Walleye fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers. These fish are known for their tasty meat and challenging nature. Live bait rigs are a go-to method for catching walleye, as they mimic the natural prey these fish hunt.
Live bait rigs use real bait, such as minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers, to attract walleye. These rigs keep the bait alive and moving naturally in the water, making them very appealing to hungry walleye. Live bait rigs can be used in different water depths and conditions, making them versatile tools for walleye fishing.
When choosing a live bait rig for walleye fishing, consider the type of bait and the fishing conditions. Hook size, line weight, and leader length can all affect the rig’s performance. We spent many hours researching and testing various live bait rigs to find the best options.
Best Live Bait Rigs for Walleye
We’ve tested many live bait rigs for walleye fishing and picked our top choices. These rigs work great for presenting live bait to attract walleye. Our list includes options for different fishing conditions and skill levels.
Lindy Rigger Organizer
We recommend this handy organizer for walleye anglers looking to keep their rigs tangle-free and easily accessible.
Pros
- Keeps snells and rigs neatly organized
- The floating design prevents loss if dropped overboard
- Includes storage case for added protection
Cons
- Limited space for larger rigs
- Plastic construction feels a bit flimsy
- Learning curve to use efficiently
The Lindy Rigger is a game-changer for walleye fishing. We found it incredibly useful for keeping our snells, rigs and harnesses neat and ready to go. The 12 slits in each rigger hold lines firmly in place, preventing those frustrating tangles we’ve all dealt with before.
Using this organizer is straightforward. We simply wrapped our snells around the Rigger and secured the hooks. Then we could toss it into our tackle box without worry. The floating design gave us peace of mind knowing we wouldn’t lose our rigs if we accidentally dropped it in the water.
The kit comes with three Riggers and a protective case. While we appreciated the extra storage, we did find the plastic a bit on the thin side. It might not stand up to heavy-duty use over time. The Riggers also have a slight learning curve – it took us a few tries to get the hang of wrapping our rigs just right. But once we got it down, it saved us tons of time on the water.
AGOOL Walleye Spinner Rig Kit
We recommend this versatile and effective walleye rig kit for anglers looking to boost their catch rates.
Pros
- Pre-tied for quick and easy use
- Shiny blades attract fish
- Sturdy construction with sharp hooks
Cons
- Limited color options
- May tangle during storage
- It might be too flashy for some fishing conditions
We recently tried out the AGOOL Walleye Spinner Rig Kit, and it made our fishing trip a breeze. The pre-tied rigs saved us time and hassle on the water. We didn’t have to fumble with knots or worry about our setup.
The spinner blades were a real standout feature. As we trolled, the blades created a tempting flash and vibration that seemed to draw walleye right to our bait. The hammered Colorado blades worked well in both clear and murky water.
We found the 44-inch mono leader to be a good length for most situations. It gave our live bait enough freedom to move naturally. The red octopus hook was sharp and strong, helping us land fish without losing them at the boat.
These rigs aren’t just for walleye, though. We had luck catching bass and trout with them, too. The versatility makes this kit a good value for any tackle box.
While we liked the mixed pack of 5 rigs, some anglers might want more color choices. We also noticed the rigs can tangle if not stored carefully. But overall, we found these AGOOL spinner rigs to be reliable and effective tools for our walleye fishing adventures.
Berkley Walleye Rig
We recommend this Berkley Walleye Rig for its quality components, versatility, and different live bait.
Pros
- Works well with minnows, leeches, and crawlers
- Durable construction for tough fishing conditions
- Includes effective Indiana #4 blades
Cons
- No floating or glowing features
- Limited to hammered gold color option
- May be too long for some fishing spots
We tried out this Berkley Walleye Rig and were impressed by its performance. The 42-inch length gives plenty of room to work with, and the XT monofilament line feels strong and reliable. We found it easy to attach our favorite live baits, whether we were using minnows, leeches, or half crawlers.
The hammered gold Indiana #4 blades did a great job attracting fish. They created just the right amount of flash and vibration in the water. The 2-inch double hook held our bait securely and gave us good hooksets when fish struck.
This rig stood up well to a full day of fishing. We bounced it along rocky bottoms and dragged it through weedy areas without any issues. The quality components lived up to Berkley’s reputation. While it doesn’t have floating or glowing features, we didn’t miss them. The rig’s effectiveness spoke for itself with the number of walleye we caught.
JSHANMEI Walleye Spinner Rig Kit
We think this rig kit is a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for a convenient and effective fishing setup.
Pros
- Pre-tied rigs save time
- A variety of colors included
- Versatile for multiple fish species
Cons
- Thin spinner blades
- Hooks lack barbs
- Some durability concerns
We recently tried out the JSHANMEI Walleye Spinner Rig Kit on our latest fishing trip. The pre-tied rigs made setup a breeze, letting us spend more time casting and less time fussing with gear. The kit comes with 10 rigs in 5 different colors, giving us plenty of options to match changing water conditions.
The hammered Colorado blades on these rigs create a nice flash and vibration in the water. We noticed they did a good job imitating small baitfish. The red octopus hooks seemed to attract fish well, though we wish they had barbs to help keep fish on the line.
