Three-Way Swivel Rig
The ultimate bottom-tracking rig that keeps your bait suspended perfectly in the strike zone regardless of current or depth.
Knot
Palomar Knot
Target Depth
10-60 ft
Target Species
Where To Use It
How To Tie / Assemble
- 1Tie your main line from the rod to the top eye of the three-way swivel.
- 2Cut a 12-inch length of lighter test leader line for the weight and tie it to the bottom eye of the swivel.
- 3Attach your sinker to the end of the weight leader using a snap swivel for quick changes.
- 4Cut a 24- to 36-inch length of leader line for your hook and tie it to the remaining horizontal eye of the swivel.
- 5Tie your chosen hook or lure to the end of the bait leader.
- 6Check all knots for security and ensure your leaders are of lower pound test than the main line so you only lose the weight if snagged.
Recommended Baits
Live Nightcrawlers
Effective for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass; the three-way rig keeps the crawler drifting just off the bottom in current.
Live Minnows
Ideal for Striped Bass and Fluke; the dropper line keeps the minnow swimming actively in the strike zone near structure.
Cut Bait
Best for Catfish; the heavy weight on the dropper keeps the scent plume anchored while the bait flutters slightly in the current.
Soft Plastic Paddle Tail Swimbait
Versatile for Striped Bass and Walleye; provides a larger profile that stays in the target depth as you drift or troll.
Bucktail Jig
A primary choice for Fluke; the three-way rig allows for precise depth control, letting you bounce the jig along the seabed.
How To Use It
Cast the rig out and let the weight hit the bottom. Retrieve at a slow, methodical crawl, maintaining contact with the structure. In rivers, use the current to hold the rig in place by casting upstream and letting it drift back down in a controlled swing.
Why the Palomar Knot
Gear & Setup
Best Conditions
Species You'll Catch On This Rig
Channel Catfish
The ultimate opportunistic scavenger, the Channel Catfish offers anglers of all skill levels a powerful fight and a delicious reward.
Walleye
The ultimate ghost of the freshwater depths, walleye are prized for their keen low-light vision and world-class table fare.
Smallmouth Bass
The pound-for-pound king of North American freshwater, renowned for explosive aerial leaps and dogged, drag-screaming fights.
Striped Bass
The apex predator of the Atlantic coast and major inland reservoirs, known for punishing strikes and blistering drag-testing runs.
Flathead Catfish
The apex predator of the river bottom, capable of reaching massive sizes and punishing even the heaviest tackle.
Blue Catfish
The apex predator of the river system, known for its massive girth and unrelenting, bulldog fighting style.
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