Well, it is a three way swivel, anywhere from 2 to 5ft leader to a 2oz weight at the bottom.  From the third swivel, attach a leader of 2 to 5ft in legnth and experiment with your favorite shallow running crankbait.  I have used jointed rapala's, jointed shad raps, straight rapala's, Poe's super cedar 100's, and numerous other shallow running cranks.

Mark

I can begin to count how many 6 pound smallies I have caught in the past 28 years. Zero. 

What kind of tackle are you guys throwing this rig on?  I think I am going to get out this winter and give it a shot.  I don't think I have ever fished for smallies in December or January before, at least I have never caught one.

I agree with Mark a good flexible rod like fiberglass is perfect for this rig. I also use a 7 footer, but I use mono instead with a flourocarbon leader. That way you feel the fish load up on the rod and not jerk it out of their mouths as you can possibly do with graphite.

The first time I used this rig was on Merdian I caught 2 fish on back to back casts-a 5.10 and a 4-3/4lb smallie. I personally have never had them slam the rig. Its been like a mushy bite as the rod loads up and the fish is just there.

Its a neat way to fish on those slow days and I have never stuck anything under 4lbs with this rig. I use both stick baits like the rapala's and crankbaits. The nice thing about the rig is it works for both slow and fast retrieves.

I just don't utilize it during a tourney because its like your trolling more with it than just reeling it in slowly.

Try it out-It works.
Russ

Troy,

Trolling motor.
Russ

thanks fellas.  i need to get out soon maybe this weekend on wa