While fishing, we found these rigs worked for more than just walleye. We caught bass and trout as well. The 44-inch mono leader gave our bait a natural presentation. On the downside, the spinner blades felt a bit flimsy. We’re not sure how long they’ll hold up with regular use.
Alwonder Lure Making Kit
We think this kit is a great buy for anglers who want to make custom walleye rigs at a fraction of the cost of pre-made lures.
Pros
- Lots of parts for many rigs
- Bright, fish-attracting colors
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Plastic beads may not be as durable as metal
- Limited blade color options
- Works best for trolling, not casting
This 164-piece kit has everything needed to make walleye rigs and other trolling setups. We found the plastic beads easy to work with and liked how they came in popular colors. The spinner blades catch light well, which should help attract fish.
We put together several rigs and were happy with how they turned out. The octopus hooks seemed sharp and sturdy. While not top-of-the-line components, the parts work well for the price. We estimate each rig costs a fraction of pre-made versions.
The kit is best for trolling setups. We tried casting with our homemade rigs, but they were too light. Adding some weight helped. For walleye trolling, these work great. New anglers might enjoy customizing rigs, while experienced fishers can save money by making their own.
SILANON Walleye Rig Kit
We think this kit is a great choice for anglers who want to make their own walleye rigs and have fun doing it.
Pros
- Lots of parts for many rigs
- Good variety of colors and sizes
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons
- Some parts may be small
- No instructions included
- Might need extra tools
This kit has everything we need to make walleye rigs. We got 205 pieces, including spinner blades, floats, hooks, and beads. The colors are bright and catch the eye. We like how the blades spin freely, making them more likely to attract fish.
Making our own rigs was fun and easy. We put a few beads and a float on the line, added a blade, and finished with a swivel. It took just minutes to make a basic rig. We caught some nice walleye with our homemade setups.
The kit is good for trying new ideas. We mixed different colors and parts to see what worked best. It’s a great way to learn about rig design. While it’s aimed at walleye, we found the parts work well for other fish, too. This kit offers good value for anglers who like to experiment.
Buying Guide
When shopping for live bait rigs for walleye, we need to consider a few key factors. Let’s look at what to keep in mind:
Hook Size and Style
Choose hooks that match your bait size. Smaller hooks work well for minnows, while larger ones suit nightcrawlers.
Line Strength
Pick a line that can handle walleye weight. A 6-10 pound test is often a good range.
Sinker Weight
Match sinker weight to water depth and current. Lighter sinkers work in calm, shallow water. Heavier ones are better for deep or fast-moving water.
Bead Color and Size
Beads add flash and sound. Pick colors that mimic local baitfish or stand out in murky water.
Swivel Quality
Good swivels prevent line twists. Ball-bearing swivels are smooth and durable.
Rig Type
Different rigs suit different situations:
| Rig Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Slip-sinker | Deep water, rocky bottoms |
| Lindy | Shallow water, sandy bottoms |
| Bottom bouncer | Covering large areas |
We should also think about bait storage. A good minnow bucket or worm box keeps bait fresh and lively.
Remember, quality matters. Cheap components can break when you hook a big fish. It’s worth spending a bit more for reliable gear.
Live bait rigs for walleye: FAQ
Walleye fishing’s success hinges on using the right rigs and techniques. We’ll cover top methods for trolling, shore fishing, and river fishing, as well as how to set up and use specific rigs like the Lindy Rig and bottom bouncer.
What are the most effective walleye rigs for trolling?
Crawler harnesses and crankbaits are top choices for trolling walleye. We like to use spinner rigs with nightcrawlers or leeches. Crankbaits in bright colors work well, too. Try varying your trolling speed to find what the fish prefer on any given day.
How can one set up a walleye rig for optimal results?
Start with a 6-8 foot leader of the fluorocarbon line. Tie on a small swivel, then add your chosen bait. For live bait rigs, use a plain hook or a floating jig head. Make sure your bait is fresh and lively. Adjust your weight based on water depth and current.
Which walleye rigs are best suited for shore fishing?
Slip-bobber rigs are great for shore fishing. We also like using jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics. Cast out and slowly retrieve, paying attention to any structure or drop-offs. A simple Lindy Rig can be effective when cast from shore too.
Can you explain how to properly use a Lindy Rig to catch walleye?
The Lindy Rig uses a sliding sinker above a swivel with a leader and hook. Thread on a minnow or nightcrawler. Cast out and let it sink to the bottom. Slowly drag the rig along, lifting slightly every few feet. The bait will float just off the bottom, tempting walleye.
What considerations should be taken for walleye rigs when river fishing?
In rivers, we need to account for current. Use heavier weights to keep your bait near the bottom. Three-way rigs work well, allowing your bait to float above snags. Focus on eddies and current breaks where walleye like to rest.
How is a bottom bouncer rig utilized for walleye fishing?
A bottom bouncer keeps your bait at the right depth while covering water. Attach a crawler harness or crankbait to the arm of the bouncer. Troll or drift, letting the bouncer tick along the bottom. This rig excels at finding scattered fish in larger bodies of water.