread the end of the line through the swivel attached to the harness. This allows for better movement and prevents the weight from sliding up the line.
4. Add a Leader: Tie a leader line to the swivel. The leader should be approximately 18-24 inches long and made of fluorocarbon or monofilament, which is less visible to fish.
Attaching the Worm
1. Thread the Worm: Slide the worm onto the hook, leaving the hook point exposed. The length of the worm should be proportional to the size of the hook, typically about half the worm’s length.
2. Add a Split Ring: If desired, attach a split ring to the worm’s tail. This allows for easier attachment of a trailer hook, which can be useful for adding additional attraction.
3. Adjust the Rig: Once the worm is attached, make sure the weight is properly positioned. It should be close enough to the worm to keep it on the bottom but not so close that it pulls the worm down.
Fishing Techniques
Once your worm harness is properly rigged, it’s time to put it to use. Here are some tips for fishing with a worm harness for walleye:
1. Work the Bait: Retrieve the bait by moving the rod tip in a tight, figure-eight pattern. This erratic motion mimics the natural movement of a struggling worm and can trigger strikes.
2. Change Lures: Experiment with different worm sizes, colors, and styles to see what the walleye prefer. Some anglers prefer a more natural-looking worm, while others find a more vibrant color works better.
3. Cover More Ground: Cast your rig out into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Once it’s settled, start reeling in at a steady pace, occasionally pausing to allow the worm to rest on the bottom.
4. Be Patient: Walleye can be picky, so be patient and persistent. Sometimes they may not strike on the first cast, but they might come back for more.
By following these steps and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to rigging a worm harness for walleye effectively. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment and refine your rigging skills to increase your chances of landing those elusive fish. Happy fishing!
