Rigging the Live Bait

• 1). Slide a slip sinker over the tag end of your fishing line. You may instead use a bullet sinker when fishing near weeds or an egg sinker when fishing over a clean area.
  
  
• 2). Tie a barrel swivel to the tag end of your fishing line using an improved clinch knot or other similar connecting knot.
  
  
• 3). Attach the leader to the other end of the barrel swivel using another improved clinch knot or similar connecting knot.
  
  
• 4). Attach a short-shank hook to the end of the line using another improved clinch knot or similar connecting knot.
  
  
• 5). Attach the bait to the hook. The type of bait you are using will dictate the manner in which you attach it to the hook. If using a leech, pass a hook through the leech just in front of its sucker. If using a nightcrawler, pass the hook through the nightcrawler's head. If using a minnow, pass the hooks through its lips.
  
  

Fishing the Slip Sinker Rig

• 1). Cast the rig out and let the bait sink to the bottom of the water you are fishing. Keep the bail of your spinning reel open and trap the line under your finger. This will help you detect the walleye's strike when it occurs.
  
  
• 2). If you feel any extra resistance on your line let go of the line and let the fish run with the bait.
  
  
• 3). When the fish stops running, engage the reel and take the slack out of the line. Set the hook as soon as you feel some weight at the end of your line.