Brian Brosdahl shares some of his top spinner rigging tips for catching walleyes along weedines. Bro’s always got a few unique tricks up his sleeve to help him catch a few more walleyes. Just remember: it’s all about draggin’–not snaggin’!

Introduction

In this article, I want to share with you some of the spinner rigging tricks and components that I’ve been using to catch weed walleyes. Recently, I ordered some beads and components from Northland Fishing Tackle and started tying up a few rigs. I’ve found that using a combination of gold spinners, beads, and a specific hook setup can be highly effective in attracting walleyes in weedy areas. So, let’s dive into the details of this rig and how it can help you catch more walleyes.

The Gold Spinner and Bead Combination

One of the key components of this rig is the gold spinner. I like to complement the spinner with a gold bead on the inside. This combination of green chartreuse and gold creates an attractive pattern that walleyes find hard to resist. To ensure that the bead doesn’t interfere with hooking the fish, I use a long shank hook. You can use a Northland crawler hook or any other type of hook that you prefer. The important thing is to lock the bead into place in front of the hook. This way, when a walleye hits, you don’t have to worry about the bead getting in the way and causing you to miss the fish.

Adjustable Bead Placement

One of the great things about this rig is that you can adjust the placement of the bead to suit your fishing needs. By double wrapping the bead, you can slide it up the line, allowing you to position the crawler closer to the back of the hook. This can be particularly effective when you want to entice walleyes that are more cautious or finicky. By having the crawler positioned farther back, you increase the chances of the fish taking the bait without hesitation.

Using a Bullet Sinker

To keep the rig properly balanced and to ensure that it stays near the bottom, I use a bullet sinker. Any bullet sinker will work, but I prefer the old Northland Core Lock style bullet sinker with a little swivel. This type of sinker allows for easy attachment and provides a secure connection to the line. The bullet sinker is placed at the top of the rig, followed by the spinner and the crawler. This setup allows the rig to move through the weeds smoothly, without getting tangled or snagged.

Short Spinner for Weed Fishing

When fishing in weedy areas, it’s important to use a shorter spinner. I typically use a spinner that is only two and a half to three feet long. The reason for this is that in weedy conditions, visibility is reduced, and the fish may not be able to see a longer spinner as easily. By using a shorter spinner, you increase the chances of the fish spotting your bait and striking. Trolling along the weed edge can be highly effective with this rig, especially when the spinner is positioned at the right depth.

Pitching with a St. Croix Icon Rod One of the best ways to fish with this rig is by pitching it back. I personally use a St. Croix Icon rod, specifically the 7’6″ model. This rod is perfect for pitching a short spinner back into the water. The length and action of the rod allow for accurate and controlled casts, making it easier to target specific areas where walleyes may be hiding in the weeds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a spinner rig with the right components and setup can greatly increase your chances of catching walleyes in weedy areas. The combination of a gold spinner and bead, adjustable bead placement, a bullet sinker, and a short spinner can make a significant difference in attracting and hooking walleyes. Additionally, using a rod like the St. Croix Icon can enhance your pitching technique and improve your overall fishing experience. Give this rig a try and see how it can help you catch more walleyes in weedy conditions.